The Art of Dealing with Impolite People

I am sure that you, just as we all, have dealt with impolite people. As a former sales rep, I learned very early to deal with this appropriately and move on.

I especially remember one buyer who insisted I make an appointment before she would speak with me (unbelievable as it may sound now, requiring an appointment was the exception during my road rep days).

Arriving at the appointed time, I informed the gatekeeper/receptionist of the The Art of Dealing with Impolite Peopleconvenience store gift shop that I was here for my appointment with the buyer downstairs.  After waiting for 10 or 15 minutes with no contact from the buyer, I asked the gatekeeper if the buyer had received the message.  She assured me the buyer knew I was waiting.  More time went by and even the gatekeeper started becoming concerned and called the buyer again. I don’t think I will ever forget the look on the gals face when she told me that the buyer had exited through the back door, got in her car and left for the day.  (Months later, the buyer finally told me she would never buy from me due to a conflict she had with my souvenir line!)

Retaliating on a buyer or store that is rude to me (or you) only hurts you in the long run.  In times like this, we are better off to just walk away and invest time where we are appreciated.

Another example

Sadly, after writing and sending out newsletters for nearly ten years, I am noticing a nasty trend surfacing with folks when they unsubscribe to my newsletter.  I know there are times when subscribers lose interest or move on and no longer find my newsletter pertain to their situation.  No problem — I understand.  But during the last couple of weeks, I received the following comments listed in the unsubscribe notifications:

  • “The author does not follow through on answering questions. She only responds to white people on her Facebook page.”
  • “Getting emails from you is like an old birthmark that I can’t get rid of.  Please get me off your list once and for all.”

The first comment made me feel like someone had thrown cold water in my face.  I apologized immediately and explained I never received any messages from her.  I also assured her that no matter what race, religion, sex or political leanings a person has, I would answer their questions just the same!  The second comment made me laugh!  I was at a loss on how to respond, so I did not.

With the upcoming holiday season, people are rushed and pressured.  It can be a time of impatience and short tempers.  Don’t give in to those emotions!  I find the best way to respond is to just smile and move on.

How about you?  How do you deal with rudeness?

 

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