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    <title><![CDATA[Discussion on How should help desk analysts manage time between callers? ]]></title>
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    <lastBuildDate>2013-05-25T13:18:45-07:00</lastBuildDate>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Replace Analysts with Customer Advocates]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-1519019]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[If you want to be proactive in dealing with help desk customers, get rid of titles like Agent, Rep, Analyst and think of Customer Advocates.  Then, start working on ways to be truly supportive of customer issues - all of them, not just the narrow set that you promise to support.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-1519019]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[paul.tiffany@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2003 12:50:30 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Help desk spare time]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-798790]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Two to three hours seems low, however we are told much the same and yet we tend to get a ton of calls right in a row then a 5 or 10 minute slack time. I have tried to write faq's or read up on a new product but then the next wave of calls comes. Sometimes when you do 50 calls a day you need a few minutes between calls to relax and unwind. We are not allowed to take coffee breaks, so we get our breaks with our idle time.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-798790]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[jlau]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2003 20:15:40 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Reading the paper is working!]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-797380]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[a1deydreams:&gt;when nothing is going on reading the paper is working.Wouldn't that be nice!  To be able to read the paper, surf the web, make personal calls, all in plain view of everyone!You should minimize that kind of stuff, and you should be discrete enough to hide it when you do it.I can see why your name is &quot;a1deydreams&quot;.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-797380]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Phelps]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2003 01:15:53 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[HDA's should read Tech Republic]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-797327]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[When I was an HDA, I spent all my down time reading Tech Republic.  The Agency I worked for never knew nor cared until I got promoted, recruited by another agency, and promoted again after just a year of spending my downtime right here.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-797327]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[jthomps1@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2003 23:51:57 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Fear of overwork]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-792273]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I am the only tech &amp; network support in my company. Recently the finance manager suggested for me to help the accounts department (but did not specify the load), so pitying the lady, I agreed as long as it does not interfere with my work. Since then, I have been doing more than 60% of the work and other departments are making me their assistants. Perhaps Jammer's staff are actually smarter than me?]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-792273]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[suyin@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2003 15:37:35 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Burn the slackers?!?]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-781558]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[What is it this insensitive hostile attitude towards IT workers lately?Remember folks, these are *PEOPLE* your refering to. Not some cattle merely being prodded into the slaughter pens.Perhaps this is why I've read less Techrepublic articleslately... The expression of this kind of attitude here is getting a little too common and not a sign of balanced journalism that I naturally look for.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-781558]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[White Wolf]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jun 2003 03:48:17 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[clean house...]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-777761]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Jammer's just being a good boss.  Get rid of those individuals!  It would be different if Jammer was asking them to pick up his laundry.  He is asking them to do things that directly contribute to the job which means he is doing his job.  Some of us don't have IT jobs (4 years of desktop support exp and no bites...gotta love NE Ohio)...it's sad to see them squandering theirs.-Derek]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-777761]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[deac714]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2003 03:47:24 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Seagull Manager?]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-777367]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Let me guess - noisy with a tendancy to annoy people and crap on those below him?]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-777367]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Oldefar]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2003 12:22:36 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Carrot as well as the Stick]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-777337]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I am not exactly sure what, but this situation needs some kind of carrot.  From their perspective, the troops are justified in their complaints.  If they never had anything to do between calls before, it seems like the new manager is demanding more work for the same compensation.  This may not be true, but it is perceptions that I am talking about here.  He could get away with demanding the work be done, and penalizing the workers who do not comply, but it would be better for his team's morale (and ultimately better for him) if he finds a way to reward them for meeting his higher-than-previous standards as well.  Leading works better than driving, every time.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-777337]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[JR Richardson]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2003 09:17:47 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Not the best Way to Clean House!]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776849]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[The epithet, &quot;you can be replaced&quot;, has been heard countless times in history, including in early 20th century steel mills where they were often replaced through injury and death! Some of the suggestions in the original article are very reasonable. Switching from stacked calls from impatient clients to careful documentation writing can take a long time. A no-call time segment to do other tasks is an excellent idea! Find out if they really are lazy before becoming the seagull manager; are clentssatified, trouble tickets closed, etc.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776849]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[fbosick@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sun, 01 Jun 2003 18:20:38 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Amen to that!]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776745]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I am just returning to helpdesk work after nearly 13 months of unemployment due to a lay-off.There are many, many people out there who are willing and want to work --people need to remember this.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776745]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jerr-Jerr]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sun, 01 Jun 2003 13:42:19 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Possible solutions?]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776468]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Maybe 5 help desk analysts is too many considering the amount of time they spend on the phone during an hour shift.Maybe the position description needs to be revised.Maybe there can be some kind of incentive put into place in order to get the documentation done and have the nighttime guy look it over.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776468]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[dmarasa78@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sat, 31 May 2003 11:17:27 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Idle Time?]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776216]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[There is no idle time for customer advocates.  Of course, if they're technicians or analysts, they may find that there are periods with nothing to do.  However, we do not hire help desk people who have idle time.  We hire them because they are valuable facilitators of productivity enhancement and strong advocates for the customers they serve.  They should be customer advocates as long as they draw pay.  Then, they never have enough time to please their customers.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776216]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[paul.tiffany@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2003 07:36:06 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Do You Want Your Help Desk to Succeed?]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776211]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[A help desk provides high-quality service if three conditions are met:- respond quickly- resolve most issues during first contact- follow up proactively on unresolved issuesFew help desks meet even one of these conditions according to objective (third-party) satisfaction surveys.A help desk is PERCEIVED by its users, including management, to be good if they BELIEVE that the help desk people really care about them and their business.  It takes a planned, ongoing effort to woo customers (employees).  Otherwise, you'll be surprised with a layoff or transfer and left wondering why.Your help desk people can be your best ambassadors or your worst enemy.  Their attitudes and actions can have a great impact on how the quality of the help desk is perceived.  Empower them to do what they do best:  meet with users, listen to their issues and offer help - whatever it is.  This is not wasting time; it is the job of the help desk to help.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776211]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[paul.tiffany@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2003 07:27:49 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776196]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Do you have any openings at your office?]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776196]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Phelps]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2003 06:46:57 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Rotating the staff]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776190]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[&gt;I started fixing it but having EVERYONE pull a &gt;week of help desk duty right along side my &gt;regular analysts. Besides boosting morale and &gt;transfering knowledge, the exercise opened a few &gt;eyes. Not only is that a great idea, but another great idea is to let the HDA spend some time during the week as part of the deskside support team.  Either accompanying a tech, or running the call himself.  This provides interesting variety for the HDA, and also valuable hands-on knowledge you can't get just working the phone.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776190]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Phelps]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2003 06:36:52 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[A Really Bad Idea]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776183]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Any experienced manager is good if he is good at applying his staff in ways that utilize their skills and empower them to excel.All help desk people who talk with customers (employees are their customers) must be skilled communicators/listeners.They are not problem-solvers; they are not technicians; they are not documenters (technical writers). Help desk people who use voice well may be very poor at writing, whether in real-time chat mode or offline in documentation. They certainly are notequipped to provide high-quality documentation expected of a good technical writer. Help desk people who are excellent and survive love to assist people. Have them assist in a way that can be even more rewarding than talking on the phone. Let them spend some time face-to-face. Use video for remote users - the technology has gotten really cheap. Teach them about PROACTIVE service. Instead of reacting to unhappy users, take some steps to anticipate users needs. If you believe that youhave no other time than phone time, then you're in deep trouble, a lot of troubles. The root of these troubles come from a serious misunderstanding of what constitutes top-notch service. Go to a professional and have your troubles analyzed. It couldbe very eye-opening.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776183]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[paul.tiffany@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2003 06:31:34 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Plain Talk on a Really Bad Idea]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776180]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[All help desk people who talk with customers (employees are their customers) must be skilled communicators/listeners.  They are not problem-solvers; they are not technicians; they are not documenters (technical writers).  Help desk people who use voice well may be very poor at writing, whether in real-time chat mode or offline in documentation.  They certainly are not equipped to provide high-quality documentation expected of a good technical writer.Help desk people who are excellent and survive love to assist people.  Have them assist in a way that can be even more rewarding than talking on the phone.  Let them spend some time face-to-face.  Use video for remote users - the technology has gotten really cheap.Teach them about PROACTIVE service.  Instead of reacting to unhappy users, take some steps to anticipate users needs.If you believe that you have no other time than phone time, then you're in deep trouble, a lot of troubles.  The root of these troubles come from a serious misunderstanding of what constitutes top-notch service.  Go to a professional and have your troubles analyzed.  It could be very eye-opening.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776180]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[paul.tiffany@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2003 06:26:22 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Yes to speakerphones]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776177]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I stand by my suggestion that soundproof cubicles and speakerphones would be worth the investment.  If the cubicles are built like that to start with, it wouldn't be that much of an investment, because they would have to be built only once.I have spent lots of time on the phone, and it sure is nice to have a decent speakerphone.  You get no neck cramp, and both hands are free.  And you aren't tied to the desk like you would be with a headset.A speakerphone would be a nice touch to let the helpdesk analyst know that management cares.Your biggest expense is payroll.  Building soundproof cubicles is a one-time, rather than a recurring, expense.  Spending for something like that might help you to keep good people, a priceless comodity.As far as long breaks with the cordless headset, why not put the coffee pot close to the cubicles?  That way, there would be only a moment of time away from the computer.Besides, many calls don't require that you are at the computer.  Youcan pretty much help the user off the top of your head.  You can always bring a pencil and paper with you if you need to take notes.  And you can document the call later.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776177]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Phelps]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2003 06:18:11 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Motivation]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776174]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Motivation is the responsibility of the contact center management.  If the staff is &quot;not motivated&quot;, then management is failing.  You have a lot of work ahead of you and a major attitude adjustment on the part of management.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/12-127967-776174]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[paul.tiffany@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2003 06:13:44 -0700</pubDate>
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