What are the benefits/risks of a leader putting their employees ahead of their customers?

<p>This conversation was not at all about what I thought it would be.</p> <p> </p> <p>We started off with Rick Alcantara saying he believes the only way to be successful is for leaders to put their employees first.</p> <p> </p> <p>Strong start. I agree. You’ve likely heard me say that it is a problem when companies expect their employees to treat the customers better than they (the employees) are treated.</p> <p> </p> <p>Then Kim Clark talked about DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) and how having an organization that is inclusive will make it more likely that your employees will be better at serving a diverse customer base.</p> <p> </p> <p>“Fix the inside to serve the outside.”</p> <p> </p> <p>Stewart Wiggins picked up the thread by reminding us that taking care of employees isn’t just about compensation. It is always about giving them the authority and empowerment to make decisions and help customers.</p> <p> </p> <p>He added that there needs to be balance between supporting customers and taking care of employees.</p> <p> </p> <p>I believe the saying “the customer is always right” leads to employees being treated worse than customers are treated and that leads to employees who don't want to provide good customer service because they're not respected.</p> <p> </p> <p>You have to be willing to trust your employees more than you fear your customer.</p> <p> </p> <p>Do you think the conversation we had was about the question I posed or was this about something else?</p> <p> </p> <p>Connect with the panelists: Stewart Wiggins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewart-wiggins/</p> <p>Induna Advisors – where he offers Fractional Chief Operating Officer services and Brings resources together to help scale your business.</p> <p> </p> <p>Rick Alcantara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickalcantara/  </p> <p>He does public relations, digital marketing and crisis communication at Rick Alcantara consulting</p> <p> </p> <p>Kim Clark: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/deicommunicationskimclark/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/deico