The Crazy Man

 

Today at work I definitely had a "WTF" moment.  I was sitting at my desk, training the new mail room guy so that NG and I have backup on the phones when a crazy man came into to lobby and started screaming at me.

I don't know if any of you receptionists ever get angry people in person, but good Lord it's my least favorite thing.  Screaming callers I can handle (and hang up on), screaming people in my face... I find it hard to remain professional.  And not get emotional.  And well, to be honest, a little shaky.  I don't do confrontations.

It was one of those moments where I was glad to have someone sitting next to me.  I was happy to have someone witness what psychos I deal with.  And this guy... geez, he was no exception.  I never got his name, and the best part is that he doesn't even work for us.  His wife does.  And they're upset about her benefits.  

When I first starting working in a corporate office, I found it bizarre at how many people's spouses and parents call for the person who actually works for us.  It's almost like they're scared to call.  Which is great, so glad we hired these winners.  I mean, I get it.  I hate talking on the phone (ironic, I know) but if I have to call my doctor's office, I call myself.  So why would it be any different if I had to call my employer?  Am I the weird one in this situation?

To get back to the story, this crazy man with a thick accent came in and immediately gave me attitude about how no one in benefits called him back and he DEMANDS to talk to a live person.  Normally, when employees from our stores come in, I take pity on them.  I'll make an effort to at least call their benefit rep and see if they're available to help out.  This guy...not so much.  Don't ever go somewhere with an attitude and think you're going to get helped, and that people are going to be dying to be nice to you.

Because this guy was a douche, and started raising his voice, I decided I wanted to get him out of the lobby as fast as possible.  I looked up his rep, called her - noticed that it was OH YEAH, BEFORE 9AM and realized she probably wasn't in.  I informed him she wasn't in yet, but here's her email and her direct dial, so why don't you try that.

Apparently I'm an idiot.  That's not a live person.  That's not getting him help.  That's not doing anything but trying to get him out of the office.  He accused me of not being helpful and he was going to sit in the lobby until I got him someone to speak to.  

Um, no.  I'm not doing that.  And now that you've just screamed at me, I'm definitely not going to do anything helpful.  I was actually going out of my way giving you her extension, now you get to deal with me hating you and your tweed jacket.  

After hashing out a couple thousand "SIRS" and repeating that he has to call the number I gave him, it was when he put both his hands down on the desk and leaned forward to get in my face.  I immediately roll my chair back and tell the poor guy I'm training to go get Jim.  Of course, Jim isn't in, but I needed it to look like I was getting someone to get this guy away from me.  (Of course, I wish I stood up and got right in his face, but you always think of things to do after they happen!)

The trainee ran away, and while he was gone, psycho man decided he was going to leave.  All while muttering and cursing me.  I never got the name of his wife, but you better believe I'm going to follow up with Amanda in benefits to see if she got any crazy callers.  I think HR would be interested in hearing this.

My poor little trainee came back and asked if that has happened before.  With my heart racing, a trying to not look all rattled, I informed him that he wasn't even close to being my first crazy person in the lobby to scream at me.  He looked concerned and tried to lighten the mood by saying "well, at least he didn't have a gun"

IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MAKE ME FEEL BETTER?!?!? ahhhhh, that makes me scared even more!!

Happy Monday, Everyone!;)