CoachApply Master for Jacksonville Public Library

Taking Member Complaints Personally

Suggested Strategy: Every person that has ever worked in sales or

customer service has heard a complaint by a client or member or

customer regarding something about the company that you have zero

control over as an employee. Often, it is regarding policy or something

well beyond your reach. Rather than reacting defensively or shutting

down in the conversation, help the person you are coaching create

mechanisms that they can use when a complaint comes into play.

Suggested Questions:

→ Rating Question: On a scale of one to six, with six representing 100% confidence, and one being terrified, where would you rate your ability to

handle member complaints objectively and help them to find a solution?

What actions can we take together to help you reach a six?

→ Third-Party Question: What intention do you think a member has when they express a complaint to you about something that they likely

know is beyond your control? What might they be experiencing on their

end that would cause them to bring their complaint to your attention?

Suggested Activities:

→ Role Play : Have a few practice conversations with the employee where a complaint is brought into the picture. After each practice

conversation, provide feedback to the employee – what are two things

that they did well in the conversation? What are some things that they

could maybe improve on in the next conversation?

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