These past few weeks I have been working with a vendor to set up an online assessment for one of my clients. Although I have administered this assessment for a long time I never dealt with this vendor. I was uneasy at first to connect with a new supplier, but kept marching forward to see how this new relationship and process would play out.
As I delved deeper to learn the new system and see if it would work effectively for my client and myself, my anxiety began to grow. Every roadblock I hit I would contact the vendor with all my questions and errors. At one point I was calling them every day as new issues cropped up and I would forget the lessons they shared previously with me.
I would begin each phone call the same way:
“It’s me! I can’t believe I am having trouble with another part of the system. I am sorry to keep bothering you.”
And then the woman I was working with would respond the same way each time:
“ I am here for you.”
Wow! When I would hear those words, I no longer felt like I was bothering someone or that I was unable to learn all the nuances of the new system. I felt like a valued customer who was experiencing the normal ups and downs of a learning curve. The woman kept me calm and never made me feel that I was taking time away from her busy day. “She was there for me.”
[Tweet “Leaders make their customers feel important and valuable.”]
How can we create a leadership mantra- “I’m here for you”?
EXPRESS APPRECIATION
Showing our customers, co-workers, collaborators and even our bosses gratitude goes a far way. Don’t assume the people we work with know how much we value their support and contributions. Through words and actions, make sure to acknowledge your thanks for having them in your life.
“I’m here for you.”
BE PATIENT
Not everyone masters a process or skills in the same way or in the same timeframe. When we are training someone in an area that we have an expertise, make sure to go at their pace, not yours. The woman I dealt with must have gone through the steps she taught me a million times. Yet, she made me feel that I was not “slow” or not capable.
“I’m here for you.”
LISTEN TO HELP
Although we may think we know a person’s abilities, we owe it to listen carefully for what they need.
- Don’t interrupt others while they are explaining their concerns
- Don’t judge if they have a challenge that you think is simple
- Ask helpful questions to understand how you can best provide assistance
- Never make others feel they are not important
“I’m here for you.”
BECOME A CHEERLEADER
Empowering others to feel successful is what leaders do. Words of encouragement when people master a skill or technique can propel them further. Be head of their fan club and cheer them on.
“I’m here for you.”
[Tweet “Approachable leaders are able to say “I’m here for you”.”]
BE A PROBLEM-SOLVER
The surest way to cultivate loyal customers and team members is to help them find solutions. A great way to do this is to brainstorm possible approaches or resolutions. When I approached my vendor about what kinds of reports my client needed, she walked me through my choices and together we came up with just the right ones.
How do you show your team or customers- “I’m here for you”?
Great article, Terri Klass…I know exactly how you felt every time you heard “ I am here for you.” Those few words can make all the difference in changing our attitude. Suddenly, we have an ally, someone who not only understands but will help shoulder the burden.
And as leaders, we need to be able to say the same thing to our team members…what is important is that we find people to support us and give us a shoulder to lean on when we need it. Too often, those in leadership get burned out because they fail to surround themselves with people who are willing to listen and say “ I am here for you.”
You make such an important point, LaRae about the need for leadership at all levels to connect with people who can say, “I am here for you”. In organizations where the culture is supportive and every team member feels accountable, there is usually a higher level of performance and far greater engagement.
I so appreciate your great insights!
Sounds like a great vendor who understands customer service. It’s interesting, I’ve worked with and for some leaders who understood how to care for customers. In fact, they were masterful. I’m confident that words like these came out of their mouths early and often. Unfortunately, those same leaders did not ever say those words to their direct reports. Too often managing the client relationship is rewarded over being a caring and strong leader internally. Will share in the hopes that those leaders who most need to see this will.
Thanks, Terri!
Alli
I too have worked with leaders who couldn’t say “I’m here for you” to their team members or customers directly. It is such a missed opportunity when leadership is more about bottom line profits than fostering meaningful relationships. As a result of the woman I worked with, I am highly recommending this vendor and this individual.
Thanks Alli for chiming in and sharing!
Hi Terri,
Great article. “I am here for you” carries a powerful message of empathy, support and respect. It conveys, “you matter” and “we are in this together.”
Those words spoken internally to not only direct reports but to peers and bosses as well would go along way for more collaboration and engagement. Imagine an organization where people knew others had their backs and support was readily available.
“I am here for you” will be added to the words I speak and the actions I demonstrate. Thanks Terri.
They are powerful words and do suggest that as leaders we want to help others. “I am here for you” cultivates deeper relationships where people want to be their best and gain confidence to perform at their highest.
Thanks Terri for your wonderful additions!