Uplifting service champions

Uplifting Service Champions choose a different approach, taking responsibility for difficult situations- and taking action to improve them. They solve problems that arise everyday, and then look for more problems to solve. When a customer is dissatisfied, they say, " I will fix this for you." If a project is running late, they take ownership to make it right. Instead of blaming or shaming inactive colleagues, they empower and inspire them to action. Service Champions don't blame circumstances; they look for steps forward. They create empowering perspectives in positive experiences each day.

Uplifting Service Champions build teamwork, increase pride, improve communication, and make our world a better place by serving others. They are people, just like you, who take responsibility and make real improvements. When you see something that could be better, you recommend it. When you see an opportunity to step up and serve, you don't hesitate- you take it.

Service Champion take personal responsibility for other people's experience of the service they provide. This point of view recognises that service is not only what you say or do, it is what someone else values from your actions. Service champions modify their style to suit the other person and the situation, using the 5 styles of service.

1: Direction: Direction is telling other people exactly what to do, giving them clear instructions and expecting them to follow.

2: Production: This style of service focus on getting the job done efficiently and quickly. It's common between colleagues who are both familiar with the work. It's also the right style to use when someone is in a hurry. But to some customers this can appear robotic and bureaucratic- more focused on your procedures than on the experience you are creating.

3: Education: This style of service teaches and informs. It helps people learn more about what is happening and appreciate why you are serving them the way you do. The education style of service makes other people information-rich. It empowers them to become better customers for you. You may not be a teacher, but consider how many opportunities you have to serve others well by helping them understand a range of products, prepare for steps in a process, or get more value from the choices they have made. In any arena where products are commoditized and prices are easily matched, the service provider who teaches and informs can earn a competitive edge.

4: Motivation: This style of service is an acknowledging pat on the back. It is also a style to use to make an upset customer feel right, even when they are wrong. Sometimes customers mix up the facts, don't understand the policy, or have exaggerated beyond belief. These responses make your customer feel right without making you wrong. By actively agreeing on the importance of what someone else values, you give them an emotional pat on the back. This makes him or her feel better, and makes it easier for you to work together too.

5: Inspiration: It is a style of service that makes a genuine person-to-person connection. It lets people know you are interested in their well-being, not just in their wallet. This style sets the tone for caring about others, welcoming others into your world, and appreciating the opportunity to enter theirs. This is the heartfelt human spirit that uplifts other people, in the process uplifts you.

The style you use will depend on the situation. Who are you serving, what do they want, and what style will they value? People in hurry want production. The curious customer appreciates education. Someone who is confused may value clear direction. Those who are just learning will enjoy a shot of motivation. And everyone from time to time simply wants to be seen and heard as a unique or special person, a service you can provide with a moment of inspiration.