Let’s face it—the societal and business impact of COVID-19 will affect business culture long after the pandemic is declared “over.” With the Great Resignation, the Remote Work Revolution, and more demand for flexible work schedules and improved work-life balance, this is a moment of cultural change for business owners and leaders.
As you reflect on this tumultuous period, you may notice that the way you look at the world and your work has changed. Many are experiencing shifts in mindset that emphasize kindness and flexibility, leading us into somewhat uncharted territory as we look towards the New Year. With so much change, now is the perfect time to consider your mindset and cultivate new habits.
What is Mindset?
Generally speaking, mindset is your overall mental attitude. It is a part of your worldview and impacts how you interact with others. Of course, this includes the customers you serve through your business.
So what is a service mindset? It’s shifting your focus towards what you offer to others and how you can serve their needs. It’s incredible what we can accomplish when we focus on helping others and delivering value. This shift in focus can not only impact your worldview and cultivate positivity, but I can also have a substantial positive impact on your business.
Cultivating a “Service Mindset”
Talking about cultivating a mindset is easy, but putting in the work to change your thinking can seem vague at best. So here are some simple steps to help you shift your thinking and reach a place of comfort with a service mindset.
Practice Being of Service to Others
Practice makes perfect. Look for an opportunity each day to be of service to others, even if they’re strangers.
For instance, the next time you’re at a store, restaurant, or gas station, try holding the door for someone you don’t know. Make eye contact, smile, and take a moment to engage them beyond their cursory “thank you.” Ask them If they’re having a good day or compliment an item of clothing you find interesting. Take a moment to build a connection based on your momentary act of service, and take note of how it makes you feel.
Read, Read, Read
Books are perhaps the best way to impact and change your mindset. Not only does reading act as a gateway to new information from experts and thought leaders, but it can also help you develop your empathy and understanding towards others.
Og Mandino was one of the most well-known writers focused on the intersection of happiness, success, and business. This is one of his most profound quotes, in my opinion, and it speaks directly to developing a service mindset:
“Always render more and better service than is expected of you, no matter what your task may be.”
Look for opportunities to learn from experts in the service mindset and read for a few minutes each day about developing that thought process, so it’s fresh in your mind as you go about your day and run your business.
Look for Opportunities to Go Above and Beyond
Going above and beyond and offering “more and better service than is expected of you” can have a ripple effect on your business. As you look at your business offerings and services, ask what you can do to continue adding value to your customers and clients. How can you go beyond what is expected of you every day?
When you provide exceptional service, more opportunities will present themselves.
For instance, one of my favorite stories is about a man who accepts a job to paint a small fishing boat. He has his red paint, and while he’s painting the boat, he notices a crack. Knowing this is a family’s boat, he takes the time to fill the gap and repair the boat. In turn, the owner offers him ten times the price they’d initially agreed to for the boat’s fresh paint. The owner recognizes that the painter protected the safety of his children, who often fish from the boat on family outings.
The moral of the story is that when you take ownership of your projects and look for opportunities to provide additional service to your customers, you can add value in the long run and grow your business. Sometimes this may look like extra income and financial growth, or it may look like new service offerings and sales leads from your existing, satisfied customers.
As a leadership coach, I can support you with some of these big decisions for your career or your team. Let’s set up a consultation call and talk about what it can look like to help you get the answers you’re looking for.
I look forward to hearing from you and wish you much success in your excellent career.