One of the best ways to maintain your sanity in a Call Center is to Love your Co-Workers. They go through the same thing you do, so Empathizing with them shouldn't be too difficult. They are also a great leg up in life. Call Centers provide a unique opportunity which I see so very few take advantage of, and that is the multitude of people that you will meet, and get to know. These contacts can be invaluable. Use Linked-In, and your professional base will be off the charts.
A few tips. Bare in mind that while my numbers/stats are extraordinarily good, and customers love me to death. I myself am a bit socially awkward. I'm not too bad, but I can only stand about 30-60 seconds of small talk before I'm tapped out. But, I keep a close eye on my co-workers, and their needs. Why? I spend more time with my co-workers than I do with my family. It's just how life is set up.
Tip1: Be genuinely happy to take a call, and help with whatever a co-worker needs. If you're genuinely happy to do so, than you won't mind. Your co-workers will be happy to get you on the phone whenever they call. It's like winning the small lottery when you get someone you know will take care of business.
Tip2: Smile, and say hello when you pass. Assuming they aren't busy of course. No need to be robots. You're a person, and they're people, so why not acknowledge their existence? As far as personal friendly chemistry goes, you're bound to be able to connect with at least a few of your co-workers even if you're an introvert.
Tip3: Always bring something to the table. If you're having a pot luck, bring something. If you haven't brought anything in a month, than bring donuts just to show your appreciation. After all, your co-workers do make life better. Sub-tip3, if you're ever late, feel free to take a few extra minutes, and stop and get donuts as well. Then everyone focuses on the pastries, and not you being late. It works.
Tip4: If you say you're going to do something, than do it. Try to be punctual, and dependable. It makes a pretty big difference.
And that's basically it. Just treat everyone with respect, and demand it as well. If you help out your co-workers when they need you, they will bend over backwards whenever you need anything. I'm not even suggesting a quid pro quo relationship where you keep track of favors given and received. Just be willing to help, and they will be willing to help as well. It's nice and cohesive. Also, when dealing with those that track favors, you'll always be ahead. I personally don't understand that mentality, but you'll always be ahead. Everyone needs social validation, and you'll get that by getting to know your co-workers.
Interestingly enough, the more social you are, the more likely it is you will be promoted. Especially if you set your own pace, which means you lead by example. Combine that with a live and let live attitude, and you're management material. Of course, you have to have knowledge, aptitude, and a few other qualities, but the ability to be social is pretty high up on the list. Let's not confuse this with getting to know people specifically for some sort of a return. You're already getting a return. Even the guy with down syndrome who waters the plants deserves a hello, and why? Because you have plants you can look at because he does his job. So basically, just recognize and appreciate your co-workers. They make your life better. Mostly, I just like to know my co-workers because they are people. Plain and simple.
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