10 Tips for CSMs to Develop Active Listening Skills | ClientSuccess

After any discussion that you have with a customer, it's up to you to send out a summary of notes. It's helpful to take down notes while the customer is listening so you can repeat what you've understood from what they've said.

This tip is all about what isn't said. 

If a customer is explaining a product issue in pretty mild detail but is getting audily workeup up over user feedback, this may indicate where the bigger issue lies. 

While listening to a customer sharing their issues, sometimes it's an instant reaction to jump in and begin your defensive strategr. However, instead of doing so it would be better if you let them say their piece so that they can get what they're feeling out of their system.

Afterwards, you can start to calmly discuss a solution with them. 

One of the biggest threats to active listening is the many distractions that can be found in everyday life -- your phone, email, and corporate messaging platforms. 

You should give your customers your full attention. 

This is a different way to say "try to empathize with the customer." As a CSM, you should be able to understand where the customer is coming from, or at least try to, especially when they are upset. 

Through empathizing, you can actually get to the root issue instead of the shallow level of questioning.

We've established that empathy is important to CSMs but it should be clear that you can be vocal with your support and empathy. Regardless of whether you're talking through video or an in-person meeting. 

Do everything in your power to make your customer feel seen and heard. 

Before rushing in to solve your customer's problem, take a minute to comb through the possible solutions that you can offer them and then discuss this with the customer and your internal team.

Talk to your customer about how they want to proceed with the issue or inquiry. Sometimes, what you or your team offer to the customer could be far off from what they're looking for and just frustrate them. 

Therefore, should there be a consensus on both ends with a compromise that everyone is good with, will show how much you value the customer and your team's opinion.