I had to call an informational line for one of our government institution and the woman seemed so dumb that she couldn't follow a conversation. I've had this problem at other government institutions, too. Most of the issues I have called about could have life-changing or legal consequences, too, so I needed a correct answer. But, these people couldn't even answer the questions they were supposedly experts at.
I think if there isn't an IQ test, there should be basic training in listening skills.
[question posted by desertdarlene]
responses and comments:
I sometimes wonder how some people get the jobs they have. Take the customer services manager in our localk Wall Mart, If he had brains he would be dangerous.This guy is as dumb as you describe.I thought that perhaps his ears needed dewaxed. Then I saw that the line at customer services was non existent.Thats cos all the customers know not to approach him when he is on. Listening is the greatest skill to learn of all. Unless you are deaf you can hear But thats not the same as listening. Actually,deaf people are great at understanding because they listen in a different way. [rintintin]
He he, what a great story. I think you've gotten the gist of my question. :) [desertdarlene]
Basic training would go a long ways toward improving this now ubiquitous problem, but in truth I sometimes think the companies and agencies WANT to spread misinformation and annoy callers. I don't think an IQ test would make any difference as being good at test taking is not the same thing as caring about one's self, one's job, and other people enough to act properly. BTW, I clicked on your link and see that you have published quite a few nice photos that you took. Have you any experience with a site called PhotoCamel. I joined recently and love it. I don't have a very high photo-taking IQ, but they have been very welcoming just the same. [drannhh]
I haven't seen PhotoCamel, but thanks for the comments on my pictures. Yeah, I sometimes wonder if companies are making it harder for people to get things resolved. But, some government agencies, like the IRS or the Unemployment office can have life-changing effects. If the person can't follow a conversation or listen well, then another person's life can be totally turned upside down. [desertdarlene]
i dont think IQ test is really necessary for any job........ [eddyaftermath]
Thanks for your responses, the question was a little sarcastic. Mostly, I was indicating that people should either hire people who have basic people and life skills in relation to their jobs, or at least teach them to have them. [desertdarlene]
I've nver heard of a job requiring a true IQ test, but many do more specific ability or aptitude tests (after all, you don't want a cashier who can't do basic maths). I've done a lot of these, particularly for admin and office jobs. Most people grumble about them, but I always do well in them. [Ishtara]
I agree, aptitude tests can be very helpful, especially where jobs are very competitive. [desertdarlene]
You are right most of us are not taught to listen we are to busy thinking of the answer to listen proberly. I was really sick a few years ago and did not know just how sick I was. On the phone I sounded like a prue idoit. It was not me it was my illness. The person you called may have been having a bad day. Good luck [teapotmommommerced]
Yeah, I think that might have been the case, but she/he wasn't the only person I've come across that has trouble communicating or having basic sense. But, I have to admit that some people probably have said that about me, too. I've also worked with people who couldn't understand a basic conversation. One time, a worker handed me the phone and asked "can you help this person, I have no idea what he is talking about" and it turned out, with a little listening, that he had a very simple problem. [desertdarlene]
I don't think an IQ test is necessary. In my opinion, it is more like an insult. After all, they finish some education and have certificates. It is suitable to have an interview but an IQ test isn't needed. [youless]
But, what if they do all that and they are still incompetent. A lot of people cheat or "know someone". The question I asked was done with a little bit of sarcasm. I am basically asking if people who have jobs that can possibly affect another person's entire life should at least have basic people skills or intelligence to do their job. [desertdarlene]
Sometimes IQ test in applying for a job is misleading. Where some individuals have potential and much qualified for a specific position they applied for... Thats why we should aware enough in our IQ cause anytime we could use it 'anyhows'/anymeans.. We don't have choice but IQ test is always present in order to prove our capability in our logical way :) [britzjoecel]
Perhaps I should take the words "IQ test" out of my question and ask that shouldn't people have basic intelligence, people, or conversational skills in jobs where they could have control over someone's life or money? I thought that would take too long to say. Yes, I agree that IQ tests are often misleading. [desertdarlene]
I don't know that an IQ test would help nearly as much as some serious training. [ElicBxn]
That's true! Thanks for the response. [desertdarlene]
Yes, i agree with this idea. So we can qualify people according to their capacity and intelligence. No offense meant to many, but we need to put people according to their qualifications. So they can perform better and be competent . [izathewzia]
Thank you for your comment. I guess it's frustrating when they put people on an info line who are supposed to be experts, but they don't know what they are talking about. I worked as a temp at one place where I knew very little about the company, yet they wanted me to do customer service over the phone without any training. Stuff like that has to stop. I refused the job after one day because of this, I didn't think it was fair to the customers. [desertdarlene]
hahaha, I always stuck with IQ test, It ruins my future! It's not necessary for me! [anotherbirthday]
Lol! I've always done quite well, luckily, but if it wasn't for the math questions, I would do much better. [desertdarlene]
yes , iq test is needed for all the employees , iq will nto improve listening and it is more than that , so iq is needed for all ,, [chennaipc]
Yeah, it won't improve listening, but maybe it will tell if a person has some basic knowledge related to the job. [desertdarlene]