#UserBehavior #CustomerService #OldManStomp #ITSupport #CustomerInteraction
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Have you ever noticed a certain user/customer “I’m Here!” stomp when they walk up to your desk for assistance? You’re not alone! In this article, we’ll delve into this interesting phenomenon and explore why some customers feel the need to stomp their way to your IT support desk. So, buckle up and let’s uncover the mystery of the “old man stomp” together!
## What is the “I’m Here!” Stomp?
If you work in a customer-facing role, especially in a smaller IT group like ours, you might have encountered the peculiar habit of some customers, particularly older individuals, stomping their way to your desk. It usually involves a series of stomps – right foot, left foot, and a final stomp with feet coming together. This behavior, which we’ve affectionately named the “old man stomp,” is a curious phenomenon that piques the interest of many who witness it.
### Examples of the “Old Man Stomp”
Let’s paint a picture of the “I’m Here!” stomp with a couple of examples:
1. **Customer A**: A senior gentleman approaches your desk with a purposeful stride, emitting loud stomping sounds with each step.
2. **Customer B**: A lady in her sixties shuffles towards you, executing the classic right-left-stomp pattern before coming to a halt.
## The Psychology Behind the Stomp
### Seeking Attention
One possible explanation for this behavior is that customers use the stomp as a way to grab your attention. The rhythmic sound of their footsteps may serve as a signal that they require assistance, signaling their presence before they even speak a word.
### Establishing Authority
In some cases, the stomp could be a subconscious attempt by customers to assert their authority or demand immediate attention. By making a grand entrance with a series of stomps, they may feel more confident in their interactions and expect prompt service in return.
## Do All Customers Exhibit This Behavior?
It’s essential to note that not all customers engage in the “I’m Here!” stomp. The behavior seems to be more prevalent among older individuals, perhaps due to generational habits or personal quirks. Younger customers may adopt different strategies to signal their presence or needs, such as waving or speaking up immediately.
## Responding to the Stomp
### Maintain Professionalism
As a service provider, it’s crucial to respond to all customers, regardless of how they choose to approach you. While the stomp may seem odd or amusing, it’s essential to maintain professionalism and offer your assistance with a welcoming demeanor.
### Acknowledge their Presence
When a customer performs the “I’m Here!” stomp, acknowledge their presence with a friendly smile and a prompt inquiry about how you can help. By addressing their needs promptly and courteously, you can ensure a positive customer service experience.
### Addressing Unusual Behaviors
If you notice recurring patterns of unusual behavior, such as the stomp, within your customer base, consider discussing it with your team or implementing strategies to handle such situations effectively. Understanding the motivations behind customer behaviors can aid in providing better service and enhancing customer satisfaction.
## Conclusion
In conclusion, the “I’m Here!” stomp is a fascinating user/customer behavior that has caught the attention of many service professionals, including ourselves. While its origins and motivations remain somewhat mysterious, we can approach it with curiosity and a willingness to engage with customers in a respectful and attentive manner. So, the next time you hear that familiar rhythm of stomping feet approaching your desk, remember that it’s all part of the unique tapestry of customer interactions. Embrace the quirks, offer your assistance, and continue delivering exceptional service with a smile! πΆββοΈπΆββοΈ
Now, we want to hear from you! Have you encountered the “I’m Here!” stomp in your customer interactions? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below. Let’s unravel this intriguing phenomenon together! π€π¬
Remember, at [YourCompany], we’re here to support you every step of the way – stomp or no stomp! ππ©βπ»π¨βπΌ
#### Keywords: User Behavior, Customer Service, IT Support, Old Man Stomp, Customer Interaction
ARE you standing ready to assist the person.
If not it simply a polite way to get your attention without disturbing you. do you have a bell for ring on?
What is your expected procedure for someone wanting attention to get assisted if not to make an audible confirmation he is there ?
“And why does it make me want to not make eye contact when they do it, because I know they’re only doing it get our attention.”
without any further information about your process. You should not be working in a service field, if your customers/users are seen as a problem for you. they are you work source
The entire thing make you seem really immature TBH. A little to self important
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Again only working with what you provided.
“We have a smaller IT group and there’s a literal desk where customers can walk up when they have issues, no big deal and not odd I know.”
so he is following procedures
“that certain customers will stomp two steps when they walk up.”
politely letting you know their presence” without calling you out on it
“make me want to not make eye contact when they do it, because I know they’re only doing it get our attention.”
Which is the entire reason they and you are there. So you are creating a problem for the proper workflow.
Yup you should not be working where you are.
That’s funny because I do the same stomp technique when I’m walking up to pass them in the grocery store and they are blocking the entire aisle as they stare at a jar of capers.
They donβt do a little taptap tap drum solo on the counter too?
You don’t want to make eye contact because you believe they’re playing a passive aggressive game and they’ll socially *require* you to act on their behalf even though you just “happen to be in the same room” as help desk. This could be anyone, but it could be extra true if you were raised by certain kinds of people.
I think my dad did the I’m Here stomp. He’d do it as a volunteer “I’m here – put me to work”, and he’d do it as an “I’m here – I require assistance”. I think for some of them, particularly 65+, they were raised to not interrupt, they were raised to speak only when spoken to when someone has a certain level of seniority over you or class difference or age difference, and other rules around social mixing and what’s rude. A slightly heavy step could not be an interruption, but it may serve to catch attention of someone who’d really be rather embarrassed if they continued gossiping while a customer was waiting.
They unlearned a lot of the rules over their life, but they didn’t unlearn the coping mechanism because there’s no downward pressure.
β¦effectionally?
You are definitely not alone. Customers do this regardless of a desk being present.
In my current role, this is done on a daily basis to me (fully remote worker), using teams.
I do the extremely slow turn followed by a “yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees”
At my workplace they say “hello” but with a tone that’s like, “YOU WILL NOW ACKNOWLEDGE ME.”