"Deal with people how you would want them to deal with you," says Gord M., our Vice President of Customer Experience, offering his golden rule for customer service. "If you were in their position, how would you want to be treated? Keep that simple rule in mind and you'll do pretty well."
Gord joined Avenue Living Communities in 2021 and quickly became a cornerstone of our organization with his recent promotion to Vice President of Customer Experience. He has over 38 years of experience in the customer service sector and has significantly shaped our internal Customer Experience Centre, creating a space where his team members can thrive.
“The main thing I did when I got here was change the leadership structure. I wanted to provide more support for the call centre team," Gord explains. He introduced a tiered system made up of Customer Experience Representatives (CERs), Senior Customer Experience Representatives and Managers. This new structure ensures each team member has the guidance they need.
He also emphasized the importance of career paths. "I wanted to set up a structure with the opportunity for growth—a chance to come in as a customer experience representative, move to a senior role and ultimately a manager role." This clear path for advancement motivates the team and ensures future leaders are cultivated from within the organization.
Creating a positive and dynamic team environment is one of Gord’s most significant achievements. He believes in the power of a diverse workforce and says, "Avenue Living Communities gives everybody opportunities. If you have the right skill set, there are lots of places you can grow."
For those aspiring to excel in customer service, Gord's advice is simple but effective. He suggests, "Watch and learn from others but take a chance. Sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone. Trust your gut feelings and listen." His journey from a shy kid to an outgoing and supportive leader showcases the impact of embracing new challenges and opportunities.
Under Gord’s leadership, our Customer Experience Team has not only thrived but set a standard for excellence in the industry. His resident-focused approach, commitment to team development, and innovative leadership have significantly impacted our organization and the residents we serve.
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