This chapter discusses the elements of a service culture and how companies and promote a service culture.
LO 3-1
Importance of Effective Communication
Elements in making interaction with customers successful
Recognize how you communicate
Understanding of how the communication process works
As the front line person, you have the power to make or break an organization
Should continually work to improve communication skills
An active process in which two individuals apply the elements of communication
Interpersonal communication model
Environment
This is the place where messages are sent
Depending on the type of environment, sending of messages may be rushed
Sender
Person initiating a message
Receiver
Effective listening is key here
Person who receives a message
Message
The idea or concept you want to convey
Inappropriate words or non-verbal clues can get in the way of the message
Channel
The method by which you send the message, such as verbal, email, fax or in person
Encoding
Occurs as you evaluate must be done to put your message in an understandable format
Decoding
Occurs as messages are received and interpreting or assignment of meaning
Feedback
Crucial elements
Shows understanding of the message being sent
Filters
Factors that distort or affect the messages sent
Can include
Attitude
Interests
Biases
Expectations
Experiences
Education
Beliefs and values
Background
Culture
Gender
Noise
Physiological factors, psychological factors that can interfere with reception of information
Health, abilities, level of attention, mood, as examples
LO 3-3
Avoiding Negative Communication
Choice of words or phrasing can effect customer service
Don’t use weak words such as “I’ll try”
Don’t use global terms
Always, never, everyone, all
Verbal finger pointing
Verbally blaming another person
“you were supposed to call me back to remind me”
Other phrases to avoid
You don’t understand
You’ll have to
You don’t see my point
That’s not my job
Endearment terms (honey, sweetie, sugar)
Profanity
Technical specific jargon
I don’t know
LO 3-4
Plan your messages
Think before you speak
Positive messages
Focus on the customer as a person
Offer assistance
Be prepared
Provide factual information
Be helpful
Accept responsibility
Take appropriate action
Great customers warmly and sincerely
Make the customers feel welcomed to be there
Use customer focused language
Avoid provider centered language such as “when I have time”
Customer centered language might include “I’ll take care of that right away”
LO 3-4
Make customers feel welcomed
Listen carefully and respond appropriately
Be specific
For example, if deliveries are free, but only with a certain radius, tell customer about the policy
Use positive I and We messages
Use small talk
Get proficient at being able to ask questions and make someone feel comfortable
Also read body language to see if someone is interested in small talk
LO 3-4
Use simple language
Avoid too much industry jargon
Paraphrase
Repeat back what the customer has said to make sure you understand
Ask positively phrased questions
Instead of “why do you feel this way” try “what makes you feel this way” or instead of “don’t you think” try “what do you think about”
Ask permission
Get approval before taking action
Agree with customers
Everyone wants to hear they are right
Acknowledgment is a powerful tool
Listen for emotion
Show understanding
Let the customer vent if they are upset
LO 3-4
Elicit Customer feedback and participation
Build rapport
Use phrases such as “that’s a good idea”
Foster a feeling of two people working together
Close the transaction professionally
Sincerely thank the customer
Address pet peeves
Identify your own hot buttons which can lead to relationship breakdowns
LO 3-5
Feedback is a response to messages a listener receives
Can be verbal or non verbal
Verbal feedback
The response given to a senders message that allows both parties to know that a message was received correctly
Non-verbal feedback
Body language (addressed in chapter four)
Eye contact
Positive facial expressions
LO 3-6
Assertiveness is tied to style of behavior and culture
Some people are direct and to the point
Others are calm and may come across as passive
Assertive communication means to express ideas positively and with confidence
Examples in figure 3.5
Assertive versus aggressive service
Assertiveness assists in solving problems
Aggression can escalate and cause relationship breakdowns
Do not become defensive
Appropriate eye contact
Listen openly
Affirmative acknowledgments of what the customer is saying
Open body posture
Avoid blaming
Use I statements
Ask for feedback and then listen
Learn to say no to unreasonable requests
Paraphrase the customers point of view
Strive for win- win situations
Responding to conflict
Conflict isn’t positive or negative
Opportunity to identify differences that may need to be addressed
Causes of conflict
Conflicting values and beliefs ,Personal style differences, Differing perceptions,
Inadequate or poor communication , Contrary expectations, Goals that are not in sync with reality, Opposition over shared resources, Outcomes dependant on others
Misuse of power
Salvaging relationships after conflict
Reaffirm the value of relationship
Demonstrate commitment
Be realistic
Remain flexible
Keep communication open, Gain commitment
Monitor progress