This business maxim is deemed important enough for the re-wording of the tip.
Develop the habit of identifying a bureaucrat for several reasons.
Get and write the details in a quick orderly fashion. The usual first level is name and direct line phone number. Next, is the title and department name. Finally, the authority the person has in resolving your situation. The progression depends on the situation, your degree of concern, or your expected outcomes.
When your initial contact with a bureaucrat was from another bureaucrat in the system, praise the efforts of the referrer in trying to resolve your problem. It not only puts you in a favorable light, it is easier to obtain his or her supervisor's name. They assume you will say nice things about them on your way up the hierarchy. This pattern pays off should you meet this person again during the resolution. Praise on the way up, for benefits on the way down.
Should a negotiation turn sour it is almost impossible to identify your earlier contacts. Therefore, it is critical to develop the habit of getting the "name-rank-serial number" of every person you speak to in a bureaucracy.
Should a bureaucrat refuse to reveal their identity, record such things as: the number dialed, date, exact time and details discussed. Instead of feeling frustrated you have now gained valuable information and strength for your case.
Should the contact be initiated by the bureaucrat, you have no idea (except for call display) if the call is from the bureaucracy. It could be from a private investigator or some scam artist. It pays to be cautious.
Stories from members will add great value to these maxims.
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