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2.3 DON'T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER; HOW TO COMPLAIN AND GET RESULTS

Do be put off. Here's how to deal with standard corporate baloney.

"We will look into this and get back with you."

If you accept this at face value, you may never hear from them again. When you hear this, be very polite and ask precisely when they will call back and with what information. Take notes; get the person's name.

"There is no point in talking to my supervisor. She or he will say the same thing I am telling you."

Ignore this statement. It is vintage baloney. Just about every time I have spoken with a supervisor I have been able to resolve a problem quickly. So be polite but insist on speaking to next person on the corporate ladder.

"I've never encountered this problem before."

This is a totally meaningless statement. You still have a problem that needs to be resolved whether or not the person has encountered it before. Just pretend you didn't hear it.

"This is not my department. I can't help you. So if you have no objection, I will say goodbye."

Another worthless remark that should be banned from corporate language. The person is trying to avoid putting you in touch with the right person. This dumb comment is just begging the question: If it is not your department, then whose department is it? And by the way what is that person's number?

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