Another familiar sentiment from Paine's work is, "The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."  It's true -- we do learn and grow more from trying times and difficult experiences.  And despite the challenges over the past year, people are finding they have learned something about themselves and what's important in life.  And, they realize that, despite the challenges, they still have something to be thankful for. After surveying friends and associates, I've noticed this real renewed sense of gratitude.

It became particularly pronounced during my family's Thanksgiving dinner. I asked all of our guests to jot down what they were grateful for (anonymously, if they wish).The crowd, aged 6 to 92 and hailing from four different countries, shared proclamations that were personal, funny and even profound. I'll share just a few:

• the trees and the seasons and the grass and the sky and the birds and the sun and the magical cycle of life
• the health and happiness of my family
• warm clothing and cheese (I have no idea who wrote this one and why cheese is so important to him/her)
• creative, secure children with hopes and dreams

Clearly, there is a lot to be thankful for. So I'd like to thank you -- not just for your support -- but for caring. Caring about the treatment of others. Caring about the customer...and your fellow employees. Caring about what's right and respectful. If we all care just a bit more, imagine the difference we can make and how glorious our triumph.

Putting the "Custom" in Your Customer Experience

by Jean Marie Johnson

As we embark on the second decade of the 21st century, customers are more likely to expect and even demand "custom" service. Yet, most organizations are more adept at instilling practices and processes that provide consistency. Therein lies the challenge and the opportunity. Learn five steps your organization can take to meet these demands and deliver "made to order" customer experiences.

Click here to continue

Gobbledygook Be Gone: Now is the Time for Plain Talk

by Diane Berenbaum

Have you noticed that people don't talk anymore, they "dialogue."  To move forward, they "think outside the box," "push the envelope," "reinvent the wheel" and maybe even "incentivize" their associates.  That's gobbledygook.  Read on to learn more about this language that is rampant in corporate America and what can be done about it.

Click here to continue

Three Principles for Creating "As Promised" Customer Experiences

by Jean Marie Johnson

The measure of "who you are" is in the experiences you create when your customers interact with you. When those experiences are "as promised," you gain the respect -- and the business -- of new customers.  Read on to discover the three principles needed to sustain that promise, leading to increased loyalty and ultimately customer advocacy.

Click here to continue

Please note: Replies to this email are not monitored. Please direct any inquiries/requests to info@communicoltd.com