What does exceptional customer service mean for you? Do you believe in the traditional notion of "Service above self?"

Do you remember the last time you experienced incredible service? How did it make you feel?

Imagine, taking a trip to a warm climate. You have spent the entire day traveling and when you arrive at your hotel; you are tired, hot and hungry. The last thing you want to do is stand in a line and wait for the clerk to give your keys while someone else ahead of you is arguing about their room….

Imagine, as you step off the bus that has delivered you to the hotel, a bell boy whisks your baggage away to your room and you are directed to a comfortable couch and a smiling receptionist says “ make yourself comfortable while we check you in ” You are then given a tall cold glass of Rum punch while your room arrangements are taken care of. What tone would this scenario set for the start of your trip?

You see, customer service isn't only what we do and say but also is about the positive emotions that we invoke in our clients.

It's not only what we say, but how we say it. The choice of words we use, our tone, and even the expression on our face makes a difference in the impact of the words that we use.

Exceptional customer service is made up of several “components” that fit together. A great attitude to service– contribution involves attention to detail and going “above and beyond” just meeting basic expectations. Exceptional service and contribution are about being able to listen and understand a patient's needs and then provide them with an experience that fulfils those needs, the way they want—in a manner that is oriented towards others, rather than about ourselves.

This creates an outcome that makes others feel valued, important and cared for.

Service and contribution also applies to our treatment of each other, our contribution to our team, our organization and our community.

Do we exhibit kindness, respect and courtesy and team work on an ongoing basis?

Do we pitch in to help our team mates in order to make the day run smoothly?

When we do this do we have an attitude of humility and respect?

Do we give back to our community?

First and foremost, we must take care of each other before we can serve our clients well.

Click here for an article from Michael Angier on Giving and Recieving