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I work in a computer lab on my college campus at the moment. I know it is not the first thing people imagine when they think "Customer Service," but believe me, I see and help as many people per day as many cashiers do. 
Anyhow, I am used to having to explain things in minute details and dumbing down wording substatially, which is why I was caught off guard by a shrewd lady one day. She must have been 80 if she was a day. Frilly, bright white hair contrasting starkly with dark skin. A regular in the lab who I have not had to help until this day.
The lab was quiet, so I had been resting. She called over to me, so I left my desk at the front and walked over. She was having trouble with an application, one I had some experience with, so I was confident that I could handle it.
"Okay, let me start you off," I say. "Hit that 'X' right there," indicating the red X we all know for closing windows.
"You mean close the window," she said, giving me a look like "don't condescend to me."
I faltered for a moment, certainly. Even given the attitude she gave me, I smiled. I like having to work with someone who at least knows something about the magic picture box they are working with.
"Alright, an explore window for me," I command. She does so, using the shortcut keys on her keyboard. Ok, I think to myself, grandma has more skills then I gave her credit for.
I try walking her through a simple solution to fix the problem, but she interrupts me halfway through. "If you are going to tell me to do this," she says, finishing the solution without my instructions, "I have already tried it. Didn't help."
I couldn't help myself. I chuckled. "Alright then," I say, some enthusiasm in my voice, "let's find out what we can do for you here, then."
I end up spending the next two hours with the lady. The problem is fixed in about 5 minutes through a solution she suggests. I spend the rest of that time talking with her, and she shows me a few tricks she knows. I was learning from someone I was supposed to be helping. She was more then happy to show me, and though her initial reaction to me was one of annoyance, she was smiling broadly by the end. She greets me now every time she enters the lab.
Long story short, there is nothing I enjoy more then an intelligent... Customer, I guess, even if the word doesn't perfectly describe it. I just wish I had to work with people more like her more often.
Anyhow, I am used to having to explain things in minute details and dumbing down wording substatially, which is why I was caught off guard by a shrewd lady one day. She must have been 80 if she was a day. Frilly, bright white hair contrasting starkly with dark skin. A regular in the lab who I have not had to help until this day.
The lab was quiet, so I had been resting. She called over to me, so I left my desk at the front and walked over. She was having trouble with an application, one I had some experience with, so I was confident that I could handle it.
"Okay, let me start you off," I say. "Hit that 'X' right there," indicating the red X we all know for closing windows.
"You mean close the window," she said, giving me a look like "don't condescend to me."
I faltered for a moment, certainly. Even given the attitude she gave me, I smiled. I like having to work with someone who at least knows something about the magic picture box they are working with.
"Alright, an explore window for me," I command. She does so, using the shortcut keys on her keyboard. Ok, I think to myself, grandma has more skills then I gave her credit for.
I try walking her through a simple solution to fix the problem, but she interrupts me halfway through. "If you are going to tell me to do this," she says, finishing the solution without my instructions, "I have already tried it. Didn't help."
I couldn't help myself. I chuckled. "Alright then," I say, some enthusiasm in my voice, "let's find out what we can do for you here, then."
I end up spending the next two hours with the lady. The problem is fixed in about 5 minutes through a solution she suggests. I spend the rest of that time talking with her, and she shows me a few tricks she knows. I was learning from someone I was supposed to be helping. She was more then happy to show me, and though her initial reaction to me was one of annoyance, she was smiling broadly by the end. She greets me now every time she enters the lab.
Long story short, there is nothing I enjoy more then an intelligent... Customer, I guess, even if the word doesn't perfectly describe it. I just wish I had to work with people more like her more often.
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