It makes sense to give thanks for what’s going right in your business life. Thanking loyal customers and devoted colleagues not only feels good, it helps cement longterm relationships.
What’s not so easy is giving thanks to the very things you wish you never had to face. Sounds crazy, right? Though when you find genuine appreciation for what others complain about, you become exceptional. It’s the cornerstone of service excellence.
Here are seven unlikely things to give thanks for in business today:
1. Thank you, economic uncertainty. Because of you, I’ve been forced to reevaluate how I do business and make the necessary (though sometimes painful) changes that will allow me to remain relevant to my customers. You cause me to keep my eyes open, so I can learn to respond helpfully to today’s realities.
2. Thank you, complainers. Because of you, I have a shot at improving things for you and all those “polite” people who don’t complain, but rather move on without telling us why they are unhappy. Your prickly personality gives me the opportunity to practice the skills that allow me to become extraordinary.
3. Thank you, fear. Because of you, I’ve learned to soothe myself and realize that you are an indicator that something important in my life needs attention. I no longer need to fear you, because I am aware that you will appear when I’m stretching into something new. Knowing that allows me to convert you into fuel that energizes positive action.
4. Thank you, competitors. Because you’re out there, and customers are generally less loyal these days, I work to continually improve and find my own unique way of attracting a loyal following.
5. Thank you, internet. Because of you, customers can spread good news about my company. They can also complain in real time, giving me insight into their experiences that might otherwise be hidden from me. You give me the opportunity to show everyone watching how responsive I can be. That’s the very thing that turns unhappy customers into raving fans.
6. Thank you, agitated employees. Because of you, I am challenged to walk my talk. When I treat you as my internal customers, I offer compassion, an ear, and creative problem-solving to win you over. And those I don’t win over, I can confidently release to open up a spot for someone who better fits our company culture. (This also allows you to find a place that better suits you.)
7. Thank you to me for all the mistakes I’ve made this year. The very fact that I notice my mistakes means I’m aware and can make productive changes. That means it’s wise to thank myself when I notice my mistakes, which are really just a form of accelerated learning. I’m not too proud to make changes and grow to produce better results.
What about you? What’s on your list of unlikely things for which you are thankful?
Posted by Marilyn Suttle, coauthor of the bestselling book, “Who’s Your Gladys?”
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