Customer Service Conundrum

I have recently returned from holiday in the United States – California to be specific – I was really struck by the level of Customer Service encountered. Whether it was in the Outlet Centre, the Diner, the Hotel or even dare I say it at the Airport Immigration Counter … at worst it was courteous and efficient and at best friendly, sincere, helpful and really just a joy to experience.

In general we in Europe, and most particularly, we here in Ireland could learn a lot from them.

First I think we need to be a lot less cynical, e.g. “those dumb Americans and their have a nice day” … and recognise that most of the time they are quite sincere and even when not isn’t their approach much better than surly indifference or worse?

Recent posts

Burnt Out? Stressed?

A college professor stood in front of his students picked up a glass of water and asked “Is this heavy?” No – seemed the obvious answer. Then he stretched out his arm, still holding the glass and said; “What if I hold it for an hour, or a day –

Read More »

Don’t do it

“Mighty stuff Martin. Can you give me a call on ***” Thus read a direct message I received on LinkedIn last week. From a 1st degree contact. It looked important, maybe even a bit urgent. I called as soon as I could. “Hello, is that Jim (not real name)?” I

Read More »

Manipulate or Influence

I have a session coming up shortly on Effective Influence so I’ve been doing some reading. I came across an article titled ‘Psychological tricks to manipulate people’. The title made me uncomfortable. Whether you are a high powered Negotiator, work in Sales, provide Customer Service or you simply need to

Read More »

Be on the look out …

“Make someone’s day” is a great recommendation. I read it in the book Fish written by Steven Lundin. He says it doesn’t have to be a life changing gesture. For some people at some times the phrase ‘How are you’ could change their life or make their day if used

Read More »

Have you tried to contact your own organisation?

I just wanted to reclaim points due on my Credit Card loyalty scheme. Simple? Yes, maybe. Easy? Not with ‘XYZ Bank – Reward Scheme’.   No obvious link on the XYZ Home Page to their Reward Scheme dept. Tried their Search function. Had a quick look at FAQs. Still no

Read More »