Web Extras – Skill Sharpener

Close the feedback loop — For information on how to engage reps in collecting customer feedback, read the article, Use your frontline reps to gather customer intelligence.

A reminder to pause — Author Nance Guilmartin discusses when, and why, it can be helpful to slow down, take a deep breath, and pause.

Work regular team-building activities into your staff development and training routine — In an article from our archives, learn how to include team-building in your staff routine and see Brian Cole Miller’s team exercise, “The Buttermilk Line.”

Try these techniques to boost energy and stay positive at work — In an article from our archives, Jon Gordon offers suggestions for fine tuning the interview process with positivity in mind. 

Overcoming common obstacles to telephone communication — A modern, zoned service center layout can play an important role in reducing distractions. Office furniture manufacturer Herman Miller, has researched office design in many fields including call centers. See the recommendations in the white paper, People-Focused Contact Centers.

Strategies for improving cooperation with other departments — Job shadowing is a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and developing positive relationships between individuals and departments. To learn more about job shadowing, see Manchester Metropolitan University’s excellent Job Shadowing Guidelines.

Tips for error-free email — “Write once, read twice” is classic and very good advice for error-free email. Click here for a handy email review checklist.

Do you have a mission, vision, or value statement that guides your work? — A team of frontline reps at the City of Berkeley 311 Customer Service Center worked together to create to create statements that reflect the teams vision and values.

A focus on feedback improves service — The brief video below from Bain & Company explains how the Net Promoter Score was developed and how it’s used.

Identify personality types to deliver better service — Read this useful document from the Carlson Learning Company which provides insights on how managers and employees with different personality styles can work better together.