<p>In the retail business customer service skills are paramount.  Anyone seeking to progress in the industry will have to begin with this in mind.  Customer service involves much more than just the initial interaction between the customer and the person who is <a href="/jobs/s-customer-services/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">performing customer service</a>. The concept of customer service has to do with the way in which services and/or products are delivered to a customer.  The elements of the delivery process include accessibility, cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and most importantly, satisfaction. </p>
<p>The way in which customers are treated will make the difference between a lost opportunity or negative customer experience and a returning customer that is loyal to the brand - and as such, people who invest time in <a href="/job-seeker/career-hub/archives/how-to-improve-your-customer-service-skill-set_429/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">improving their customer service skills</a> are likely to see the best results. </p>
<p>Furthermore, customers who have positive experiences will often become ambassadors for the company through conversations and stories they tell their friends and family.  On the other hand a negative experience can force customers to the services or products of a competitor.<br><br></p>
<h3>The Golden Rule of customer service</h3>
<p>The Golden Rule is a good guideline for customer service; to treat customers as you would like to be treated.  Progressing to the role of retail manager requires an understanding that every person is different, which means every customer is different. Different customers will have different motivations, aspirations, and reasons for choosing your brand. </p>
<p>While this understanding comes to some people quite naturally, it is a skill that can be learned through the direct experience of customer service jobs, beginning at the level of retail sales assistant, to that of assistant manager, and then to manager.  Understanding the needs of customers creates a higher level of customer satisfaction.  This results in continued business and even a more enjoyable work experience. </p>
<p>Having these customer service skills and honing in on them in each of these roles will provide opportunities for promotion more rapidly.  The results of good customer service are irrefutably advantageous to both the company and to career aspirations.  By improving interpersonal skills and learning more about communication, by understanding people and developing an appropriate attitude, customer service skills can be improved even further.  For those who have set their focus on becoming a manager in retail, customer service skills are vital, but other skills need to be developed as well.  The following are some of the other skills that will prove worthy of being management material.</p>
<h3>How can managers utilize their customer service skills?</h3>
<p>A manager is a role that entails more responsibility and more work.  A manager typically oversees other staff members and/or projects.  In retail specifically the role requires motivating other people, getting jobs done, and overcoming various issues.  Good organisation skills are needed since the role necessitates the organising of a department, departments, and/or the entire store, implementing certain processes and guides, as well as outlining the objectives that need to get done.  Good time management is critical to good organisation.  There are often deadlines that must be met, requiring managers to motivate their teams and to prioritise work in order to meet the goals.<br><br> Many of the customer services skills learned along the way to becoming manager translate to the interpersonal skills and relationship building skills that are needed when working closely with a team.  Managers have to assign work, ensure staff gets the appropriate training, and keep everyone motivated.  They are also responsible for hiring and firing so it is very important that managers are compassionate, diplomatic, approachable, and have good communication skills.  The role of communication goes beyond just good listening skills and the ability to reward staff when appropriate.  A manager is the primary line of communication between customers, front-line staff, and senior management. </p>
<h3>Customer service skills are key</h3>
<p>Everyone must be kept informed and be on the same page.  Good relationship building skills and good communication skills are also necessary when it comes to delegation of certain duties.  While many people feel it is easier and quicker to do a job themselves, good managers understand that delegating gives employees a feeling they have a stake in the outcomes; a shared responsibility and accountability.<br><br> The role of manager requires the ability to think in real time; to be able to problem solve as problems are encountered.  The role also necessitates good skills in numeracy, literacy, and computer literacy skills.  Duties related to these skills include administrative tasks like writing reports, setting budgets, purchasing, receiving orders, setting schedules, etc.  Overall, good managers learn to lead by example, become excellent persuaders, and develop reasonable expectations of their staff throughout their progress through the levels of customer service.</p>