If you’ve ever worked as a customer service representative, then you understand how challenging dealing with rude Karens can be. From demanding to speak to your manager to pouting about something that was clearly not their fault, these people make your job a living hell.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to remain composed and handle these difficult moments effectively. Read on to discover how.
1. Stay Calm
Dealing with Karen can be stressful and challenging, whether you’re the aggrieved customer or simply a bystander. But if you stay composed, you may avoid becoming triggered by their behaviour.
Karens are a type of narcissist, with behaviors ranging from superficial and elitist to comically nonsensical and demanding to seriously deranged and abusive. Unfortunately, many deranged Karens are those with undiagnosed mental health issues which may cause them to act out or act out in public.
Managers facing difficult clients can find it challenging to know how best to approach them. Rude customers typically challenge every suggestion you make and demand unreasonable solutions, leading to frustration for all involved.
Bionic, a company that assists companies manage their complaints and enhance customer experience, recently discovered that women named Karen are responsible for the highest number of complaints worldwide. They were followed by Louise and Ann.
No customer is perfect, but those who can be especially difficult to deal with may seem like it. While they may be rude and demanding at times, try your best to remember that these individuals are simply trying their best.
You can help maintain control over these people by being consistent in setting clear boundaries and limiting your own commitments. Furthermore, delegating tasks that don’t need to be done immediately allows you to focus on what truly matters.
Karen and Ken videos often don’t address race as much as frustrations about the current state of American society. Furloughs, layoffs, lockdowns and other stressors have added to anxiety and resentments among many white rural communities that have been left behind by a rapidly evolving global environment.
That is why it is essential to understand what motivates some women and men to act so strongly in public. Social commentators and psychologists suggest Karens and Kens are often motivated by feelings of entitlement, privilege or disenfranchisement, or out of rage.
But there’s a distinct difference between being obnoxious and aggressive in a store or on an airplane, and being racist at work or the doctor’s office. In these instances, racism may be subtle or overt, making it difficult to identify what the underlying issues are.
2. Don’t React
Karens can be quite the handful. From being delayed at the airport to having no internet connection, their complaints seem never-ending. If you’ve ever encountered one, you know they are no ordinary customer.
If this applies to you, the first step should be maintaining calm. Geting agitated will only make matters worse.
Karen may feel the urge to lash out, but remember that Karen’s anger isn’t directed at you and so don’t try and control them. Instead, focus on improving the situation for all involved.
Karen may be feeling angry and aggressive, and it could potentially hurt those around them if not handled appropriately. If Karen is shouting at you, try to remain composed and walk away rather than allowing her to continue with the screaming.
Karen may be feeling anxious or embarrassed, so do your best to be understanding. They may be yelling at you because they’re upset, but more likely than not they just need some sympathy and understanding.
Be sure not to yell back at them, as this only serves to exacerbate the situation. Be polite and explain why you cannot assist them right now.
Remember, Karen will likely get frustrated later about something unresolved – like how long it took you to fix the problem or your attitude towards her. This natural reaction only serves to prolong the issue and make matters worse.
Due to the ongoing coonavirus pandemic, Karens are particularly irate. To be prepared for when they arrive at your destination and protect yourself from their anger, here are some tips on managing rude Karens more effectively and lessening their impact on your day. By following these suggestions, you may find it easier to handle rude Karens when out and about.
3. Breathe
When dealing with a Karen customer, it’s essential to remain composed. Losing your temper could create an explosive situation that could harm both you and the customer. If the behavior of the customer appears threatening or abusive, calling the police may be best as this will guarantee that any potential harm does not come to your business, its employees or customers.
Have you ever encountered a rude Karen in the workplace? You know the frustration and aggravation it can cause. These individuals tend to be difficult to manage, leading to negative press for your company. If this scenario applies to you, be prepared for some tough conversations about business strategy.
Entrepreneurs have the responsibility of ensuring their company provides excellent customer service. But how can you achieve this when Karen customers are challenging your staff members?
Remember, everyone’s needs are unique. Tailoring your service according to each individual is key for successful outcomes.
One of the best ways to deal with a rude Karen is by creating an inviting environment for both customers and employees. Doing this will give everyone in your workplace peace of mind, as well as make shopping enjoyable for all involved.
Another way to stay calm when dealing with a rude Karen is to remember that this person has their reasons for being unhappy. They could simply be having a bad day or being affected by something at work.
Now is not the time for argument or debate with her. Doing so only serves to escalate the situation and could potentially damage your reputation as a business owner.
The best way to stay calm is by taking a deep breath and focusing on your breathing. This will help you manage your emotions, enabling you to remain composed throughout the entire encounter.
By doing this, you can help avoid making costly errors in your customer service efforts. Furthermore, it will guarantee that any issues can be addressed quickly and efficiently.
4. Walk Away
When confronted by a rude Karen, it’s best to simply walk away. Don’t make yourself an easy target; doing so could prove detrimental in the long run and there’s no point trying to engage these individuals. Furthermore, walking away will only serve to further distance yourself from them and their behavior.
To avoid a sticky situation, keep calm and rational; eventually you’ll likely be able to walk away quickly. Most often, these people are simply feeling overwhelmed and need somewhere else to vent their feelings.
In the end, a rational person will understand that they have been wronged by this rude individual and it’s best to simply walk away. Not only will this not change anything, but you will at least feel better about yourself.
It’s wise to avoid becoming too invested in a conversation with this type of individual, as doing so could quickly escalate into a power struggle and require you to deal with them for the rest of your life.
Truth be told, I’ve only ever encountered Karen in passing and never had the chance to speak to her directly. Yet it’s essential for us to remember that Karen deserves equal treatment just like any other human being and deserves respect and dignity for what they have accomplished. To do this effectively, be clear, concise and unwavering in your opinions; this will enable you to advocate for yourself effectively.
