Before I started my career at Central, I had very little experience being on this side of customer service interactions. While I have always strived to be kind to others, I would still get impatient or frustrated with service representatives when they weren’t able to give me exactly what I needed at the exact moment that I needed it. I’m sure a lot of people can relate as well.

Now, having worked as a customer service representative for almost two years, my perspective has completely changed. I realize that what goes on behind the curtains does not always go as planned. I recognize that people make mistakes, or need a minute to find the answers to my questions.

A few days ago when I was checking out at my local grocery store, I saw first-hand the difference working in this line of work has had on me. I was purchasing some kind of “mystery fruit” and when I got to the checkout line, the cashier was unable to locate the type of fruit or the price in their system. He had to go into the fruit section, locate the fruit, and try to figure out what to charge me.

Had I been in that situation just a few years ago, I would have been tapping my foot impatiently, checking the time, and getting frustrated with the cashier. That day, I realized I had gained a new type of patience and respect for the cashier because I could relate to him in a way that I wouldn’t have been able to before.

Looking back on my attitude then compared to now, I really appreciate what working in this industry has done for my personal growth. I truly feel like I am a more patient and compassionate person! The next time you are in the middle of a customer service interaction that isn’t going well, I challenge you to take a moment to practice kindness and patience.

(And in case you were wondering, the mystery fruit turned out to be some kind of strange and abnormally large grapefruits.)

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