Ring...ring... "Hello help desk...have you tried turning it off and on again?!" Sound familiar? The help desk is a place where the relentless ringing of the phone can slowly drive a perfectly sane, patient and skilled help desk operator into a frazzled shell of their former self. In a world where the ubiquitous telephone plays such an important role in the customer service that an organization provides, it's worthwhile to review a few of the basics when it comes to using the phone, especially from the perspective of the help desk analyst. Improving telephone skills has many advantages, some of which are:
Callers have expectations
It is important to realise that the people who use the help desk service have expectations. Some common expectations that people have when phoning a service are:
Taking the Call Answering the phone:
Getting Callers Name:
Regaining Control / Getting people to come to the point:
Screening calls:
Putting Call on Hold:
Transferring a Call:
Multiple Calls:
Taking Messages:
Persistent Callers:
Concluding the call:
Solution vs Problem Orientation
When dealing with people over the phone, particularly in a help desk environment, it is vital to have a solution oriented approach rather than a problem oriented one. Solution oriented means to focus on ways of helping the caller, offering suggestions, giving advice; providing practical solutions to their problems. To be problem oriented is to concentrate on the actual problem and offer little or no solution. A problem oriented focus typically places the emphasis on the cause of the problem, the effects of the problem, the regularity and the severity. Although such analysis is required in order to reach an effective solution, the user should not have to be aware of such factors. Users do not need to know the technical ins and outs of equipment in order to use it. They have a problem and they need a solution, not a lesson in hardware or software engineering. Although it may sometimes be beneficial to provide such knowledge, the majority of users are only concerned in getting back to work. Having considered all these things and the available options, an appropriate solution may then be offered.
Positive Language
The language that we use and the way in which we use it conveys powerful messages to our listener. Voice tones can express a mood, the speed at which we speak conveys urgency, and other factors such as volume, modulation, vocabulary and expression can all add or detract from effective communication. In order to provide an effective help desk service, the help desk operator must be aware of the important role of correct communication skills and be able to apply them in dealing with the users. One of the most important things to remember is to use non threatening, non victimising, neutral language. One of the traps of a help desk position is to cast the user into a victimised role, that is, to see the person as the problem, rather than the technology around them. Once a person has been cast in such a way, the very language we use can be even more incriminating.
Weak Words and Expressions to Avoid
"You should have...", or "Why didn't you..."
Such expressions are obvious examples of victimising language. Statements such as these serve only to distract from the real issue at hand and focus on the user as the source of the problem. This type of response invokes a power relationship between the two parties and can create tension which largely stems from an unbalanced sense of value, resulting in condescending attitudes. Keep in mind too that what has happened in the past cannot be changed and a reference to a past mistake in this fashion does not help the user now. Such pointless and condescending attitudes can inflame a situation and it certainly reduces the efficiency and charter of any help desk environment.
"I will try to get that to you."
The word to look out for here is "try". Try is a weak word as it carries with it the feeling that the desired outcome is not a certainty and it may also infer a lack of competency and professionalism. Be positive and prepared to commit. Saying ,"I will get that done for you." is far superior. Make sure however, that your assurance is followed through and you have the resources for it to be successful. Think before you make such a statement and if you do not have the capacity to complete your task, make the necessary arrangements so that it will be done. If unforeseen circumstances should arise that delay results, inform the client as soon as information is available.
"As Soon As Possible."
ASAP is an overused term is many of today's time management transactions. It creates problems due to not being specific as it is a relative term and an open ended time frame. Rather than using ASAP, be specific. Use dates and times. "It will be ready by 3 o'clock Friday" conveys a much stronger commitment, builds confidence and satisfaction. It can also highlight potential conflicts in time requirements. If a time is unsuitable then alternate arrangements can be settled immediately. If it is not appropriate or possible to provide a solid time frame, let the caller know and tell them that you will keep them up to date with time estimates. Be sure to follow up on your word.
"That's Impossible."
Rather than focusing what is not possible, structure your language and thoughts to express what is possible. Offer suggestions, give options and focus on what can be done. In the event of a persistent or demanding caller, it may be a good tactic to state clearly that something is impossible in order to get the point across, however an alternate solution or suggestion should always follow.
"I am only a clerk.", or "I am just an operator, that is not my area."
Such statements are self defeating, victimising and demeaning. Using the words "only" or "just" in reference to yourself should be avoided as they denote a deflated value of self worth. Rather than portraying yourself with such language, state your position within the organisation in a positive statement, avoiding such language and ask how you may be of service. If you are unable to help, transfer the person to someone who can.
"Will you call back" or "Can you call back later"
The above statements are inappropriate for any service provider as they effectively turn away business by putting the onus on the caller to return their call. Remember to be solution oriented and proactive. Provide an alternative should the person they are trying to contact not be available. Offer to take a message, ask if you are able to help, or transfer them to someone who can. This presents a more professional attitude and will actually help to reduce the number of incoming calls.
Open and Closed Questions
Effective communication and resolution within the help desk environment is often promoted through the use of correct questioning. By asking appropriate and carefully constructed questions, it is possible to determine the needs of the caller in a minimum of time and complication. Questions can often be grouped into two different types, these being Open and Closed questions. Open type questions generally begin with words like "What" or "Why" and call for what may be lengthy or involved answers. Open questions encourage the person to talk. Closed questions on the other hand often begin with words like "Have", "Did" or "Do" and are more specific in their nature. They demand direct answers and replies are usually brief. Closed questions are useful when trying to find out information as they encourage the other person to give concise and specific answers. They are of particular value when dealing with a "talkative" caller or someone who is unsure of what they are talking about. Some examples of Open and Closed questions are set out as below:
Open
Closed
Conclusion
Effective telephone skills are an asset to an organization, and even though the phone has been standard office equipment for years, the etiquette and skills underpinning the use of the phone are often overlooked. The help desk is a business environment where such skills are most needed. help desk analysts have a tough job. They provide a service to people who are anxious, stressed out and need help. By implementing the practical ideas outlined above, both parties can benefit.
