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The Busy PT's Guide to Finding Balance

Creating Goodwill in the Workplace

Published October 28, 2008 8:02 AM by Janey Goude
With unemployment escalating, would you like a simple technique you can put in to practice immediately that will increase your worth to your employer? 

Adopt the mindset of "The client is always right."  I've heard that phrase since I was a child. Some things never change.  That saying is as true today as it was 50 years ago. Those who are successful in business know the true meaning of "The client is always right."

We've all dealt with unpleasant clients. So, of course, we know the client is not always right.  Sometimes he is very wrong. The statement itself is patently untrue. But those who embrace the heart of the adage distinguish themselves in the marketplace: the client must always walk away thinking he is right. 

The bottom line: as an employee, your job is not to be right. Your job is to create goodwill and customer loyalty. An employee who consistently puts customer satisfaction first is a valuable asset to his organization. 

Remember, I said this technique is simple--I didn't say it was easy. Allowing the client to walk away thinking he is right-when you know he is wrong-is difficult.  In reality this practice often requires you to allow the client to believe you were wrong.  That is a blow to even the hardiest ego.    

In this process I am comforted by the fact that someone else's beliefs do not change the truth. Because someone believes I am wrong, that does not mean I am wrong. When I am hired by a company, my responsibility is to serve my employer with excellence. I can choose to allow someone else to think he is right.  In my capacity of good will ambassador for my organization, when I choose to allow someone else to believe I was wrong, then I am simply doing my job well.

How can you create goodwill today?

Are you willing to lay aside being right for the greater goal of creating goodwill? 

4 comments

Nalley,

You read my mind!  For those of you who are wondering, I had already submitted my blog for this week when Nalley wrote this :-)

Great example, by the way!  I wonder how many people hide when I enter an establishment!!

Thanks for sharing!

Warmly,

Janey

Janey Goude November 5, 2008 1:14 AM

Yes, I'm from the old school.  The Customer's Always Right!  This can be done, but it isn't easy especially when you know they're wrong.  It takes patience and when it can be managed, a smile.  You just have to let it go by.  I can give a humorous situation, when a customer came in the door and everyone in the store hid, even the boss.  I was confused when I saw this and I was the one left standing.  The elderly lady came up to me wanting to buy a "lead" pencil.  Well, I presented her with with every kind of lead pencil I knew of to no avail.  She was very upset with me.  She didn't buy any of them and left angry.  Then everyone came out of hiding and I understood why they hid.  We laughed and I felt better, but she had a problem and it wasn't about a pencil.  Working with the public can be trying but this reminds me of the blog about we don't know what is taking place in their lives.  We have to be patient and know we've done our best.  This might even work around the house etc.

Nalley osland, Retired October 30, 2008 4:50 PM
Lexington SC

Ruth,

Sign me up!  Jamaica sounds like Disney World.  That is the one thing that impresses me when we go there, which is infrequently, given the price of admission.  (But that is a testimony in itself--of how much people will pay to be treated like royalty!)  Their mindset is that they are there with the sole purpose of serving  you and making sure your needs are met.  I've never met anyone who went to Disney World and didn't want to go back.  Sounds like Jamaica has lots of referral and repeat business as well!

Warmly,

Janey

Janey Goude October 29, 2008 10:27 PM

Having just returned from Jamaica where  service is an art form, this really strikes a chord.  Everyone tried so genuinely to please, there simply were no confrontations.  Each day was a pleasure .. a nice way to live.

Ruth

Ruth October 29, 2008 4:00 PM
Lexington SC

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