Customers

If you are ever lonely, tired of making decisions, or just sick of working—have a meeting. 

I was on an all-day-long conference call. We had a dozen people discussing various topics, which included an update from our Customer Service team. The Customer Service team manager shared themes of recent complaints from our customers. 

An attendee joked, “Sheesh, these people will whine about anything.” The customer service manager paused her update. She calmly but sternly said, “These complaints came from our customers. Customers who cared enough about us to share when they were let down. This feedback is from our best customers.” 

Her message stung enough that I can still feel it many years later. She was absolutely right. When I experience poor customer service, I usually leave and never return. Rarely, I might share my experience. But, always, the business would benefit from hearing feedback. 

Whether or not solicited, feedback can be very hard to hear. When I receive advice from someone who knows me, I should listen. In a growth mindset, I can determine if and how to apply. If I reject it outright, I may miss out on an opportunity to grow. 

Will I seek feedback from trusted sources? Can I be responsive to my customers’ advice? Do I care enough to support others in their growth? 

Be curious, be kind, be whole, do good things.