Customer service can be equally challenging and rewarding in the parking industry.  I have yet to meet anyone who enjoys paying for parking let alone receiving a citation for violating parking rules, so when we are able to deliverable memorable service, it's quite an accomplishment.  A person's attitude plays a big role in customer service skills, and being able to maintain a positive attitude is key.  

One of the most effective ways to keep your attitude positive is by taking care of yourself using attitude anchors.  The concept of an attitude anchor is an activity that you can do that helps you maintain the positive attitude you need in order to be effective in customer service.  Most of what I cover when delivering customer service training workshops involves what you can do for the customer and how you can do it in the best way possible.  When it comes to attitude anchors, it's all about taking care of YOU!  

There are two types of attitude anchors: maintenance anchors, which help you maintain a positive attitude, and repair anchors, which help you bounce back from bad moods.  We all may have have different preferences, so the anchors that work for some may be different than others.   

To identify your anchors, think about what keeps you happy and balanced in general.  Is it that first cup of coffee when you wake up for the day, a walk around the block at lunch or something else?  Think about what keeps you in a happy place and make time for these things to help you maintain a customer friendly attitude.  

Repair anchors are a little different, because they help you recover from a bad situation, most likely a tough interaction with a customer.  When you have had a difficult experience with a customer, what do you need to reset that will help you to be ready for the next one?  Whatever your answer is, these are your recovery anchors.  You might need to take a short break, a deep breath, vent in a private space to a coworker or something else.  

Figure out what works for you as far as maintenance and recovery anchors and incorporate these into your routine.  This will keep you on top of your game when it comes to your attitude and customer service.  If you have a really great attitude anchor that could help others, post it here! 

Are you looking for other tips on customer service training?  Check out a few of our other blog posts: Did You Make Someone Smile Today? , Is Your Customer Service Inside Out? , and 2 Tips on Cracking the Code to a Customer Service Culture.