Customer Service is a Way of Being

Customer service is a way of being and not simply a way of doing.  It stems from a servant's heart in my opinion.  

Think about it.  

The people that I would hold up as a standard of customer service are also the most unselfish, serving and humble and positive people I know.  People who go above and beyond the call of duty and who put other people and their needs in front of themselves.

A discussion on our local radio station prompted this train of thought this afternoon. 

So if I were queen of my town and in charge of economic development, commerce, marketing and city management I would do the following.

Assembly a team of doers.  Real people who live, breath and do service in our community.  Those who live it.  I would pick the front line people, buy them a nice supper and brainstorm.

I would ask their beliefs about people and service.  Make a list of their mentors, coaches and friends whom they have learned from and invite them to the second meeting.

Next, I would assign to them the job of affecting community service within and throughout our community culture.

Want to know the pulse of the community and what is right and wrong?  In order to develop a right analysis draw from those folks in our communities who see all aspects of our culture.  Rich, poor, educated, troubled, up and coming and down and out; they get to know them all.

I have lived in my community for 14 years now and I can still remember the people who made us feel like this is where we belong and still have great influence in our lives.  They are still the wisest people I know.

Our church elders. Joe Dunn, Ruth Knaub, Carmen Brand

Our neighbors-who helped us in so many ways those first days. Ron Wolvin, Larry Pierce, Mary Duggan, Scott Campbell...

The children's librarian who helped us get library cards.

The city receptionist.

The Gas and Electricity Receptionist.

The gas station attendant.

The clinic receptionist-Lisa.

The banker-Kerri.

The Mom-Melanie.

The school secretary-Deb.  She met with me every first day of school as my mentor and friend.

The grocery store-Deb and Evelyn.

The pharmacist.

The Doctor-Traci, Dr. Byrd.

 The Teacher-Mrs. McBride 

The Coach

The Flower Shop-Ann

The Police Officer who brought home Buster-Dave.

The Tripper Driver-Carol.  Who assured me the first time my children rode it.

The janitor.

Everyone is ringing their hands and asking "how" to make people provide good customer service.  What class?  What skills are needed?  

Truly, we just need to do it.  Need the leaders in our communities, schools and churches learning from our front line folks.

Need those who shop in our community to point out and encourage those who serve us in such a humble way.  To appreciate those all around us who do go above and beyond.  A simple gesture, eye contact, listening ear and a thank you can change the world.