Internal Customers

One thing I've found that's odd to me: business leaders all want to provide the best service and they make the mistake of focusing all their efforts on their external customers. Well, exactly who delivers that service to the external customers? The front line! Ultimately, the level of service is dictated by the quality of the source of that experience - the front line worker's behaviors.

World-class companies consistently provide an extraordinary environment for their workers. This doesn't mean spoiling them with catered meals, free dry cleaning, and expensive toys. It does mean understanding them, listening to them, and supporting them by providing tools and opportunities...just like the criteria for the external customers. Great internal service extends out and impacts the quality of the external service.

The same tools that help us be effective with our external customers will allow us to accomplish the same with our "internal customers".

What are some best practices you've seen/heard of for providing excellent low/no cost internal customer service?

Think about it...but more importantly, act upon it...today!