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the municipal secretary desktop reference manual - Southwestern ...

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COMMUNICATING WITH AN ANGRY CITIZEN<br />

DO:<br />

Be patient and remain calm.<br />

Let <strong>the</strong> person know you are listening.<br />

Let <strong>the</strong> person explain <strong>the</strong> problem before you respond with an answer.<br />

Be sympa<strong>the</strong>tic and show concern.<br />

Get someone who can help if you cannot.<br />

Be courteous.<br />

Look at <strong>the</strong> problem from <strong>the</strong> person’s point of view.<br />

Remember, <strong>the</strong> problem is <strong>the</strong> third party; <strong>the</strong> person is upset about a situation, not<br />

you.<br />

DON’T:<br />

Be sarcastic.<br />

Intimidate <strong>the</strong> person.<br />

Ignore <strong>the</strong> person.<br />

Raise your voice<br />

Get angry.<br />

Be defensive.<br />

Put <strong>the</strong> person on “hold” on <strong>the</strong> telephone while you research <strong>the</strong> answer. (Do offer<br />

to call back if you need more time to find <strong>the</strong> correct answer.)<br />

XIII-22<br />

Revised May 2006

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