Whether it's customer service, or employer, family, or friend, there's a right and a wrong way to deal with any situation. However, when it comes to customer service, one thing you need to keep in mind is that the person you will talk to has more than likely already been chewed out, and verbally insulted by those before you.

Customer service is nothing like it used to be. The days of, "the customer is always right," are over. This is mostly due to the fact that today's society seems to have forgotten how to treat each other.

What has happened to social politeness, common courtesy, and simple good manners? The attitude we once expected from customer service was, "May I help you?" But that has been replaced with, "What do you want?"

Furthermore, it used to be that a customer service staff member was approached with, "Could you help me?" But that has been replaced with, "I demand that you do something about this!"

The most effective way to approach customer service, or anyone for that matter, with a complaint, is with a warm smile. A smile sends a signal that you're friendly and not angry. The customer service representative will relax and let down their guard.

Never begin with your complaint. People respond better to requests than demands. Greet the representative with a smile and a simple greeting such as, "hello." Then request their help with something like, "I was wondering if you could help me with something?"

Likely as not, you'll get a smile and an affirmative, "I'm sure I can. What seems to be the problem?"

By approaching them in such a way, you have stirred their desire to help, and when someone is helping rather than answering a demand; they will go aboveboard in helping you solve your problem. Your kind, polite attitude will get far more than loud demands.

Anyone who has studied the life of Jesus Christ, the ultimate roll model, knows how kind He was to all that He encountered. The Lord knew how to effectively deal with people, and kindness is an attribute of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus was filled with to the fullest.

Therefore, when it comes to dealing effectively with customer service, follow the Savior's example and use kindness. Don't start out with demands, but rather, begin your interaction with a request. Smile and let the representative see that you're friendly, non-accusing, and kind. You'll get much better results.

Learn more about this author, Pat Lunsford.
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