“The golden rule for every business man is this: ‘Put yourself in your customer’s place’.” — Orison Swett Marden
We recognize that we would not be in business if it were not for our customers. We spend a great deal of time and energy to determine their needs and provide service that goes above and beyond the monetary price they pay. This is how we keep our customers happy. But, what about internal customers? Do they not deserve the same consideration as external customers? For a business to run effectively, both internal and external customers need you to provide excellent customer service. Let’s evaluate how well you are serving your internal customers.
Do you empathize?
First and foremost, do you empathize with those working down the line from you? To provide the service that your internal customers need, and yes these internal customers can work as your employees, you must be able to understand their working conditions and needs from their point of view. You must be able to walk in their shoes. It is your responsibility to provide them with the resources and support that they need to do their jobs. Are you taking their lived experiences while in the workplace seriously?
Are you consistent?
If your internal customers can’t count on you, day in and day out, you are not providing good customer service. You must be consistent. Support one day and neglect the next will never result in happy, productive internal customers. Your customers need to know exactly what they can expect from you. Raise the standard of care you are providing and then be consistent about providing it.
Are you respectful?
Do you treat every individual with respect? If you are demeaning, always looking to place blame, and do not value the contributions of others, you will lose their support. If you do not respect them, they will not respect you. How successful can your organization be if your internal customers have no respect for you as a leader? Show your respect and specific appreciation on a daily basis.
They Matter
Your internal customers matter every bit as much as your external customers. Your organization cannot function without them. Do you empathize with them? Place yourself in their shoes. Are you consistent? Be reliable day in and day out. Do you truly respect them and do you show it? Appreciate the value that each individual brings to your organization. Your internal customers matter. Make sure you are providing them with customer service that goes above and beyond what they expect from you. Trust me, they will pass it on down the line and in the end it is your external customers that will reap the benefits.
© 2017 Elizabeth Stincelli
Liz Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the Founder of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations change attitudes, change communication dynamics, improve collaboration and problem-solving, engage employees, and strengthen organizational culture. Liz holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.
Learn more about Liz by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.