Well, if they don't want to tell me who they are, they don't get transferred. I learned that on day one. It doesn't matter how sensitive the manner of the call. I screen calls for both our Chair and Executive Admin, as well as anyone whom might call the wrong number.
If they refused to give me their name, I would simply tell them to submit their inquiry to our department's email address, or email the faculty/staff member directly whom they would like to talk to.
I don't deal with anonymity.
Additionally: I do follow proper phone etiquette, in that I provide as much assistance as possible, in a friendly manner, generally going out of my way (we get tons of people that call us who are in the completely wrong area, but instead of saying sorry and hanging up, I will look up who they wanted to talk to). I simply ask that differently.
If they refused to give me their name, I would simply tell them to submit their inquiry to our department's email address, or email the faculty/staff member directly whom they would like to talk to.
I don't deal with anonymity.
Additionally: I do follow proper phone etiquette, in that I provide as much assistance as possible, in a friendly manner, generally going out of my way (we get tons of people that call us who are in the completely wrong area, but instead of saying sorry and hanging up, I will look up who they wanted to talk to). I simply ask that differently.
This message last edited by lyringlas on 22/09/2010 at 09:50:07 PM
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22/09/2010 08:19:28 PM
- 1640 Views
I think "May I ask who's calling" is more polite.
22/09/2010 08:26:55 PM
- 1066 Views
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22/09/2010 08:31:17 PM
- 1025 Views
Re: May I ask who's calling / Who is this?
22/09/2010 08:33:24 PM
- 1095 Views
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22/09/2010 08:38:45 PM
- 950 Views
Well, the whole asking permission bit is part of being polite.
*NM*
22/09/2010 09:05:43 PM
- 455 Views

I say, "May I ask who's calling?"
22/09/2010 09:00:10 PM
- 1069 Views
What do you do if they say "No" ?
22/09/2010 09:43:42 PM
- 1004 Views
Than you say. ''Ok." They may have a reason for not disclosing their name.
22/09/2010 09:49:56 PM
- 1025 Views
That reason is often that they are nutters.
22/09/2010 10:29:19 PM
- 1129 Views
I hate it when people pull the "attorney-client privilege" thing.
22/09/2010 11:31:01 PM
- 935 Views
Ah, you mean because they want to sell my boss storm windows or vinyl siding. *NM*
22/09/2010 10:30:15 PM
- 498 Views
I'm of the opinion that when you are at work, you represent your employer
22/09/2010 09:14:58 PM
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Re: I'm of the opinion that when you are at work, you represent your employer
22/09/2010 09:42:29 PM
- 1199 Views
I typically say something along the lines of "And who am I speaking to?"
22/09/2010 09:27:05 PM
- 1160 Views
Re: I typically say something along the lines of "And who am I speaking to?"
22/09/2010 09:40:10 PM
- 1176 Views
language games.....
22/09/2010 09:42:35 PM
- 1059 Views
There would be apoplectic outcries if I answered the phone in such a way
22/09/2010 09:45:56 PM
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Who is this? is unprofessional
22/09/2010 09:45:05 PM
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Re: Who is this? is unprofessional
22/09/2010 09:48:58 PM
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Re: Who is this? is unprofessional
22/09/2010 09:54:13 PM
- 1061 Views
You don’t have to transfer for them if they refuse but you should still ask politely
22/09/2010 10:31:55 PM
- 1127 Views
I usually say, "B*tch, who you be!?"
22/09/2010 10:13:57 PM
- 1040 Views
And I be all, like, sobbing and crying cause you're a rude jerk. And then you laugh at me some more
22/09/2010 10:33:38 PM
- 1028 Views
Please stop splitting hairs. You're way is simply inccorrect. You cannot justify the rudeness away.
22/09/2010 10:49:05 PM
- 1192 Views
when someone asks me "may I ask who's calling?"...
23/09/2010 03:29:30 AM
- 996 Views
It's quite simple, really. Do you like getting paid? Then answer the phone the way your boss wants *NM*
24/09/2010 03:46:24 AM
- 530 Views