“Managing for Stakeholders: Survival, Reputation, and Success" by R. Edward Freeman, Jeffrey S. Harrison, and Andrew C. Wicks is a comprehensive examination of stakeholder theory and its application in modern business. The book argues that organisations should prioritise the interests of all stakeholders—not just shareholders—to achieve long-term success and sustainability. This approach, known as stakeholder management, involves identifying, understanding, and balancing the needs and concerns of various groups that are affected by or can affect the organisation.
"How to Wow" by Adrian Swinscoe is a customer service and experience guide that provides practical insights and strategies for businesses to create remarkable customer experiences effortlessly. The author, drawing on his extensive experience in customer service, outlines 68 actionable ways to enhance the customer journey and leave a lasting positive impression.
"Leading the Customer Experience" by Sarah Cook is a comprehensive guide for organisations aiming to deliver exceptional customer service and create long-lasting customer loyalty. Cook emphasises that in today’s highly competitive market, providing an outstanding customer experience (CX) is not just a differentiator but a necessity for businesses to thrive.
"5 Star Service: How to Deliver Exceptional Customer Service" by Michael Heppell is a comprehensive guide that explores the principles and strategies behind providing outstanding customer service. Heppell's book goes beyond the basics, aiming to empower individuals and organisations to elevate their customer service practices to a level that not only meets but exceeds customer expectations.
The Disney Way: Harnessing the Management Secrets of Disney in Your Company is a book by Bill Capodagli and Lynn Jackson that explores the business practices and management principles that have made The Walt Disney Company so successful. One of the key elements of The Disney Way is the concept of putting yourself in the customer's shoes. This idea involves understanding the customer's perspective and taking steps to ensure that their experience is as positive as possible. Disney is known for its exceptional customer service and attention to detail, and the authors suggest that this is in large part due to the company's commitment to putting itself in the customer's shoes.
In Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion, George J. Thompson, a former police officer and martial artist, introduces a communication method designed to defuse conflict, improve persuasion, and handle difficult conversations with tact and effectiveness. The book provides strategies for using language to maintain control in tense situations while fostering cooperation and mutual respect. Thompson's approach is based on the idea that words, like martial arts, can be used to redirect aggression and turn conflicts into productive exchanges.