25 questions to ask a mentor

25 questions to ask a mentor25 questions to ask a mentorA few years ago, around the time when I welches launching this blog, I wrote an article called4 Types of Questions to AskA Mentor. To this day, it is the most-read article onBe Leaderly, and its popularity keeps growing.In the article, I share a simple model for making the most out of every conversation with your mentor. To begin, come prepared with four questions. Its a way to show appreciation for your mentor and their time and commitment to you. Ultimately, both of you should leave every conversation feeling like it was time well spent. All it takes is a few minutes of thoughtful preparation.Heres how it works Before every meeting with your mentor, prepare one question from each of these categories stories, situations, self-awareness, and skill building.In my workshops and group coaching programs, I like to share those categories, and then ask the participants to compile their own questions to ask a mentor. Here are some good ones theyve come up with recentlyStoriesAsk your mentor to tell a story from his or her career. Some questions to consider1. How did you land your current role?2. Think back to five years ago. Did you envision this is where you would be?3. Can you tell me about a time when you had a difficult boss? How did you handle it?4. How did you learn to embrace failure?5. Whats the most important leadership lesson youve learned and how is it valuable?6. Tell me about a recent setback and how you recovered?7. Was there ever a job position that you applied for and got, but you werent 100% qualified?8. How did you build the skill of always speaking so engagingly in front of others?SituationsIdentify a challenging situation and share it with the mentor. Ask your mentor to act as a sounding board. Some questions to consider9. Im considering a career transition. What do you see as the pros and cons?10. Who are the people I need to align with in this organization to achieve success?11. What advice can you offer on how to progression in my career?12. How do you successfully stay connected to key influencers who do not work in same office or geographical area?13. When trying to gain buy-in to implement a new program, what tactics have worked for you?Self-awarenessAsk a question that invites your mentor to contribute to your self-awareness. Some questions to consider14. Where do you see my strengths and what should I focus on to improve?15. What do you see as some of my blind spots?16. How do you think others perceive me?17. How I am viewed by leadership?18. Do I come across as poised and calm?19. How am I viewed (i.e., whats my personal brand) in our organization?20. Did everyone understand what I presented at the last meeting?21. How could I have communicated my idea mora clearly?Skill-buildingIdentify a skill you currently want to develop, and ask your mentor for advice or resources. Some questions to consider22. How do you approach risk-taking?23. What new skills do I need t o move ahead?24. How can I become a more assertive negotiator?25. How can I become better at managing people who do not report to me?Which of these questions could you ask your mentor? Do you have any to add to this list?By preparing thoughtfully for each mentoring session, youll avoid the awkwardness of feeling like youre wasting your mentors time, and it guarantees that the mentoring relationship can continue to be gratifying for both of you for many years to come.This post was originally published on BeLeaderly.com.

Simply seeing this from your window can break many of your worst habits

Simply seeing this from your window can break many of your worst habitsSimply seeing this from your window can break many of your worst habitsEveryone knows that taking a walk in nature is good for you in fact, a recent study found that the daily dose of nature to reap the benefits of lowering cortisol is 20 minutes a day but a new study says that to benefit in a very specific way from the outdoors, we dont even need to leave our house.The study, led by the University of Plymouth, says the mere sight of foliage from our homes is linked with reduced cravings both in frequency and intensity for alcohol, cigarettes, and junk food. This study built on previous research that exercising in nature can help reduce cravings. Only this time, the exposure to nature is passive.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreStudy participants filled out an online survey, answering questions about if th ey came in contact with nature daily, their cravings, and how often they had negative emotions. With nature, the survey measured the amount of greenery in participants neighborhood, whether or not they had a garden, the greenery visible from their homes, and how often they went to public parks. The more access to greenspaces they had such as access to a garden or residential views of 25% greenspace or more the lower their cravings were.It has been known for some time that being outdoors in nature is linked to a persons wellbeing, but for there to be a similar association with cravings from simply being able to see green spaces adds a new dimension to previous research, said lead researcher Leanne Martin of the University of Plymouth, in a release.This is the first study to explore this idea, and it could have a range of implications for both public health and environmental protection programs in the future.Relatedly, Ladders recently interviewed a plant expert about how plants ev en just one plant have been proven to make office workers happier, more productive, and more creative at work.

Distillery hopping around America 6 US distilleries you can visit

Distillery hopping around America 6 US distilleries you can visitDistillery hopping around America 6 US distilleries you can visitWho doesnt enjoy a few sips of a fine spirit now and then? If youre looking for a deeper connection with one of the favorites, check out these six U.S. distilleries that you can visit. From rum to moonshine to bourbon, these distilleries offer tours with benefits you get to try the product.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraPapas Pilar at Hemingway Rum CompanyLocated inKey West, the Hemingway Rum Company draws its inspiration from the great Ernest Hemingways spirit of adventure. This personennamesake distillery seeks to apply that same vigor towards the making of its rum. Hemingway Rum Company is parte tasting room, part trading post, part distillery, part tribute, and wholly an exciting new destination for any rum enthusiast. Tours are offered every ho ur beginning at 11 AM where youll witness production as the companys 350-gallon Hamilton Pot Still churns out up to 80 gallons per day. But Papas Pilar isnt just a hotspot for rum lovers. Honoring their figurehead, who was once a Key West resident himself, the company employs all local staff. Youre not just satisfying your rum craving at Papas Pilar, youre supporting a local business.HoursMonday-Saturday 10 am-6 pmSunday 11 am-6 pmTelephone (305) 414-8754www.papaspilar.comTraverse City Whiskey CompanyDating back to the late 1800s, this upstart company is a family run distillery with deep enough roots to rival bourbon manufacturers in Kentucky. Perhaps thats why its called The Whiskey of the North. Michigan based, TCWC sources grains from the Midwest to ensure quality products, which visitors can buy at the stillhouses gift shop after completing an expansive tour of the distillery, of course. Tours are available weekdays at 2 and 4PM. For those of you wondering dont worry, samples ar e part of the process. If youre thirsty for more, extend your whiskey experience in downtown Traverse City at the Stillhouse Cocktail Bar.HoursMonday-Thursday 12 pm-9 pmFriday-Saturday 12 pm-11 pmSunday 12 pm-7 pmTelephone (231) 922-8292www.tcwhiskey.comOle Smoky DistilleryIf youre curious about moonshine, its hard to get more prolific than Ole Smoky. Though Tennessee law just recently allowed for the mass production of moonshine (in 2009), Ole Smoky can trace its origins back to the early settlers of the Smoky Mountains, which means its as authentic as the jugs from which its sipped. Twenty unique flavors comprise Ole Smokys line-up, including White Lightnin, Moonshine Cherries, and Apple Pie just to name a few. Enjoy a distillery tour with tastings at either of Ole Smokys East Tennessee locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Ole Smoky is soon moving into Nashvilles burgeoning SoBro neighborhood where its teaming up with Yee Haw Beer and Music City Roots to open an entertainmen t venue. Beginning in the fall of 2018, youll be able to enjoy a jar of moonshine while watching an intimate performance of the best that the Tennessees music scene has to offer.HoursMonday-Saturday 10 am-11 pmSunday 10 am-11 pmTelephone (865) 436-6995www.olesmoky.comKOVALRobert and Sonat Birnecker brought a distillery back toChicagowith the opening of KOVAL in 2008. The first in the city since Prohibition, KOVAL has grown to be one of the countrys leading small batch, craft distilleries winning awards at every turn. Drawing from the distilling traditions of Roberts Austrian family, this innovative couple makes organic spirits from scratch using only the heart cut of the distillate. The grains are locally sourced, and the entire process is carefully monitored to ensure the finest grain-to-bottle spirits. Learn more about the creation of small batch spirits and observe the process for yourself at KOVALs distillery. Tours are given on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday with numerous tasti ngs along the way. If you want to learn more, sign up for one of KOVALs cocktail classes or whiskey workshops.HoursMonday-Friday 2 pm-7 pmSaturday 1 pm-630 pmSunday 2 pm-5 pmTelephone (312) 878-7988www.koval-distillery.comFour Roses BourbonKentucky Bourbon is legendary, and Four Roses is a legend all its own. Four Roses is one of the famous distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. More than 130 years ago, a young whiskey man, Paul Jones Jr., named his bourbon to commemorate his true love saying yes with a corsage of four red roses. Bourbon lovers have been saying yes to Four Roses ever since. Located on the picturesque Salt River in Lawrenceburg, the Four Roses distillery is housed in a Spanish mission-style building, not exactly typical inKentuckyInside youll discover the unique characters and flavors of the companys 10 recipes- all blended by hand. Understand the nuances of the various flavor profiles on the full distillery tour with tastings, which is led by a competent gui de on weekdays on the hour from 9AM to 3PM and on Sundays from noon to 3PM. Alternatively, the Taste of History tour provides a discussion on the unique aspects of Four Roses along with the companys history. Nestled in the quiet Kentucky countryside at Coxs Creek, the Four Roses Warehouse and Bottling Facility is also open to visitors. Dont worry, theyll open a bottle for tasting there too.www.fourrosesbourbon.comHoursMonday-Saturday 9 am-4 pmSunday 12 pm-4 pmTelephone (502) 839-3436www.fourrosesbourbon.comBuffalo Trace DistilleryBuffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort is the granddaddy of all American distilleries. The oldest continuously operating distillery in America, Buffalo Trace has been crafting fine Bourbon for more than 200 years. This family-owned company has weathered floods, fire, tornadoes, and Prohibition to emerge as the most award-winning distillery in the world. Explore the Distillerys dedication to preserving its authenticity and rich history while producing legenda ry bourbon on the complimentary Trace Tour. Offered hourly Monday through Saturday from 9AM to 4PM and on Sunday from noon to 3PM, the tour begins with a video on the distillerys history and continues with a walk along the path between the bourbon barrels- take a deep breath and soak in that rich bourbon aroma. The tour concludes with tastings of the award-winning bourbons. Thanks, Grandpa.HoursMonday-Saturday 9 am-530 pmSunday 12 pm-5 pmTelephone (502) 696-5926www.buffalotracedistillery.comThis article first appeared on Travel Squire.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

The crazy reason US senator Tammy Duckworth cant take maternity leave

The crazy reason US senator Tammy Duckworth cant take maternity leaveThe crazy reason US senator Tammy Duckworth cant take maternity leaveTammy Duckworth is certainly not the first working woman to be a mother, but this year, she is set to become the first U.S. senator to give birth while in office.With this pioneering position, the Illinois senator and Iraq war veteran said that her pregnancy is causing discussions about rules within Congress that have not been confronted before. On Tuesday, she talked to Politicos Women Rule podcast about the upcoming challenge of caring for a newborn while needing to be physically present for votes.Duckworth I cant technically take maternity leaveOn the podcast, Duckworth explained the benefits of paid family leave We need family leave not becauses its thermisch and fuzzy and a nice thing to do, but because its better for our economy.She has long been an outspoken advocate for the practice. In 2016, Duckworth introduced the Military Parental Leave Modernization Act, which would give all service members 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Her words are back by research thatpaid family leave gives women the financial cushion needed to return to the workforce, strengthening the economy for all.And yet, Duckworth acknowledged that she is having trouble taking advantage of the same benefits she advocates on behalf of others for herself.I cant technically take maternity leave, Duckworth said on thepodcast. Because if I take maternity leave, then I wont be allowed to sponsor legislation or vote during that time period.Although senators can vote by proxy in committee, they must be physically present to vote on the floor, and with the Senate currently split at 51-49 in favor of Republicans, every senators vote makes a difference.Besides voting procedure hurdles, Duckworth also explained how Senate standing rules present difficulties to nursing mothers.Senate rule 23 does not permit family members to be admitted to the Senate floor even if they are infants.You are not allowed to bring children onto the floor of the Senate at all,Duckworth said. If I have to vote, and Im breastfeeding my child, especially during my maternity leave period, what do I do? Leave her sitting outside? I cant leave her with a staff member - thats a conflict of interest.The Senate has not been a pioneer in accommodating its female members. In 2008, one female senator was told the Senate pool was males-only because some male senators liked to swim naked. As recent as 2013, the Senate restrooms for women only had two stalls, causing traffic jams. These small markers of progress (or its lack thereof) are why Duckworths history-making pregnancy has gotten national attention.For senators who make the legislation that affects millions of Americans lives, it would send a strong message about family leaves importance for changes to happen from within the house.

Heres What I Know About Resume for Promotion

Heres What I Know About Resume for Promotion Resume for Promotion at a Glance You might be thinking, Yeah, I already knew that, but what you might not know is that a resume written to make an application for an internal position is a little different from the resume you would write if you were searching for a work elsewhere. If you are like most other people, however, your resume probably requires a significant overhaul. Creating an IT resume objective gives you a means to demonstrate a hiring manager what you need to do and how you are going to benefit the business. The info above should explain to you how sample manager resumes are best structured, to find an interview and find that job. As always, you will start to your existing job first. If youre serious about obtaining a aufsteigen in 2019, you will need to revamp your resume to reflect both your existing skill tischset and experience level in addition to to better fit the modern-day needs of recruiters and hiring manage rs. You might even work close to the hiring manager. The hiring manager doesnt need to understand about each boring thing you were accountable for. Resume for Promotion - Dead or Alive? You would like your employer to find that youre ready to move up the corporate ladder. Never burn bridges if you mean to remain with the organization. Describe your skill set at the peak of your resume. Project management abilities and capacity to communicate at all levels. In rare conditions, including when your role prior to a promotion was menial and over 10 or 15 decades past, you might choose to leave it off your resume altogether. Just because youre working at the company in which you need to go promoted does NOT mean you hand on a mediocre resume, particularly if youre really serious regarding the promotion. Give me an instance of a scenario once you failed or made a mistake on the job. You would have been in a superior place to see such achievements be earned, which means that your word ought to be particularly capable of vouching for your subject. Youre not merely doing free work. When youre attempting to recognize a strong work ethic, it is crucial to look beyond your candidates qualification and abilities. Work ethic determineswhat is good and whats the ideal moral choice in job-related conditions. Making your resume ATS-friendly for a promotion may be most applicable if youre working at a big company in which you have to submit an internet application even if youre asking for a promotion from inside the company, but nevertheless, it cant hurt to estimate your resume for ATS-friendly features and formatting as it grows more important in job searches overall. In any profession, you might observe a need to have promotion letter templates to be able to make it simpler for yourself to compose such letters. A promotion cover letter is what one writes in the event an individual wants to explain why he or shes interested in a specific job and placing in in formation wherein it demonstrates that the individual is qualified for it. If you aussicht to be writing a school promotion letter on your own behalf, then dont forget to concentrate on the concrete achievements youve got below your belt to earn your case even more convincing. You should list the new job title beneath your present company, above your preceding title and separate the info into two sections. You may often receive a superior starter list right from the work advertisement. As a result, while the info will be exhibited within Dynamics CRM, it wont be imported right into the CRM system. When youre writing your resume, you must present the data in a manner that most showcases your qualifications and aids the employer notice what you have to give. Demonstrate that you deal with a number of the firms highly-regarded clientele. If you wish to get promoted on the job, become the powerhouse of your business. If you held other jobs between your stints at exactly the same company, place them in between your two roles. Producing your resume is critical.

The Indisputable Truth About What Is 1st Person in Resume Writing That Nobody Is Telling You

The Indisputable Truth About What Is 1st Person in Resume Writing That Nobody Is Telling You Learning how to do a resume when dont have any work experience is far easier if its possible to demonstrate some seasonal or short-term work experience. Since you might not have lots of experience, its important to include information thats pertinent to your intended job like coursework, projects, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work. If you wish to understand how to have a job with no experience, you must understand how to make your first resume. Even if youre doing first time or whether its your second job, its essential for you to make good resume. The Ultimate What Is 1st Person in Resume Writing Trick 1 advantage for employers to internet resumes is the considerable cost saving in contrast to traditional hiring methods. The constant procedure for applying, learning, and adjusting your resume is just the start of developing your work search strategy. In case you have any skills in particularly large demand, emphasize them first. Learn about the three kinds of skills it is possible to highlight and the way youre able to incorporate them into your resume. Get the Scoop on What Is 1st Person in Resume Writing Before Youre Too Late Create a section titled Skills, which ought to briefly list the most essential skills you may offer to possible employersthe hard and soft skills that might not be easily conveyed by your work history. The process isnt complicated, but it takes a little time and energy. Learning how to create your first resume is a significant part of starting your career. Your resume should consist of discrete sections that address different requirements a hiring manager would like to see. ABOUT THE MUSE Im a prose writing person. Writing a book is rather easy. Writing on exactly the same topic is never an easy job. It becomes very fun when you just dont care. The standard of your resume makes a very first impression and can de termine whether a prospective employer will consider you for an interview. It is essential to add information regarding confidence towards your work and your talent in addition to how long and hard you can get the job done. Ask them general questions regarding the organization and specific questions regarding the job which you seek. The majority of when folks talk about themselves, they speak in the very first individual. What About What Is 1st Person in Resume Writing? To begin with, communication online has at all times been more informal than print communication. You cant change your previous experience however, you can control the timing of your applications. Well it is all dependent on whether the job posting instructions specify a specific format. If you really need to be the prosperous person in the content writing field, then you have to know the marketing skills of the content writing.

Your Words Create Your Opportunities

Your Words Create Your OpportunitiesYour Words Create Your OpportunitiesOne of my favorite parts about owning a recruiting agency is that I get to help people each and every day and reflect back to them their own greatness.I will never forget a bracelet my sister gave me, with a charm on it that saidLet this be your greatest task,let this be your greatest joy,to give people back to themselves,even in their darkest hour,especially in that hour.This is how I look at my job as a recruiter. When someone comes into my office and tells me that they cannot do it or that they are not worth it, it is my job to help them see the possibilities and opportunities that are right in front of them.It all starts with a shift in their perspective and their vocabulary.I had one such situation recently.A job seeker came in to interview with our office.He was a recent college graduate from a top school, but unfortunately, the school of life had given him some tough lessons before graduating.He shared wit h us that when he attended college, he was always comparing himself to everyone around him.They all seemed to have it together and be successful.Somewhere along the road, he told himself he was not ever going to be that person ... you know that successful person because of where he came from.His situation is not a unique one.I often have people who come to my office and struggle to even make eye contact during the interview because of fear, shame, or uncertainty.(Start withBringing A Winning Mindset To The Interview.)The power of thoughts, words, and actionsWe started by looking at the disempowering words or phrases this young manwas using in his interviews and in general conversations he was having.Some of those phrases includedI cannotI dont knowI am not sureI triedThen we looked at his disempowering body languageArms crossedLooking downLooking awayLeaning back in his chairNext, we looked at the thoughts he was thinking as he was interviewingI am not smart enoughI come from a work ing-class homeOther people are smarter/better than meI dont have enough to show on my resume and/or in my backgroundOnce we were able to look at how his thoughts, words, and actions were aligned to create how he was coming across in the interview,we then had the opportunity to re-program his mindset.All he needed was to transform from a disempowered mindset to an empowered mindset.We first helped him replacethe disempowering words he was using with empowering words.These included phrases such asI canI amI willWe then replaced his distant body language with engaged body language such asOpen postureUncrossed legsSlight lean inStrong eye contactEmpowering mindset exercisesFinally, we discussed exercises he could do to create an empowering mindset prior to an interview,Looking in the mirror and telling himself,You are the man You got thisCreating a ansicht of intent that statedThe job he would haveWhen he would have itHow much it would pay himThe last step was having him declare that st atement of intent out loud first thing in the morning when he startedhis day.It also involved him creating a positive intent prior to an interview.By reprogramming his words, thoughts, and actions, he now has access to landing his dream job effortlessly and with ease.What about you?These simple steps are something any job seeker can do to create an empowered mindset prior to an interview.This means youReplacedisempowering words with empowering wordsReplacedistant body language with engaged body languageLookin the mirror and tell yourself,You got thisCreatea statement of intent that includes the job you want, by when you want it, and how much it will pay.Declare that statement of intent out loud every morning when you start your day.Though your resume is important, it is your mindset that truly determines your success in landing the job of your dreams.

Avoid Job and Employment Scams on Craigslist

Avoid Job and Employment Scams on CraigslistAvoid Job and Employment Scams on CraigslistCraigslist, well-known classified ads online site, allows users to deutsche bundespost job listings for free in some cities and charges a small fee for other cities. The sites earned a reputation for having many job scams, and these scam positions often have generic job titles, such as Administrative Assistant or Customer Service Representative, and often say that you can work from home. The listings usually lack a specific company schauplatz or say that theyre international. Accordingly, they can say they cannot interview you in person. Learn to spot these and other employment scams so you can avoid wasting your time on a job that will never pan out. Avoid Craigslist Job Scams To avoid Craigslist scams, keep an eye out for the red flags listed below. Research companies before applying to jobs to ensure that the information on the listing matches that on the website. Tread carefully with compani es that do not list any contact information or a website on their job posting, and also do not share it in follow-up email communications. Do not send writing samples, your resume, or any contact information before you are confident a listing is not a scam, and never, ever send money through a Craigslist listing. Your choice of search keywords can also help you avoid scams. Be as specific as you can and, if possible, list both a specific job title and location to evade these scam listings. Red Flags- Signs That a Craigslist Job Post Isnt Real The following are some tip-offs that a job listing on Craigslist may actually be a scam. A generic job posting. Be wary of very vague job postings on Craigslist. Typically, a job advertisement includes information about the position, details on the company, and a specific job title. While some companies may post on Craigslist out of a desire for anonymity, if the post does not include a specific job title or outline the positions responsibi lities, its a potential sign that the listing is a scam. Poor grammar, typos, and an unprofessional look. Regardless of where its posted, a job listing should appear professional. Typos, grammatical errors, slang, or excessive amounts of exclamation marks are all red flags. The pay is really, really good. If the pay seems a little too good to be true, it might very well be a scam. Thats particularly true for jobs that do not require a lot of experience. A request for fees. Legitimate employers dont ever ask job applicants to pay for anything related to job applications or hiring. If a listing mentions fees, or if you get an email requesting them, avoid further communication. In addition, remember that legitimate employers will never ask for bank account information prior to hiring you and then it would be only for setting up direct deposit after you are employed ?with the company.?? More Craiglist Fraud These job scams will ask you to send money and/or set up a bank account to r eceive paychecks (which, if sent to you, are not legitimate). Other Craigslist employment related scams ask you to subscribe to a site where you can find more job listings, or have you join a site to receive web training. Some scams will ask you to pay for a background check or leistungspunkt check as a condition of employment. Others, once you have responded to the posting, will ask for your bank account or credit card information to process your application or start the hiring process. Some of these companies will instruct you to wire money for a training kit or employment supplies. Craigslist Job Warnings Craigslist provides a warning regarding some of the typical scams that could be listed in the Jobs section of the site. The scam postings may list jobs which arent legitimate, offer a chance to participate in paid research studies that dont exist, or list other fake opportunities to supposedly earn money. The job seeker is then directed to fee-based services and sites where you are instructed to enter personal information that is used for identity theft. Those sites include Background checking servicesA credit check or credit reportSites where you are directed to enter your resume, bank account, or credit card numbers, or other personal informationSites where you are asked to sign up for a free trial offerSites offering fee-based training or educationSites offering opportunities for making moneySurvey or focus group sitesSites designed to deliver malware or misuse your personal information Craigslist does have many legitimate job listings, so dont get discouraged. Simply be cautious when applying for jobs and giving out personal information.

How to Measure and Monitor Customer Satisfaction

How to Measure and Monitor Customer SatisfactionHow to Measure and Monitor Customer SatisfactionIn todays world of uber social media, a customers experience is visible to the entire networked world in real-time. People stspeciesed out buying books (and now buy boats online), and many potential online buyers read the reviews before making a purchasing decision. Customers choose restaurants based on positive reviews and the same holds for nearly every other area in the life of a consumer. While good reviews are great marketing tools for all kinds of organizations, conversely negative reviews (whether for shoddy workmanship or a product or poor service) is a marketing nightmare - badeanstalt word of mouth results in bad reputation which results in bad for business. Business-to-Business firms are slightly more insulated from the mainstream reviews, posts, tweets, and blog posts but a reputation for poor customer service (or craftsmanship) spreads quickly online and can linger for ages. Developing and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction is an important part of any organizations strategy and operating plans. To preserve the reputation of your company, consider the following. Learn How to Measure Customer Satisfaction It is important to establish a baseline for your customer satisfaction measures. From simple surveys to tools including Net Promoter Score, it is essential to give structure and rigor to your measures. Of course, there is both an art and a science to identifying the proper measures as well as interpreting them and translating them into actions. This article offers a primer on measuring customer satisfaction.Create a Customer Satisfaction Survey Designing and delivering a customer satisfaction survey is challenging for organizations that lack a formal research function. It is incumbent upon the customer service professional to design a clear, easy-to-use survey that measures the right attributes. Additionally, its important to assess the ri ght time and location to administer the survey. Every step in the process must be considered carefully or you are at risk of skewing the results. This reference offers additional details on survey creation. How Key Drivers Help You Increase Customer Satisfaction Many factors have an impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty. A Key Driver Analysis tells you what is most important to your customers and where to spend your money to get the greatest increase in customer satisfaction.Stay Focused on the Goal, Not the Counting Many businesses have metrics they rely upon to track their performance against the goals of the company and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). However, just keeping score isnt enough. You have to identify and manage the activities that drive (or contribute to) the numbers. Understand Key Performance Indicators Organizations establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor their progress against key goals and strategies. Identifying the proper KPIs is a chall enging managerial task.Benchmark Customer Satisfaction Benchmarking is the process of comparing your organization (or operations) against other organizations in your industry or, in the broader marketplace. You might compare your most successful competitors customer processes and satisfaction with your own. Or, you might look at a firm outside of your industry known for remarkable customer service. Establishing a benchmarking initiative is an important component of measuring (and improving) your customer service and satisfaction. Make Sure Your Entire Team Is Managing Customer Satisfaction While some departments are far removed from direct customer contact, every part of business influences overall customer satisfaction. This article offers several tips for engaging the broader organization and developing a customer service mentality.Try to Hear What Customers Arent Saying By nature, customers tend to focus their communications on a narrow list of issues around your product or servi ces. It is important to develop the skills (and processes) to observe customers and to attempt to understand their true challenges and needs better. Those challenges (and needs) may be very different than what they are describing to you.