Claimstrainer Blog

 

 

Here are 13 key customer service skills that you may need to enhance:

Technical skills

 

Technical skills are the abilities and knowledge needed to perform specific tasks. They are practical, and often relate to mechanical, information technology, mathematical, or scientific tasks. Some examples include knowledge of programming languages, mechanical equipment, or tools.

 

Tech Skills consist of but are not limited to:

• Big data analysis
• Coding and programing
• Project management
• Technical writing
• Social media experience

Critical thinking

What is critical thinking? It refers to the ability to analyze information objectively and make a reasoned judgment. Critical thinking involves the evaluation of sources such as data, facts, observable phenomenon, and research findings. Good critical thinkers can draw reasonable conclusions from a set of information and discriminate between useful and less useful details to solve a problem or make a decision. 


Abstract thinking

Abstract thinking is the ability to think about objects, principles, and ideas that are not physically present. It is related to symbolic thinking, which uses the substitution of a symbol for an object or idea. A variety of everyday behaviors constitute abstract thinking.

 

Language skills

Good communication is the lifeblood of the service industry and it’s important that your language should be devoid of grammatical errors. While we have all learnt the basics of grammar in school, the most important attributes in spoken English are: sentence construction (your ability to form meaningful sentences) and word order (ability to use the right words as per context). Talk to people in English as far as possible and watch English news and sit-coms. The objective here is to develop conversational skills.

Vocabulary

Your vocabulary should be good so that you can tackle challenging communication and customer service scenarios. You should be able to demonstrate a satisfactory use of word choice so that your customer maintains confidence in your skill sets. Follow the TIS rule (think it, ink it, sink it). When you come across a new word, make a note of it in your personal diary and read it out loud at least thrice.

Pronunciation

You need to have a clear pronunciation and diction, such that, it does not interfere with your overall communication with the customer. This includes stress, rhythm and intonation patterns in your speech. Many institutes like the British Council offer courses in communication skills for call centers and service oriented jobs. These programs also help you in neutralising your accent and sounding more professional.

Tone

You need to speak in an upbeat and positive tone. This enables you to connect with your customers and colleagues and also build long lasting relationships. A lot of negative emotions like anger, sarcasm, impatience, etc also get communicated through your tone, so it’s important to watch out for it. Your tone should reflect empathy and concern for your customer.

Listening skills

Good listening skills will help you understand the main ideas of the person you are communicating with. It also enables you to understand the specifics of a particular situation that you could be dealing with. Good listening skills will also ensure that you provide appropriate answers to questions and understand the emotional clues that your customer may drop.

Problem-solving skilss

You should be committed and have a sincere desire to solve the problems of your customer. Your ability to ask the right kind of questions will be a key factor in providing an effective solution. You also need to prioritise your time and understand your customers’ needs and wants.

Flexibility

You need to adapt to your customer’s unique needs and changing circumstances. You should be open to change and be willing to take the customer’s feedback and act on it. Being flexible also helps you identify new business opportunities and make more sales for your organisation.

Initiative and proactiveness

You need to be proactive and anticipate customer problems. You should be able to apologise and correct a mistake rather than hide behind company policies. Walking an extra mile for the customer will cement the relationship and would lead to repeat business.

Professionalism

You need to be professional, friendly and courteous. Being direct and expressive helps to build a strong relationship with the customer. Showing your respect to the customer, team members, company, and competitors is also important as this demonstrates confidence in self and the organisation. A professional attitude will leave the customer with a positive feeling.

Task orientation

As a customer service professional, it’s important to strike a balance between the job at hand, relationship and rapport building activities. While you need to engage in building a positive relationship with the customer, you must keep issue resolution and meeting targets as your top priority. “Most tele-sales consultants keep sweet talking with customers without asking the customer for the order (closing the sale). This is ineffective as the objective of the organisation is also to make sales and profits” says Kanishka Malhotra, Managing Partner of New Delhi based – Hotel Solutions India.

So brush up on these skills and succeed in customer service careers.