Marilyn Suttle’s Post

“Individual commitment to a group effort—that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” Vince Lombardi Next week, we celebrate Customer Service Week—a time to honor the dedication and hard work of our frontline heroes: the customer service representatives who embody our brand's voice and values. These professionals handle challenging interactions, resolve complex issues, and consistently strive to create exceptional experiences for every customer, every day. Here are some impactful ways to recognize and appreciate our customer service teams, not just this week, but all year round: Words of Affirmation: A heartfelt "thank you" can make a significant impact. Encourage leadership and colleagues to show gratitude by sharing positive customer feedback or creating a Wall of Appreciation to highlight team achievements. Invest in Their Growth: Supporting career development shows a commitment to their future. Offer workshops on communication, conflict resolution, and emerging technologies that enhance their skills and job satisfaction. Prioritize Well-Being: Customer service can be demanding. Promote a healthy work-life balance by offering stress-management resources, team-building activities, and small gestures like catered lunches or a relaxing break room environment. Empower Through Collaboration: Foster a culture where customer service representatives feel valued. Encourage open communication and involve them in decisions that directly affect their work. Listening to their feedback promotes engagement and innovation. Let’s make this Customer Service Week a meaningful celebration of the people who make exceptional customer experiences possible. #CustomerServiceWeek #FrontlineHeroes #EmployeeAppreciation

Customer Service Week 2024 is here! I sincerely appreciate the organizations I've had the privilege of working with over the past year. It's been filled with collaboration, growth, and many opportunities to elevate the customer & employee experience together. This week, I’m reminded of the power of investing in the people who make customer interactions memorable. Here are a few thought-provoking ideas for lasting impact: Is Appreciation Enough? We all know appreciation matters, but what about empowerment? How can we give our frontline teams more autonomy to make decisions that delight customers? From Transactional to Transformational: Customer service can be more than problem-solving. Are we equipping our teams to create lasting relationships, not just resolve immediate issues? Culture of Elevation: Beyond perks and acknowledgments, how can we instill a culture that continuously elevates our customer service professionals—through growth opportunities, cross-functional exposure, or even involvement in strategic conversations? To all the organizations striving to deliver exceptional service and to the teams who make it possible every day, thank you. Your commitment to customers and the human elements of service truly make a difference. Let's use this week to celebrate and rethink how we elevate our people, our culture, and the customer experience. How are you planning to challenge the status quo this Customer Service Week? I'd love to hear your thoughts. #customerserviceweek #elevatingeveryone #empower #elevate #transform #customerexperience #employeeexperience

National Customer Service Week has begun! Happy Monday! I’m kicking off the week working from home today, diving into what the future holds for customer service. The future of service is on the brink of a major transformation, with rapid tech advancements and evolving customer needs leading the charge. As we move forward, the key will be merging human touch with cutting-edge technology to elevate customer service from a support role to a core function in every business. It’s a reminder that, even in this tech-driven world, human-centric skills will remain essential. Embracing service as a respected profession and prioritizing service excellence is the path to sustainable growth and long-term success. Let’s celebrate and drive the future of service together! #NationalCustomerServiceWeek #FutureOfService #CustomerExperience #WorkFromHome #ServiceExcellence #GrowthAndProfitability

As we celebrate Customer Service Week and resolve to go “above and beyond," it is important to craft a compelling service vision that becomes the company's driving force, integrating the prevalent mindset into the organization's mission and primary values. Consistently communicate and implement this vision throughout the enterprise. When everyone on the team understands what the ultimate aim is (exemplary or exceptional customer service), they are much more likely to choose to live it out in every word and action. Also, if leadership and staff have a customer-first mindset, offering good customer service will stem from a genuine desire to understand and address the needs of the customers. In essence, every employee, from the front lines to the back office, should understand their responsibility in ensuring that customers have a seamless journey. I suggest using empathy-based training sessions, collaborative problem-solving exercises, and active listening as a primary starting point in driving culture adoption. Do you you think there are other ways this culture can be driven. Have a wonderful day ahead. 👍 #CustomerServiceWeek #AboveAndBeyond #CusomerExperience #ServiceExcellence #CustomerLove

Customer Service Week 2024 Reflections: Above and Beyond As Customer Service Week wraps up, I find myself reflecting on the broader meaning of Above and Beyond. It’s a theme that resonates not just in professional spaces but in life in general. This week has been a reminder that going the extra mile whether in our personal or professional interactions, makes all the difference. It’s been fascinating to see how much impact we can create when we focus on understanding and empathy, not just processes. Customer experience, after all, isn’t just about service it's about human connections. Whether we’re building relationships with clients, colleagues, or people in our everyday lives, those moments where we step up and exceed expectations are where real growth and trust happen. For me, this week has reinforced the idea that excellence doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s about showing up fully, being present, and giving a little more than what’s expected. Those small acts of going "above and beyond" are what leave lasting impressions. So here’s to continuing that mindset beyond this week, pushing ourselves, not just for accolades but for the joy of making a difference. #PersonalGrowth #AboveAndBeyond #CustomerExperience #LifeLessons #CreatingConnections

 Elevating Experiences: Beyond the Expected A Tribute to the Unsung Heroes Behind the Magic! Your Employee, Team members, Staff, Superior etc. Take a moment to reflect on this, great customer experiences don’t just happen. Behind every great moment that makes a customer smile, someone (client-facing or behind-the-scenes staff) is working hard to make it happen. In a time where customer expectations are constantly evolving, It’s that extra step, that genuine smile, that quick-thinking solution that makes the difference. And that’s what Customer Service Week is all about. I remember the times when I would have to close in late, work overnight at home and still be in the office early morning the next day, just to ensure my customers’ demands were met. Hey, fellow professionals and employers of Labor, remember that as we celebrate Customer Service Week, let’s also take a moment to appreciate those people who go the extra mile every day to make a difference. At Bluebird Communications, I am incredibly proud of how our team goes above and beyond every day, creating memorable experiences in ensuring our clients are satisfied, and truly for us, that is the moment that matters and brings us fulfilment. Celebrate that your employees; your colleagues; your team members etc. that you know always go beyond and above to ensure that customers' expectations are always met. They are the true game changers. Happy Customer Service Week 2024 "Above and Beyond." #CustomerServiceWeek #AboveAndBeyond #ElevatingExperiences #ServiceExcellence #EmployeeRecognition

Happy New Month! As we step into [December], I’m reminded of how customer service plays a crucial role in shaping lasting relationships and driving success. Each interaction is an opportunity to make a difference—whether it’s solving a problem, providing support, or simply being the reason someone smiles today. This new month, my focus remains on: ✔️ Delivering exceptional service ✔️ Strengthening customer trust ✔️ Building impactful connections To my fellow customer service professionals: let’s continue making every experience count. Here’s to another month of growth, excellence, and creating value! What’s your top goal for this month? Let’s inspire each other! #CustomerService #CustomerExperience #HappyNewMonth

Are you still treating Customer Service Week as an annual checkbox instead of a year-round celebration? It is essential to move beyond superficial acknowledgment and genuinely celebrate the frontline heroes who are fundamental to customer satisfaction. What you do not need: 1. Superficial appreciation emails. 2. Generic rewards. 3. Ignoring feedback until next year. 4. A single day of activities with no follow-up. What you do need: → Regular shout-outs and personalized thank-yous from leadership. → Customized rewards and recognition for individual contributions. → Continuous feedback loops to enhance service and employee experience. → Engaging and meaningful activities that honor your customer service teams throughout the year. Shift your focus from short-term thinking. Do not overlook the value of feedback. Do not postpone gratitude until Customer Service Week. Let us make every week a celebration of customer service excellence! How are you honoring and inspiring your customer service team this week and every week? #CustomerServiceWeek #EmployeeRecognition #CustomerSatisfaction #FrontlineHeroes #FeedbackMatters #GratitudeInTheWorkplace #ServiceExcellence #EmployeeEngagement #TeamAppreciation 

"Employee empowerment and recognition is the core of our culture and how achieve outstanding customer service" -- Herve Humler-- In 1980 was created the Customer Service Week, when the International Customer Service Association suggested the first full week of October. This week celebrates the employees who create valuable experiences for customers and build relationships that make them say, I'll be back. I recall when my manager recognized my work, which gave me a great sense of accomplishment and motivated me to keep improving. Sometimes, he would even invite me to lunch. Those small gestures made me feel valued and appreciated for my contributions. Have we ever truly considered the importance of the customer service department in a company’s structure? It often seems like a simple role at first glance, but it goes much deeper than that. These teams are the face of the company, the bridge between the customer and the business. They receive both praise and frustrations from customers, playing a crucial role in shaping the customer’s overall experience. Although customer service week is 5 days, appreciation can be expressed throughout the year. Your turn.. How do you motivate and appreciate your customer service team beyond just Customer Service Week? #CustomerServiceWeek #ValuedEmployees #CelebrateSuccess

Celebrating National Customer Service Week: The Power of Human Connection As we celebrate National Customer Service Week, it’s important to recognize the heart of every organization—the individuals who go above and beyond to ensure that customers feel heard, valued, and supported. In a world that’s increasingly digital, the human touch in customer service is more essential than ever. Customer service isn’t just about resolving issues; it’s about creating lasting relationships. It’s the frontline team members who leave the biggest impact, turning challenges into opportunities to build trust and loyalty. Their work drives customer retention, elevates the brand, and fuels company growth. This week, take time to appreciate the dedication, empathy, and problem-solving skills that make customer service professionals invaluable. A heartfelt “thank you” goes a long way, but so does ongoing support, training, and empowering them with the tools they need to succeed. Let’s celebrate the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to create positive customer experiences and remind ourselves that every interaction is an opportunity to build stronger connections. #CustomerServiceWeek #CX #Gratitude #Leadership #CustomerSuccess