Finessing a World of Efficiencies
In a world that grows within the technological field almost daily, we are constantly striving to find ways to make life and work more efficient.
Planning our time down to the minute, automating as much as possible, with the ultimate goal of having a streamlined and efficient work space or life.
This ‘should’ ultimately make our work easier. Relying less on human interaction and more on technology. Programs built to fill in the gaps and give us the answers to the questions we didn’t even know we had.
Automating systems so we can work smarter without necessarily working harder.
Moving these systems into our home life so we can pinpoint our peak hours.
When is the best time to make dinner and what meals can we make that are both delicious and nutritious without occupying a great span of time.
Ultimately what we are seemingly doing, is taking away the task of mundane thoughts and actions and automating them so that we don’t have to worry about even thinking about them in the first place.
Ensuring our jobs are running smoothly and we can open ourselves up to other possibilities and other ways of thinking by giving us the time we didn’t have before.
Huge pluses on both sides.
Having the opportunity on a professional side to allow for creative energy, more focus, bigger goals and more opportunities.
And at home, giving us more time with our friends, families, and even ourselves by building these more streamlined and productive schedules.
While being this efficient doesn’t always work for everyone and every case – there is no loss in trying because the gains can be tremendous.
With this said, we do have to ensure we’re not losing the things that make us, and our companies, who we were to begin with.
When we go to the bigger box stores now, more often than not, rather than stand in a line to have a cashier ring up our orders and bag our groceries or what have you – we’re not standing in line to do this job ourselves.
Depending on the amount of things you are purchasing, there is definitely some efficiencies when it comes to self check out.
However when its perhaps a full grocery shop day, these systems are not – in my opinion- fine tuned enough to make ringing up a cart over flowing with groceries by myself, worth my time or my energy.
More often than not, there is some issue with one (or more) items and you’re calling for assistance more times than you can count.
And with a plastic-less society staring us in the face, hopefully you brought your own bags or fingers crossed the self checkout lane you have, has an alternative option for you.
While saving the environment and looking after our planet is certainly a priority – having a paper bag option (just like the good old days), doesn’t seem that far fetched or unearthly.
Then we look at the lack of customer service.
It is not far fetched at all for one to spend their days locked up in their house, either working from home or just biding their time. Then when they need something they either order for delivery, or go to a store where there is self checkout so they can ultimately avoid human contact almost entirely.
While again – the prospect of having some opportunity where we can move through a store as quickly as possible without mindless chit chat certainly has some motivating qualities, we do have to ask if this is a forever healthy option.
We as humans do require some level of interaction and socialization just as a healthy mindset.
If we spend our time avoiding others, this isn’t always the most healthy option.
And while granted, not all in the customer service industry are as friendly as they could be – most know they are there to complete a task and they are trying more than their best to ensure their day – and yours – goes by as happily as possible.
Even in professional industries. We can automate and make things as efficient as possible, but without the art of customer service – at what point do our clients feel like they are getting the full value for what they’re putting out?
At Sentinel, as we started as a boutique firm, customer service has always been a priority.
And even as we grow, even as we try to find ways to make things more efficient, we still try not to lose focus on those who have gotten us to where we need to be.
The customer is always right has always been a controversial topic, especially those from the customer service side – however without that personal interaction – you don’t give them a choice either way.
Sometimes what you may think is small and mindless banter between a business and their client, may be the one thing that brings them back time and time again.
It builds relationships, it builds trust, it builds communication, repore.
It strengthens the bonds that have been and continue to be in place.
It personalizes their experience so they feel seen – they know that their business matters.
We can automate as much as possible.
We can streamline and make things efficient.
However we must never lose sight of what has gotten us to where we are in the first place – the customer and our clients.
Guest Blogger Rayna Davies
Rayna is the Office Manager at Sentinel Security, as well as the main blog contributor.
With foundations firmly routed in Business administration, Customer Service, and Management, she brings years of experience to her roles both within the Sentinel office, and the blog.
Having grown up with a father who has developed an expertise in Physical Security and Executive Protection in the RCMP and two major corporations, she has personally observed and experienced many security details. These experiences have included personally meeting HM Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Jean Chretien and many celebrities.
Her passions include spending time with her husband and two young children, world travel, reading, writing, and pushing herself to always look for the silver lining.
