Our society is heavily dependent on customer service in various forms. When you want to return something to WalMart, when you call your credit card company, and when you shop for a new cell phone. We are all very good critics at what is and is not good customer service. Many cultures are becoming very strict with their standards of good customer service, and we've all chosen not to continue doing business with a particular organization because of how we've been treated.

I would like to suggest that irrespective of our profession, we're all capable of providing good customer service. Here are a few examples.

Quick, Clear Communication

When we get a request or a complaint, we often think and say:

"That's not my fault. Jon is in charge of that."

"Man, that'll take forever. I don't have time. I'll get back with them later."

"Dude, whatever. I didn't do anything wrong."

Poor customer service is often a product of poor communication. Even if you are too busy for something, open communication to describe your situation to your requester is good customer service. Leaving people hanging and remaining silent as you process your side of the situation is poor service. Always set expectations for your counterpart within a couple days (at the most; the faster the better).

We all hate submitting a tech support request and having to wait a week to hear anything. But how often do we do the same thing to other people?

Ownership

It's in our nature to shirk responsibility that we aren't supposed to have. For example, think about how people usually handle a wrong number.

"Uh... you have the wrong number. [click]"

Sure, it's efficient, but it's not good service. Try pausing to ask the person who they're trying to reach, what number they dialed, inform them of the mistake, and wish them a good day. Own the phone call even though it wasn't intended for you (especially if it's a wrong number directed to your business).

When someone asks you for help, but you know another person who can handle it better, review the problem with the individual, admit your inadequacy, and walk them to the more qualified individual. Explain the situation to the expert on behalf of the requester, and kindly transition them to the new person. This is taking care of people where you're not responsible or even capable.

In short, our society could stand to criticize less and deliver good service more often. It's better to give than receive, but it's also better to demonstrate quality than to condemn incompetence.

Tags: customer service, good service, WalMart