Whew! My latest worknight was one of the busiest ones I've had in a while. Given the bad, widespread Winter storm forecast, though, I expected to field a lot of calls. Because I couldn't preface each call with the disclaimer, "This is a hectic, taxing night, so bear with me," I attempted to extract politeness from every caller by sounding like one of the most professional, courteous workers who ever lived. To stay in that mindset, I kept thinking of the 1966 oldie, "The Pied Piper" by Crispian St. Peters. Keeping that song in mind was my way of willing callers to be patient and respectful--and it worked! The callers refrained from sounding disgruntled, and so did I.
I'll likely try that tactic again soon. If "The Pied Piper" wears out its welcome, I'm not sure what song I'll use next to keep things civil. "Green Tambourine" by The Lemon Pipers, maybe?
