Economic Recovery

The Power of Metrics: Knowing Beyond Subjectivity

“How do you know?” – a question I often ask as a consultant that carries immense value for business leaders. Quantifiable metrics are critical to continuous improvement, especially when it comes to understanding employee engagement levels or assessing customer loyalty. Imagine being asked to grade the quality of experiences you deliver to your core customer…

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Behavior vs. Score – How to Track What Actually Matters

Let’s assume you believe your organization is providing an outstanding customer experience (CX). As a consultant, the first question I would ask about that perceived CX excellence would be: How do you know? Hopefully, your “proof points” will include a blend of 4 sources: Customer Stories (received from team members and informal discussions with customers)…

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High Trust = Happy Employees = Happy Customers = Happy Shareholders = Happy Leaders

You might say I am on a “trust” kick. In last week’s blog, I highlighted a US decline in social trust (a precipitous drop of 46% points from 1964 to 2016). I also opined on the critical role of trust in strengthening the social contract between businesses and customers. Finally, I asserted that trust begets trust.…

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Looking Beyond the OBVIOUS: Spotting Customer Experience SUBTLETIES

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to identify the obvious trend away from brick and mortar in favor of online purchasing. Store closings, layoffs, and predictions of doom haunt many traditional retailers such as the Sears Holding Corporation (parent entity for both Sears and Kmart and an employer of 140,000 people). In a recent SEC filing…

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Are your property values up? Thank Starbucks

What does brand equity get you?  Among other things – happy neighbors!  According to recent reports, when a Starbucks opens nearby your property values rise – alot.  Before you think this phenomena occurs anytime a multi-national company opens its doors in your vicinity, the research also shows that its better to have Starbucks than Dunkin…

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A Case Study for 2014 – Learning from Legendary Leaders

In the spirit of being lifelong learners this new year, and every year for that matter, let me share a new word  I learned recently:  holacracy.  I am assuming you may have see this word buzzing around the Web lately. My connection to the word comes through Tony Hsieh CEO of Zappos. As you know…

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How to Create Seasonally Relevant Customer Experiences

For many, the most magical time of the year is fast approaching.  One indicator that we are on the cusp of the holidays is the presence of Starbucks’ seasonal red cups.  The next several weeks are so often a whirlwind of activity with good intentions to stop and connect…but sometimes few opportunities to actually do…

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Customer Experience – Is it Care or Speed?

Recently, I shared a failed service experience I had at a sandwich shop and as a result several people contacted me and offered up what I can best describe as “service horror stories.”  Rather than miring us down in those negative interactions, I thought I would simply do a series of quick blogs on what…

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Why having a heart for Military Veterans matters!

As we formally honor our country’s military veterans this week, Starbucks is set to hire 10,000 veterans and active duty spouses over the next five years. A classic win-win, this strategy enables Starbucks to capitalize on the unique skills sets of these highly trained individuals while helping to reduce the high rate of unemployment often…

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FREE RESOURCES

The Starbucks Experience: Leadership Tips eBook
Elevating Care in Healthcare: Lessons from the UCLA Health System eBook
How to Win Every Customer, Every Time, No Excuses! Article