Dehumanizing Language...

When dealing with others, I have found a couple of things useful to me.

Just because someone is being a jerk to me does not mean I need to respond in kind. I am responsible for what I say and how I act and it is what I judge myself upon. Being a jerk to someone is not the kind of behavior from myself I want. So, I don't have to.

Also, I actually value my emotional well being. I do my best to refuse to allow someone else to upset me if I can help it. A couple of days ago when someone had parked in my designated parking spot, I could have chosen to get all bent out of shape about it, but decided it wasn't worth my good mood. So, I ignored it, parked in the open parking area and went about my business. It was kind of funny the next morning when I walked out to my car and it wasn't in my spot. It startled me for a few seconds (wondering if my car was stolen) until I remembered I had parked in open parking. Think about it this way, if someone cuts you off on the road and you get all bent out of shape about it and let it get you in a grumpy mood for a bit, it's you who suffers, not them. I like what a friend of mine likes to tell others, "have a nice day unless you've made other plans."

 

Some drivers just need to grow a back bone and realize some folks have a dry sense of humor. Maybe it's different doing local. Know your audience and don't be a idiot. Vendors give you instructions, Follow them exactly. It works both ways. They have Dozens of drivers a week visiting their facility. Not all drivers can follow directions. I'd get disgruntled also repeating crap to one person.



Can't always blame the shipper/receiver, problem could be the driver.

 

When dealing with shprs/recvrs that are in foul moods, I always see it as a personal challenge to deflect their anger away from me. I will do the "yes sir, no sir" bit to the nth degree. I will not let them see me be annoyed, pissed, frustrated by their actions. I will also not engage in any small talk with them. The less you give them dislike you more, the better.

 

Man, your upset about them calling you your job title, Driver? A little high strung are ya? At least they acknowledged you personally. They could have just said "next" or "paperwork". THAT would have been dehumanizing, calling you by your job title, not so much.
Do you get offended by them
referring to you as your company as well? When someone says, "hey Landstar" should I be offended?

 

Wanna try something...run into a truckstop dinning room.....and yell hey driver!...then before you run...count heads.........

 

I've always thought that being referred to as driver was a distinctive recognition of professionalism, but what do I know? I'm new out here, but I find it complimentary.

 

Ive never been able to call someone "sir", not even cops, just feels weird to me to say it

 

I want to do that. Next truck stop I'm at, WATCH OUT!

 

This is what happens when you let them refer to you as a "Human Resource". If you parse the phrase, all it really says is that you are something that they wish to exploit.

 

Hi Glp, I hear ya, I never do that either, unless I'm ticked off at someone, as in, " LOOK HERE, SIR". I always called a cop, officer, and never, never, NEVER, call a woman officer, "Ma'am".