Category Archives: Leadership

What does it really mean to be customer centric?

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Being customer centric is not just about setting the right goals – it’s about creating a culture where every team member, no matter what team they’re in, is empowered to put the customer first and to focus on delivering results for the customer.

Here are some practical steps for leaders:

(1) Set the example: As leaders, we need to champion customer-centric behaviours and decisions in everything we do.

(2) Foster a unified vision: Align every department and team around a shared understanding of customer value (and how to measure it), ensuring consistency in the customer experience and journey.

(3) Empower teams: Give your teams the tools, autonomy and insights they need to solve customer problems proactively.

(4) Continuous learning: Encourage ongoing learning from customer feedback and market trends to stay ahead of evolving needs.

(5) Recognise and reward: Celebrate and reward employees who demonstrate customer centric actions and decisions, fostering a culture of putting the customer first.

Think of it as a continuous journey not a one off project or initiative with leadership as the driving force behind it. By creating the right environment, we ensure both our customers and teams thrive together.

⭐️ Building a Winning Customer Success Strategy ⭐️

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A successful customer success strategy goes beyond solving problems, it’s about ensuring customers achieve their desired outcomes and feel supported throughout their journey with your product or service.

Here are the key components for a working strategy:

(1) Understanding customer needs: Develop detailed buyer personas and map the customer journey to understand goals, challenges, and preferences.

(2) Clear communication: Maintain open, transparent communication to address queries promptly and ensure customers feel valued.

(3) Proactive engagement: Regularly engage with your customers, not just when problems arise. Proactive outreach (with value each time) demonstrates your commitment to their success.

(4) Structured onboarding: Guide new customers with a well planned onboarding process that includes training, tutorials and resources for smooth adoption.

(5) Leverage technology: Use customer success tools and CRMs to centralise data, track interactions and automate tasks, allowing teams to focus on building relationships (that grow).

(6)Measuring success: Set KPIs to assess satisfaction and retention, reviewing metrics regularly to refine and adapt your approach.

(7) Ongoing support: Provide continuous support across various channels, ensuring customers have access to help whenever they need it.

(8) Continuous improvement: Regularly evaluate and enhance your strategy based on customer feedback and evolving needs.

(9) Cross-departmental collaboration: Align sales, marketing, engineering, product and support teams to create a seamless, unified approach to customer success.

By focusing on these components, companies can foster customer satisfaction, retention and long-term loyalty.

Transforming Lives One Small Habit at a Time: A Glimpse into ‘Atomic Habits’

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Last year was a very difficult and sad year for me and my family, losing my mum and my dad within 7 months of each other. I’m blessed with a wonderful family both here and my sister and her lovely family over in Australia (where my mum and dad also lived).

My sister has always (and is still) a super positive and life affirming person (and loved very much) and she’s always looking how to be more mindful and help others (much like our mum).

I’d been over in Australia last year and the year before visiting to see mum and dad and my sister and she’d mentioned that she was reading Atomic Habits and she loved it. I’d heard of it before and read bits but hadn’t got the book. Well she changed that for me and bought it me for my birthday last year – and what a book.

This compelling book delves into the science of habits, offering actionable insights for individuals looking to reshape their lives through the power of tiny, consistent improvements.

My key takeaways:

(1) The Compound Effect of Small Habits: Clear articulates how minor adjustments and improvements can accumulate over time, leading to significant outcomes. It’s the small habits, compounded daily, that lead to remarkable results. Think compound interest for self growth.

(2) The Four Laws of Behaviour Change: The book introduces a simple yet powerful framework for building good habits and breaking bad ones: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying.

(3) The Importance of Identity Change: One of the book’s central themes is the idea that true change is identity-based. By focusing on who we wish to become, we can naturally foster habits that align with our desired identity.

(4) Systems Over Goals: Clear argues that focusing on systems rather than goals is the key to long-term success. By improving our systems, we make progress automatic and sustainable.

This is a must read and particularly for professionals in the fast-paced technology sector. “Atomic Habits” offers a roadmap to achieving personal excellence and enhancing productivity. The principles outlined by Clear are not only applicable to personal development but also resonate with organisational growth and efficiency.

Grab yourself a copy now!

 

 

Embracing Cultural Evolution in the Tech-Driven World

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I wrote about company culture over 10 years ago and that previous post has been getting a lot of attention over recent weeks. That made me think – how has culture changed over the years and how important now is the interplay with culture, technology and both employee and customer success.

Since 2013 when I wrote the last culture article, the integration of advanced technology in the workplace has transformed company cultures globally. And this evolution necessitates a reassessment of how company culture and technology together foster a conducive environment for employee motivation and customer success. The rise of remote work, digital collaboration tools and AI-driven analytics has not only changed how we work but also how we interact, learn, and grow within organisations.

The core principles of a strong company culture – continuous hiring, encouraging entrepreneurship and leading by example – remain crucial. However, their application has transformed. Today, fostering a culture of adaptability, inclusivity and digital savviness is imperative. Encouraging a culture that embraces change, values digital skillsets and promotes a work-life balance in a digitally connected world is key to attracting top talent.

The transparent and data-driven culture facilitated by technology leads to more informed decision-making, enhancing employee satisfaction and efficiency. A culture that leverages technology to understand customer needs better and respond to them swiftly contributes significantly to customer success.

In essence, the synergy of a robust company culture and cutting-edge technology is a powerful driver of growth. It’s about creating an environment where motivated employees thrive, leading to innovative solutions and heightened customer satisfaction.

How does your company culture stack up in 2024? And what’s the future of a good company culture?

Amp It Up – Leading For Hypergrowth

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I love Christmas for having more time for diving into great book – and not just those you were lucky enough to get for Christmas presents.

A great one I’ve read this year is Amp It Up by Frank Slootman.

In today’s dynamic business environment, ‘Amp It Up’ is a must-read for leaders and entrepreneurs eager to turbocharge their companies. The book skillfully bridges the gap between theoretical strategies and real-world applications. It offers a treasure trove of actionable insights on enhancing team productivity, fostering innovation, and instilling a culture of continuous growth. What sets ‘Amp It Up’ apart is its relatable content, filled with practical advice and inspiring examples that resonate with both new and seasoned professionals.

This book is not just another business guide; it’s a catalyst for transformation. Whether you’re steering a startup or managing a well-established enterprise, ‘Amp It Up’ provides the tools to elevate your business strategy and operational efficiency. If you’re looking to ignite a new spark in your leadership approach and drive your business to new heights, ‘Amp It Up’ is your roadmap to success.

Ready to revolutionise your business journey? Get your copy today and start amplifying your impact!

Commanding the Ship: Astronaut Strategies for Navigating Success and Leadership

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Ever wondered what it takes to think like an astronaut? Chris Hadfield’s ‘An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth’ offers a rare peek into the mind of a spacefarer and the lessons learned from a career that’s literally out of this world. This is one of the most inspirational books I’ve ever read –  it’s amazing to see someone so focused who at a very young age new what they wanted to do and did everything they could to make it happen.

In his candid memoir, Hadfield presents life lessons honed during his missions aboard the International Space Station. He shares the surprising truth that the path to achieving astronomical dreams is paved with minute attention to detail, rigorous preparation, and the profound commitment to teamwork.

But this isn’t just about space. Hadfield’s insights are a blueprint for earthly success. He teaches us to embrace the ‘Sweat the small stuff’ philosophy, demonstrating how even the tiniest components can have mission-critical implications. His philosophy of ‘thinking like an astronaut’ can transform how you approach every aspect of daily life, making you more effective, resilient, and ready for any challenge that comes your way.

So, strap in and prepare for a transformative journey that will elevate your perspective from the terrestrial to the celestial. Whether you’re launching a new project, aspiring to leadership, or navigating life’s unpredictabilities, this book is your mission control for success.

Discover ‘An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth’ on Amazon and unlock the astronaut mindset to revolutionize your life here on Earth. 🚀

If you’ve not read it yet – head over to Amazon and grab yourself a copy. Highly highly recommended.

Evolving Customer Success: The Path Ahead In 2024

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The feedback on my last post about the changing landscape of Customer Success was so good to see and it’s clear we’re going through a transformation now. The insights from the community have been invaluable. We’re in a period of some big and need changes for our industry and it’s going to be an exciting 12 months ahead.

A recap on the big insights and changes coming…

1️⃣ : It’s crucial to differentiate between what matters to the economic buyer vs. other stakeholders at our customers. A happy user base is great, but if we’re not hitting the metrics that matter to those who make the renewal decisions, we’re missing the mark.

2️⃣ 2024′ : Focusing on core values and specific metrics is more critical than ever. As we streamline Customer Success roles, we need to redefine our expectations to combat burnout. It’s about working smarter, not harder.

3️⃣ : The conversation has shifted to identifying and improving the outcomes that matter most and providing value there. This is where we can truly demonstrate our value and impact, without overwhelming our teams.

4️⃣ : There’s a growing realisation that being a great CSM isn’t just about technical expertise or sales prowess. It’s about understanding, listening, and responding to customer needs. The role of the CSM is evolving beyond traditional boundaries.

5️⃣ . : In our haste to solve problems, are we losing sight of the customer’s voice? It’s time to refocus on what really matters – understanding and addressing customer needs, not just showcasing our expertise.

Let’s keep this conversation going. How are you planning to navigate these changes in your organisation? What strategies are you adopting to align with the evolving role of Customer Success?

Dare To Lead

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Christmas is my favourite time of the year and I always love getting new books (well actually that’s not just at Christmas). One book I’d highly recommend and one that truly transformed my perspective is:

(And it’s not “How to Win Friends and Influence People”)

→ “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown

4 lessons I learned

👉🏼 1. Embrace Vulnerability.

– Being vulnerable doesn’t mean being weak. It means having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.

👉🏼 2. The Value of Trust.

– Trust isn’t built overnight. It’s a series of small moments where integrity, accountability, and reliability are proven.

👉🏼 3. Self-awareness Leads to Empathy.

– Understanding our own emotions helps us empathise with others. This paves the way for stronger, more meaningful connections.

👉🏼4. Clear is Kind.

– Clear, honest feedback, even when uncomfortable, is kinder than vague, unhelpful criticism.

Learn these lessons → you’ll become an exemplary leader.