1. De-Stressing for Parking Professionals:
Useful Tools to De-Stress at Work
And Not Take it With You
Vanessa R. Cummings – “Ms. V” Consultant & Motivational Speaker Ms. V. CONSULTING, LLC

2. GOALS KNOW OUR WHY – WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
KNOW OUR WHAT – WHAT BENEFITS/SERVICES DO WE PROVIDE
RECOGNIZE YOUR PURPOSE
RECOGNIZE THE ONSET OF STRESS
TOOLS TO DE-STRESS
NOT TAKING IT WITH YOU
HAVING A LIFE OUTSIDE OF PARKING

3. THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PARKING “We write tickets to help you,
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PARKING
“We write tickets to help you,
not to hurt you!”

4. We are here to help! EXPLAINING THE WHY
We provide a service for our customers
We help prevent chaos
To meet a need - People need our services
To help people have a good experience

5. WE PROVIDE INFORMATION
OUR WHAT
WE PROVIDE INFORMATION
Where do people park?
How do they find their destination?
What time are meters enforced?
How do they purchase a parking permit?
How do they avoid the dreaded ticket?
What do they do after receiving a citation?

6. OUR GOAL IS TO MAKE THINGS EASIER FOR OUR CUSTOMERS
OUR PURPOSE
OUR GOAL IS TO MAKE THINGS EASIER FOR OUR CUSTOMERS
We want people to park, go to their destination, return to their cars, and leave without really thinking about parking.
This guy is happy because he parked and returned without any problems. Job well done by parking. Thumbs up to you!

7. REALITY OF SERVING
SOMETIMES PEOPLE ARE NOT PLEASED WITH OUR SERVICES. THAT MAY RESULT IN A BIT OF STRESS.

8. RECOGNIZE THE ONSET OF STRESS
STRESS RECOGNITION
RECOGNIZE THE ONSET OF STRESS
Cynicism – You have heard it all before so nothing surprises you
Health Problems – Headaches, stomach aches, anxiety attacks, general ill feeling
Short Temper
Higher Level of Daily Frustration
Inability to Celebrate Successes

9. WAYS TO DE-STRESS WHILE AT WORK
HOW TO DE-STRESS
WAYS TO DE-STRESS WHILE AT WORK
Use the BEAST – Breathe in; Exhale; Adjust;
Smile internally; Talk to the customer
Take a break – Step away to breathe, stretch, calm your nerves
Allow stress breaks – Be aware of signs that you and/or your co-workers or staff need one
Realize YOUR purpose for being there – What passion or gifts you bring to parking

10. DE-ESCALATING THE SITUATION
THESE STEPS SHOULD BEGIN THE
DE-ESCALATION PROCESS
Listen to the customer – Do NOT interrupt them.
Nod and make eye contact so they know you are listening
See if parking personnel made an error
Make written or mental notes of their questions and concerns

11. THESE STEPS SHOULD BEGIN THE DE-ESCALATION PROCESS
KEEP DE-ESCALATING
THESE STEPS SHOULD BEGIN THE
DE-ESCALATION PROCESS
Speak in a soft tone so they have to listen
Respond to the questions they raised and ask questions if you need clarification
Explain the violation and tips on how to avoid it the next time
Explain their options – Appeal, pay, etc.
Offer assistance

12. LEAVING WORK AT WORK IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
Remember, you are there to provide a service
Do NOT own THEIR problem!
Realize the good in what you do every day
We are there to serve others and most people appreciate it!

13. SHAKE THE DUST OFF YOUR FEET

14. CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS
CELEBRATE EVERY “THANK YOU”
When a customer says “Thank you!”
When someone says you made their day!
When you help someone solve a problem
Remember to laugh often!

15. YOUR smile will make them smile too!
FIND HAPPINESS AT WORK
BE EXCITED ABOUT WHAT YOU DO! A SMILE IS CONTAGIOUS SO DON’T KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!
YOUR smile will make them smile too!

16. KNOW YOUR TOOLS TO UNWIND
LIFE AFTER WORK
KNOW YOUR TOOLS TO UNWIND
Have a life outside of work
Have a safe place to vent and release the tension
Schedule “ME TIME” – This is critical
Focus on self and family when you leave work
Strive to leave on time so you get used to disconnecting

17. SET BOUNDARIES AND KEEP THEM
MANAGERS
Respect the end of the work day for yourself AND your staff
Allow your staff time to breathe and enjoy their time at work
EMPLOYEES
Take your breaks
Set boundaries
Ask for help and develop a support team

18. SOMEONE LITERALLY PUT A SOCK ON IT!
REMEMBER THE UNUSUAL
SOMEONE LITERALLY PUT A SOCK ON IT!

19. THE RESULT OF NOT DE-STRESSING
Don’t let this happen to you!

20. WHEN IT’S QUITTING TIME …
WHEN IT’S TIME TO GO!
WHEN IT’S QUITTING TIME …

21. De-Stressing for Parking Professionals:
Useful Tools to De-Stress at Work
And Not Take it With You
Ms. V Consulting, LLC
Vanessa R. Cummings ~ Consultant & Speaker