Consistency in Customer Service

Consistency – The One Slip-Up That Will Always Get You

“Sure, when we’re firing on all cylinders, we are exceptional! But when we stumble in just one area, at just one location… that really affects our customers’ perception.”

This sentiment represents a common complaint from my clients: while customer service standards are often great, consistency is lacking.

Culture Transforms Customer Service Standards

Exceptional customer service often arises from strong leadership and a compelling example. When teams are inspired and invested, the commitment to customer service excellence becomes tangible, fostering a culture of shared excellence.

How to Nail Consistency in Customer Service:

Consistency does not simply happen. The challenge lies in the disparity between stellar locations and those that are not performing as well.

1. Engage with Customer Touchpoints

• Find out what your customers want at every touchpoint.
• Implement feedback mechanisms like surveys and focus groups to gather insights.
• Analyze industry standards and customer expectations specific to your business.

2. Create Mandatory Customer Service Standards

• Define precise, comprehensive, and practical standards.
• Ensure standards cover both common and crisis situations.
• Make standards non-negotiable for all employees, across all locations.

3. Standardise Customer Service Training Programs

• Ensure all staff receive the same level of training from the start.
• Use a mix of in-person and online training modules.
• Regularly update training materials to reflect current standards and practices.

4. Maintain Consistent Communication

• Build open communication between management and front-facing teams.
• Use regular meetings, newsletters, and digital platforms for updates.
• Encourage feedback from all staff to improve communication channels.

5. Centralised Support and Resources

• Provide resources, guidance, and tools to all branches.
• Develop a centralised knowledge base for easy access to information.
• Encourage staff to seek help without fear of repercussions.

6. Continuous Coaching

• Regularly coach employees based on observations and feedback.
• Offer one-on-one coaching sessions and group workshops.
• Include managers in the coaching process to ensure consistent leadership.

7. Reward and Recognise Excellence

• Recognise and reward outstanding customer service publicly.
• Implement incentive programs to motivate staff.
• Celebrate successes to build a culture of excellence.

8. Engage with Customer Touchpoints

• Leadership should engage directly with customers to understand their experiences.
• Conduct regular visits to different locations to gauge service quality.
• Use mystery shoppers to evaluate customer service from a customer’s perspective.

9. Implement Feedback Mechanisms

• Continuously gather feedback to improve service standards.
• Use multiple channels such as surveys, focus groups, and online reviews.
• Act on feedback promptly to show customers their opinions matter.

10. Continuous Improvement

• Regularly update customer service standards based on feedback and changing trends.
• Implement a system for tracking and analysing customer service metrics.
• Encourage a culture of continuous learning and development among staff.