Customer service has become an “everybody job” - it’s not to be seen as only for those who possess it in their job title. It’s the skill for the modern workplace and can transform the performance of organizations.

An often-forgotten offspring of customer service is internal customer service which has to do with the service we provide to those we work with. A huge part of internal customer service is empathy which is critical for interacting with colleagues in the workplace. Many times, we don’t take the time to put ourselves in the shoes of others and are quick to make judgements or act on what we experience in the moment.

High levels of customer service results in equally high customer satisfaction and, if we are to reach to the point of developing a customer-centric workforce, the organization’s culture is the starting point to ensuring that customer service becomes the norm.

Creating an employee mindset or service whether the customer is a client, colleague or stakeholder, can only augur positive results such as a harmonious working environment, greater collaboration among team members and a solutions-oriented outlook.

So, what can you do to improve your customer service skills?

Well, there are many things that you can do but we shall narrow it down to three.

1. Pay closer attention to how you communicate. Communication is a cornerstone of customer service so active listening, a friendly tone and speaking clearly without the use of jargon sets you on the right path to delivering s high standard of customer service.

2. Strengthen your problem-solving skills. No matter if you are dealing with internal or external customers, resolving issues should be your aim and this can be achieved by making yourself resourceful so that you are able to deliver effectively to those you interact with.

3. Engage in self-reflection and adaptation. It may be necessary to reflect on how you handle situations and interactions and identify ways in which you could improve to provide a seamless and stress-free experience for the stakeholder. If you find yourself struggling, consider professional development initiatives to enhance your customer service skills.

All in all, customer service is a way of life that we should all aspire to adopt in our daily lives so that we can present ourselves in the best way possible to attain the best outcomes for all involved.