“There is only one boss, the customer, and he can fire everybody in the company, from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else,” is a famous quote on customer service attributed to Sam Walton.
I have referenced this quote many times, including during my appearance at the Eswatini National Customer Service Conference many years ago. While it seems to give the customer absolute power, the power also rests with the service provider to deliver at the very least, a basic customer experience that ensures each customer who walks in returns.
“Thank you, sir, we hope to see you again,” are words I have not heard in ages—or perhaps it is the places I frequent.
The annual Customer Service Week, themed ‘Mission Possible’, ended yesterday. From unanswered bank query lines to frowning front desk personnel, it has not been the best one for me, yet again. However, there is hope for improvement, but only if we see customer service not as a responsibility to customers, but as an inherent way of life for those on the front line. Customer service should not be performed merely to tick a box, but it must be a personal responsibility and a commitment to being friendly and helpful.
This is not AI-generated text. The reason we see so many empty eateries is not entirely down to shrinking wallets, but also due to the service experience people are getting.
To say the experience has deteriorated in many eateries is an understatement—it has actually encouraged us to cultivate our own culinary experiences at home.
In every thriving organisation, one thing stands out beyond strategy, capital or innovation: Excellent customer service. This year’s Customer Service theme, ‘Mission Possible’, could not be more apt. It speaks to the unwavering belief that no matter how demanding or unpredictable the environment becomes, delivering exceptional service is always achievable when driven by the right mindset and values. For me, even just basic service is enough to keep me—nowadays, we do not even get the bare minimum in some places. When you walk out of a shop due to neglect, no one runs after you to ask why or what could be done better—some even say good riddance. That is alarming when considering the sustainability of such businesses.
Customer service is not merely about answering queries or resolving complaints. It is about creating connections, the kind that turns a first-time visitor into a lifelong advocate and brand ambassador. It is the warm greeting that makes someone feel seen, the patient ear that listens to a concern without rushing and the sincere smile that reminds a client that they are valued. These seemingly simple acts are the foundation of loyalty, trust and brand reputation.
Beyond the immediate benefit to the organisation, there is a deeper, often overlooked truth, that is, serving with excellence also transforms the one who serves. Every act of kindness, patience and professionalism refines one’s character. It builds discipline, emotional intelligence, empathy and resilience.
The more we serve with excellence, the more we grow, not just as employees or business owners, but as human beings. Good customer service can nurture the person serving.
True service requires heart. It asks that we go the extra mile even when no one is watching. It is easy to be pleasant when things are going smoothly. The real test comes when the day is long, the workload is heavy and the customer is difficult. That is when excellence matters most. Great service providers understand that consistency, not convenience, defines greatness.
The world is full of businesses that sell the same products or offer similar services, yet only a select few stand out. Why? Because people do not just buy products, instead, they buy experiences. A client may forget what was said, but never how they were made to feel. Every ‘thank you’, every resolved issue, every extra step taken becomes part of the organisation’s story. When service is delivered with genuine care, it leaves a mark that no competitor can erase.
For those who serve, the rewards go beyond recognition or financial success. There is a deep satisfaction that comes from knowing you have made someone’s day a little better, that your professionalism has added value. Service is, in many ways, a form of leadership, influencing others positively through attitude and action.
The phrase ‘Mission Possible’ reminds us that excellence is not reserved for a chosen few.
It is a daily choice, a mindset of determination that says: “I can and I will deliver my best.” It calls for endurance, because in service, tough days are inevitable, yet those who never tire, who continue to show up with purpose and positivity, eventually find their consistency becomes mastery.
In an age where technology increasingly automates many functions, the human touch has become even more valuable.
“There is only one boss, the customer, and he can fire everybody in the company, from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else,” is a famous quote on customer service attributed to American business magnate Sam Walton. (Pic: Emprendedor)