Interval training for business

When an athlete trains, intervals become increasingly important in the quest for fitness. Intervals refer to those short periods of high effort that complement regular aerobic activity and in the process, move fitness levels higher. The same type of training effort can increase your customer service solutions.

What kind of interval training should you consider? Here are three quick ways to stimulate customer service and employee fitness:

• Role playing - have one of your employees write a one-sentence description of typical scenarios. Then, in an employee meeting, draw from these options and let individuals practice.
• Customer service drills - stimulate a problem that occurs frequently in your business. Have employees play the role of customer and manager to solve the problem. Note how quickly confidence climbs as these practice sessions lead to solutions.
• Fulfillment drills to complete tasks faster - if your company has a process, a drill to practice that routine can inspire and motivate employees; let them compete against each other as well as against themselves. Track times. Track teams. Watch response times grow smaller.

The art of practice adds strength to the foundation of your service. Taking that practice to a new or different level - doing interval training - further defines the muscle. Intervals require effort but pay off big time in the outcome. As a side benefit, this manner of building strength puts a little fun in the business.