How to Complain Constructively

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By hoolihan0519
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating:

(32 Ratings)

Complaints

Complaints. How do we get ourselves into such fixes? All day long everyday we are probably faced with one or another dilemma that we have to overcome. Sometimes it will be from our own doing. Who do we have to blame then? The best part about this is we can correct the situation ourselves. What do we do when the fault is someone else's error or problem? I am going to give you some pointers to help you when you complain. If you follow these pointers, you will come out a winner in the complaint game.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Sleeping Plumber

When the plumber comes to your house and is charging you an arm and a leg to fix your kitchen sink, you expect him to do it at a speed that would be considered normal. But, when he is sleeping on the job, it may be time to take matters into your hands. After all, time is money when charged by the hour. Don't belittle him. Don't keep on him. Just let him know that you were going to recommend him to your neighbors who are having a plumbing problem but will not be able to do that if your problem isn't fixed quickly and conservatively. GIve him an incentive to work efficently.
Step 2

Co-workers

Ladies, do NOT apologize before the complaint begins. You are having trouble with a co-worker and it needs to be handled quickly. Don't start the complaint with "I'm sorry but...". This definitely weakens your position. State the problem head on with no apologies. It will mean much more in your positioning.
Step 3

Salesman

Be definitive in what results you expect. If you have a situation where you did not get an item expected, meet with the salesperson and give a definite final outcome you are expecting. End with a phrase such as "I will expect a full refund by Friday".
Step 4

Be definitive

The final tip is watch your voice intonation. By that I mean never make a statement making it sound like a question. Many people are so weak in their convictions and confidence they raise their voice to a higher pitch at the end of the sentence. If you do this, you will not have the outcome you want and expect. Your opponent will realize you don't mean what you say and not give in to your demands.
Step 5

Noisy Neighbor

When you give in and are weak in your position, the outcome could be devistating to you and your family. Sometimes the only way to get out of the situation is to remove yourself from it. It is like a prison you make for yourself and your family. The whole idea here is to be nice, firm, definitive and to get the ending you want.

Comments

janellephant said

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on 2/12/2009 thanks alot! Great job! 5*

klricks74 said

on 2/12/2009 I love the part when you talked about watching your tone! That is a very clear sign, that the person is unsure about themselves. Great article!