Customer Service Matters
What kind of service should we expect from the Auditor's Office? Leah Anderson, the Republican Candidate for Minnehaha Auditor, gives us her take on the importance of high quality customer service.
Struggling to be heard or get help is extremely frustrating. Whether it is a constituent with a voting question, someone affiliated with the county commission who needs an agenda, or the Secretary of State who wants to discuss a procedural matter, everyone needs to be able to ask questions and get reliable answers in a reasonable period of time.
There are no traffic jams along the extra mile. — Roger Staubach
Good customer service professionals:
1. LISTEN
We need to show our customers we hear them when they take the time to speak with us. Also, careful listening increases the chances that we’ll hear our customers’ real problems and can effectively solve them.
2. HAVE A FRIENDLY, POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Attitude is everything. Greeting a customer with a pleasant voice and a smile is the first step in resolving an issue.
3. RESPOND QUICKLY
One of my pet peeves is waiting for a long period of time, especially when I am frustrated. It is important to have people cross trained so someone can step in if there is a line.
4. FOCUS ON THE CUSTOMER
Taxpayers pay our salaries, so constituents and tax-paying voters should be treated like valued customers. We need to be available to answer questions, address concerns, and listen to suggestions.
5. KNOW THE SERVICES THEY PROVIDE
We need to become experts in what we do. While this doesn’t happen overnight we can strive to learn one new thing each day. It is also important to foster an environment where people are not afraid to ask questions and learn.
6. USE CREATIVITY TO SOLVE PROBLEMS
Sometimes it takes a little creativity to come up with a viable solution. Public offices need to put a special emphasis on creativity, because customers do not have another option.
7. KEEP THEIR WORD
If we promise something, we need to make sure we deliver on it.
8. ARE PROACTIVE
Going the extra mile is one of the most important things we can do to deliver great customer service. Sometimes being helpful means anticipating your customers’ needs before they even articulate them.
I have spent many years working with customers and look forward to bringing my love of people and my problem solving abilities with me to the Auditor’s Office.
I need your support if we're going to get the job done! Please help me get the message out to voters in the next few weeks by CLICKING HERE. Early voting started on Friday, September 23rd and in-person voting is Tuesday, November 8th!"
Thanks, Leah