Oscar Wilde said that “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” Now this doesn’t mean that plagiarism is the sincerest form of flattery. Nor does it mean that great impersonators such as Rich Little, Dana Carvey, or Frank Caliendo are always offering flattering portrayals of those that they imitate.
Wilde’s statement essentially means that it’s a form of praise to imitate the actions or words or approach of someone else.
In business, we call that identifying and applying best practices.
For an individual in customer service, we can apply this “imitation approach” to our work, as well.
Do you have a co-worker who handles themselves in a way that you consider exceptional? Maybe it’s in difficult situations or with difficult people. Potentially it’s just how they answer the phone or how their attitude maintains positivity or open-mindedness throughout the day.
*** Identify specifically what they do, potentially ask them about their attribute, and try to apply that best practice.
Have you ever been a customer that’s been served by an employee, and you thought: “Now THAT was excellent customer service!” Or… “that person is really, really good at their job.” Or… “that individual must love what they do!”
What about that employee made you feel like they were delivering excellent customer service, made you feel like they were good at their job, made you sense that they must love what they do?
*** Again, identify that attribute, and apply it in how you engage and interact with others.
“Flatter” others by imitating their best practices.
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