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Is it worse to be too friendly or not friendly enough?

Just wondering! #business #medicine #teaching #healthcare #law #marketing-and-advertising #customer-service

business law marketing-and-advertising customer-service
Thank you comment icon Hi Angelina! I have had many interactions with all kinds of people during my volunteer work and in my academic career, and I would say that in the context of your question, it is worse to be not friendly enough, as it can come off negatively, whereas being too friendly can be seen in a more positive light. However, you would want to achieve a balance between the two, and try to be friendly to a point where it isn't intrusive. Hope this helps! Albert
Thank you comment icon Hey, Albert! Thank you for your answer! If I could "like" it or up-vote it, I would! Thanks again:D Angelina
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Michael’s Answer

Great question Angelina. I think the golden rule applies here. I try to treat others the way I want to be treated as much as possible. Most people, including interviewers, like warm and friendly, especially in prospective employees. A negative, unfriendly attitude will rarely help out in a job situation. Be upbeat and Energetic. Smile even if it's a phone interview. On the other hand, I suppose one could overdo it with friendliness, but I do not think you need to worry about that if you focus on answering questions honestly and sincerely with a smile.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the helpful answer! I appreciate it! Angelina
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Brittany’s Answer

One thing to add to these great answers, would be to learn to take cues from others when in the workplace or networking. There are different communication styles and some people are task focused rather than relationship focused, nothing wrong with that! Don't be offended if some people speed through the chit chat and go into the project or subject at hand. Always be true to you, if you have a story or a quip to throw in, add it! Just make sure it doesn't feel forced.

Thank you comment icon That makes sense, thank you so much for your answer! Angelina
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Bruce’s Answer

It's worth it to be as friendly as possible.

Thank you comment icon Thank you for the answer, Mr. Plesser! Angelina
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Vania’s Answer

I think being friendly helps in many situations. For instance, if you are networking, being too friendly is not a bad thing, since people will welcome the attention you give them in a crowded room. Same thing with sales, if you're not upbeat and positive about what you're selling, then people will not be excited about what you are trying to sell them. I recently had that experience and realized I needed to change my pitch, because my relaxed pitch wasn't exciting people. And I agree with Michael above; in an interview, you want to be friendly and let them know you are someone who they will be happy to work with.

Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your answer and helpful advice! I really appreciate it! Angelina
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Simeon’s Answer

Generally, not being friendly enough would be the worse mistake. If you come off as too friendly, people will normally intuit that it is because you are in a professional setting. As you grow more familiar with someone, you can let the filters go a little bit so you don't have to worry too much about whether or not to dial the friendliness up or down.
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Diana’s Answer

That is a great question! I think at first glance, one would think it would be worse to not be friendly enough. That said, it will depend - what are the job requirements and expectations? It’s best to know your audience. Take note of body language, the individuals style, and ask open ended questions. Listen to the individuals and you’ll get good perspective of their expectations, and you can then tailor your response to their needs. It does help to at minimum, be pleasant!
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Gail’s Answer

In customer service it is always better to be too friendly. Part of customer service is all about style flexing, meeting and matching your customers tone. Being friendly and approachable allows you to get to know your customer, gain trust and build rapport. When we do that your customer is more receptive to working with you so you can gain understanding of their needs. Effective listening is a must, it is more important be listening to understand than to listening to respond.
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Christina’s Answer

It is worse to not be friendly! Everyone wants to be treated kindly, personalized experience, and hear that Customer Service representatives heard what they had to say. Being empathetic and understanding is so important to success!
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Natasha’s Answer

It's a good question, I would recommend that you follow the scripts that are given to you and if it is a repeat customer then there is no harm in asking him/her how she/he is doing. the most important aspect is to keep your voice warm. use sentences like "How may I assist you?"
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Brian’s Answer

This is not a question of absolutes. Don't be what you're not. Don't be a jerk or anything, but if you don't have a bubbly personality, don't force it. And if you do, don't try to put on a serious mask just to be what you think someone else wants. Be respectful of others, but do it in your own style.
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