Be generous with praise and recognition

As we approach the end of another calendar year, it’s an ideal time for reflection. Looking back on what you have achieved is important. It’s a chance to celebrate your achievements and recognise great performance within your organisation. We need this to understand what we’re doing well, to motivate our teams, and identify where and how we can improve.

Reflection and recognition are essential if you want to deliver exceptional service. There is no room for complacency. Everyone in your team has to put the customer at the heart of everything they do. Recognising and celebrating high performance will take you to your goal.

Let’s celebrate a story of exceptional service.         

Exceptional service at a clothing boutique

I am a regular customer of a local ladies clothing boutique. Around 12 months ago, I purchased a coat from them and received plenty of lovely compliments from friends and colleagues every time I wore it. This year, as the weather turned colder, I brought the same coat out from my winter wardrobe. I happened to be wearing it when I popped into the clothing store. Bear in mind this is 12 months later...

The retail assistant spotted me from across the floor and approached me. She recognised my coat as one of their own range. She went on to complement me on the rest of my outfit and how the colour combinations worked so well together. I thanked her and shared my stories of how people always say lovely things when I’m wearing the coat. We chatted for a short while and she offered assistance before I browsed the rails. I didn’t buy anything that day, but that conversation put a real bounce in my step.    

When I got home, I messaged a friend who also visits the boutique and shared my positive experience with her. I always make sure to say the name of the shop where I bought it to anyone who compliments me (and I always feel a million dollars wearing that colour combination!).

The exceptional customer experience dream

Imagine if we lived in a world where customers leave each and every interaction feeling as valued and recognised as I do when I visit the clothing boutique. Where every time you make a purchase or a transaction, you get that same great feeling and quality of customer experience.

This is our vision at Zest for Life.

Since 2010, our company name has always felt like a good fit. It seems even more relevant now as our ambition focuses around giving customers and employees a real zest for life.

There are several steps to making this happen. One of them is to ensure everyone delivering customer service feels valued, considered and recognised by their leader for doing their job well, and taking good care of their customers. Or at least their part in the customer journey. Recognising, celebrating and rewarding success leads to employees loving the work they do, skipping in to work, giving everyone a real zest for life.

Here’s how to do it...

Recognition and appreciation

Our Exceptional Leadership development programme is based around the principles of people doing great things and recognising and appreciating what your team does well. When employees receive credit for a job well done it makes them feel good inside and motivates them to maintain their performance at the same required level. It could also go one step further and motivate them to achieve beyond what’s required.

If you are interested to discover what our Exceptional Development programmes cover, reserve your place on a free online taster session, or book a Tell me more chat with Sally.

End of year performance reviews are an ideal opportunity to make this happen. Rather than looking upon it as a task, process or a tick-box exercise, turn it into a time for celebration. Be generous with your praise and recognition.

Give yourself time to adapt 

Learning how and when to recognise and praise team members is a leadership skill that can take time to develop. Allow yourself time to step back from the day to day and notice what’s happening around you. Make an effort to notice what your team is doing well and how they prioritise customers over tasks. Don’t overlook the people behind the scenes who are also impacting customer experience indirectly in their own way.

Inspiring your team through praise and recognition is one of the building blocks of a real feel good factor throughout the whole team. It demonstrates the direction in which you want to travel and shows a generosity of spirit as a leader. You will notice the change and appreciation you get back from your team.

All this leads to improved performance, employee and customer loyalty and helps build an outstanding reputation for exceptional service.

So this month, step back, notice what you see, and consider the ways you might recognise positive performance. From a simple thank you to formal recognition programmes - every piece of praise will set you on the right path and develop your skills as a great leader.