Yesterday, a salesman called me by phone, on behalf of a telecom company, to sell his phone plans. I was at work and while I usually don't like to spend time with those conversa
tions, I excused myself that I couldn't talk yet and proposed him to call me back one hour later, at 6pm.
That's what he did. So we talked 15 minutes. He explained to me his different phone plans, which he stated to be better than my current one. While listening to him, sometimes I was lost in my thoughts, I gave several "hmm hmm",as a sign of approbation and to confirm to him that I was still there. Sometimes, I felt a bit impatient, especially as he had a bit of difficulties to correctly talk in French. But I stayed calm and polite until the end of the discussion.
At the end of the conversation, he revealed the following to me: "Thank you Olivier. You are the first person in a long time, with whom I had an enjoyable conversation. Usually, people shout at us, insult us, treat us as thieves. Today, since 10am, I hadn't had a conversation without an offense. I know you had a long day at work and you could have relaxed in front of your TV or done something else. Instead, you listened carefully to me, I am touched and I sincerely thank you. I wanted to tell it to you."
I thanked him for this revelation. I realized how much he could have been the subject of verbal violence, all through his working days. Unfortunately, the telephone enables the customers to have such aggressive behavior. Indeed, physical barriers do not exist in this situation and a kind of dehumanization seems to happen. I am also conscious that those people getting impatient could have been me. Yet, he was only doing his job. Although intrusive using the phone, he is still a human like me.
It made me think. But I hope he will have a good weekend, though!
tions, I excused myself that I couldn't talk yet and proposed him to call me back one hour later, at 6pm.That's what he did. So we talked 15 minutes. He explained to me his different phone plans, which he stated to be better than my current one. While listening to him, sometimes I was lost in my thoughts, I gave several "hmm hmm",as a sign of approbation and to confirm to him that I was still there. Sometimes, I felt a bit impatient, especially as he had a bit of difficulties to correctly talk in French. But I stayed calm and polite until the end of the discussion.
At the end of the conversation, he revealed the following to me: "Thank you Olivier. You are the first person in a long time, with whom I had an enjoyable conversation. Usually, people shout at us, insult us, treat us as thieves. Today, since 10am, I hadn't had a conversation without an offense. I know you had a long day at work and you could have relaxed in front of your TV or done something else. Instead, you listened carefully to me, I am touched and I sincerely thank you. I wanted to tell it to you."
I thanked him for this revelation. I realized how much he could have been the subject of verbal violence, all through his working days. Unfortunately, the telephone enables the customers to have such aggressive behavior. Indeed, physical barriers do not exist in this situation and a kind of dehumanization seems to happen. I am also conscious that those people getting impatient could have been me. Yet, he was only doing his job. Although intrusive using the phone, he is still a human like me.
It made me think. But I hope he will have a good weekend, though!
2226 Reads
- Posted by OlivierChhu
- Mar 11, 2020
- Comments (6)
Readers Comments
smileswithhope wrote: Wow, the power of listening and not reacting! :) what a heart-opening moment. Thank you for your kindness. It inspires me to be more human, and kind. :)
adrianeden1 wrote: Thank you for sharing this. Whilst i am never abusive to such callers. I am sometimes abrupt in saying a quick goodbye! You have made me do things differently from now on! :d
adrianeden1 wrote: And, apologies. As that was a smile at the end when i typed it! 😊
Mish wrote: You know, this brought tears to my eyes, Olivier. Thank you for allowing him to feel treated with kindness. You are a beautiful soul. Bless. ðŸ™
mindyjourney wrote: Thank you for opening your heart along w/your listen â¤ï¸.
DANCE wrote: Thank you for being kind
