Today, Jody brought up an interesting story I had illuded to when we first started this podcast. In the 1970s, I ran a restaurant in the Fairfield Inn in Philadelphia. While there, there was a woman that came in every day and ordered tea. There was a particular instance when this customer decided to complain about the water not being hot. This story sparked the question between Jody and me: should you argue with a customer?
This encounter solidified a specific understanding for me: The world does not revolve around Lee. Just get the customer the tea.
We have discussed the importance of treating guests as individuals before. When you personalize and individualize how you treat guests, you will have return customers.
If you have a customer complain, don’t get upset about it. It is about the issue, not you. Your customers and employees know everything you need to know to make your company better. You just have to be open when they come up. Complaints are one way you may receive this insight. Chances are that complaints from one can help you serve the many. Don’t be intimidated, but see it as the opportunity to solve a real problem.
We all have customers that complain. Rather than argue with them, do something about it. Take care of the problem rather than creating a secondary one. Don’t overreact, make the adjustments and deal with the issue. Have a spirit to serve.
Be creative. If you keep an open mind and keep the mission to serve the customer at the forefront, you can figure out solutions when situations arise. The little things do matter, so pay attention.
If you want to work with people who notice and take care of the little things, you need to check out Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
In today’s corporate landscape, it is hard to fill jobs. Many leaders ask how to make their companies a desirable place to work, especially if you don’t have direct control over what you can pay.
Today, you have to give more than a payday or a salary to get people to come and work for you. When considering how to make your company competitive in the employment pond, ask yourself what else can you offer potential employees? Treating people with appreciation, recognition, and encouragement can be a difference-maker. Providing a clear path for development adds to an environment that communicates value. The environment has a lot of staying power for you.
People can get a paycheck anywhere, so you need to offer more. Once you hire someone, connect with them, involve them. Help your employees know they matter. Show them that they are valued and that you care for them. You have to be intentional about sending that message. This will help cultivate an environment that grows committed employees.
As a leader, you have a lot to do with the environment you work in. Appreciation comes in many ways, and it reinforces what has been done well and makes your team want to do more of it. You may not always be able to pay more, but you can give more. More recognition, more commitment.
If you want to work with people who take care of all the details, right down to a new mvp people movement program, check out Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Today Jody and I are covering a topic that is relevant to many companies. What do you do when you are reintroducing staff back into the office? So many companies have had to go remote over the past year and a half. As many companies seek to return to business as "normal", it is important to learn from this season and see what is best for our company.
Don’t get stuck on the idea that everyone needs to come back in. If you have stayed in contact with your team while at home, they should understand expectations and the vision because you have kept it in front of them. Don’t get stuck on getting people back. Instead, focus on doing what works best for you and your team.
We have learned that there is a lot that can be done virtually. There is a market for it.
There is also a market for in-person connections. As a leader, you have a lot to think through, and you have to make the call of what is best. Whatever you decide, do your best to create buy-in when bringing people back. Give recognition. If your team is staying remote, don’t think about them at home; think about them as part of the team.
If you have employees returning to the office, it may be necessary to bring people back up to speed. Once you welcome them back enthusiastically, you may need to reorient them. Treat it as if they are just starting and show them how happy you are to have them on board. This is also a great time to help correct rough areas or areas that need improvement. Take inventory with your staff and allow them to make suggestions. Try new things. This builds trust and helps build team member commitment.
If you want to work with a team that is engaged, committed, and able to help make suggestions that will help you have the best vacation possible, check out Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
To learn more about the Main Street Leader publication, you can check out leecockerell.com
Today I am taking a listener question: As a manager, how do you set professional boundaries between you and employees but still be there for them and be supportive? This specific question is motivated by a leader who is getting calls at all hours of the day and night from their employees. They want to be available, but not at the expense of their family.
This might seem like a large challenge, but when you boil it down, it hinges on something simple: Clarity. Whether you are clarifying company protocols or what decisions are within an employee's purview to make, as a leader, the clarity you bring will help create and reinforce healthy boundaries.
Often, a question that comes up once will come up again. As you notice patterns, be proactive. Get those involved in a room and document the appropriate answer. Once it is clear what protocol is, train your team. Empower them to make the call at the moment by creating clarity around an issue and providing the training need to execute it. People are more responsible than we give them credit for. Many times, it is our fault as leaders when our employees do something incorrectly. It is either a lack of training or a lack of clarity.
Clarity is easy, and it is hard; don’t be afraid to spell it out and be overly clear. The clearer you can be, the happier everyone involved will be. Clarity fills the gaps, from time zones to decision-making authority.
If you want to be heard and work with a team who will seek to clarify exactly what you are looking for and will help you plan the best vacation, check out Magical Vacation Planners. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
If you have a question, you can reach me at leecockerell.com or Jody at jodymaberry.com