Teams & Professionals

Ever felt like your team is running in circles, struggling to hit the targets set by management? You’re not alone. In shared services, meeting service level agreements (SLAs) can feel like chasing shadows. The reality is, without a solid grasp of Service Level Management (SLM), you’re setting your team up for unnecessary stress and chaos. So how do we make sense of this? The secret lies in navigating through the intricacies of SLM effectively and humanly. It’s not just about numbers or compliance; it’s about people, processes, and performance. And that’s what we’re diving into today. Understanding Service Level Management Service Level Management is more than just a buzzword. It’s the backbone of how teams operate in the shared services landscape. To put it simply: SLM ensures clarity: It helps in setting clear expectations for what needs to be delivered. It encourages accountability: Everyone knows their roles and what’s expected from them. It fosters a culture of improvement: Regularly reviewing SLAs opens the door for enhancements. Now imagine you’re in a team meeting. The atmosphere is tense; deadlines are looming, and everyone is feeling the heat. But when there’s a clear understanding of what each person is accountable for, it takes the pressure off. You can focus on delivering, rather than stressing. Creating Effective Service Level Agreements (SLAs) So how do we create SLAs that don’t just sound good on paper but actually pave the way for optimal performance? Here are some straightforward steps you can follow: Involve your team: Engage with everyone when drafting SLAs. They’ll have insights that top management might miss. Keep it realistic: Set achievable targets. Aim too high, and you risk demotivating your team. Make them measurable: Use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to gauge success. Numbers don’t lie! Let me share a quick story. Years ago, I launched a shared service center for a large global company. The initial SLAs were set without consulting the team. We missed targets left and right and the team morale hit rock bottom. It was a wake-up call. After getting everyone involved in revising the SLAs, we began to see improvements. Collaboration works. Monitoring and Reporting: The Heartbeat of SLM Once the SLAs are in place, it’s essential to keep a pulse on how things are going. Monitoring performance isn’t just a box to tick; it’s vital for growth. Regular reviews are key: Schedule consistent check-ins to discuss SLAs and see where adjustments need to be made. Celebrate wins: Acknowledge when targets are hit. Recognition fuels motivation. Identify gaps ASAP: If you’re falling short, tackle it head-on before it spirals out of control. Think about it this way: if you’re driving without a GPS, it’s easy to get lost. Monitoring and reporting serve as your navigation system, guiding you through the complex terrain of SLM. Communicating Performance Metrics Let’s face it: numbers can be boring. But if you can frame performance metrics within a story, suddenly they feel much more engaging. Here’s how to make numbers engaging: Use visuals: Charts and graphs can make data digestible. Relate metrics to real-life impacts: Explain how meeting SLAs improves customer satisfaction or reduces operational costs. Engage your audience: Encourage discussions around the metrics. It’s not just about reporting; it’s about collaboration. When we shared our performance metrics with the team using engaging visuals and real-life implications, the excitement in the room was palpable. People started taking ownership, and accountability soared. Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement Service Level Management isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it deal. It’s an ongoing process. You’ll need to embed a culture of continuous improvement within your team. Encourage feedback: Create an environment where team members feel comfortable voicing their thoughts. Identify training needs: Regularly assess where your team can upskill to better meet SLAs. Implement changes swiftly: Don’t sit on feedback; act on it. A few years back, during one annual review, we discovered several gaps in our process due to lack of training. By embracing continuous improvement, we swiftly updated our training programs, which in turn enhanced our overall team performance. The Role of Technology in SLM We’re in an era where technology can either make or break our processes. Leveraging tech can streamline your SLM efforts effortlessly. Automation tools: Use software to automate performance tracking and reporting—less manual tasks, more insights. Data analytics: Dive into analytics to uncover performance trends and customer behaviors. Collaboration platforms: Foster real-time teamwork through collaborative tools that integrate with your existing systems. Back at one of my previous positions, we implemented a new analytics tool that revolutionized our reporting system. Suddenly, we could pull insights with a few clicks, vastly improving our decision-making process. Driving Team Engagement Your team is the engine behind achieving SLAs. If they’re not engaged, you can forget about hitting those targets. Here’s how to spark engagement: Develop strong relationships: Get to know your team, not just as employees but as individuals. Their goals and aspirations matter. Foster teamwork: Encourage collaboration and support among team members. Provide opportunities for growth: Help them visualize their career paths within your organization. One of my mentors used to say, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” It’s a simple truth that holds more weight than we often realize. Invest in your people, and they’ll invest in their performance. Final Thoughts on Service Level Management Navigating Service Level Management for optimal team performance doesn’t have to be a slog. Embrace a human-centered approach, stay adaptable, and keep the lines of communication open. Remember, it’s all about the people behind those SLAs. And the minute you recognize the value of your team, that’s when the real transformation begins. If you’re seeking further insights and strategies on shared services, don’t forget to explore THEGBSEDGE blog. Dive into topics revolving around Transformation, Innovation, and Leadership, all tailored to help shared services professionals thrive. This article was crafted by Vikrant Aglawe, a seasoned expert in the shared services domain, aiming to share insights that resonate with those front-lining the

Ever had that moment in a meeting where you could feel the tension in the air? You know, those moments when miscommunication leads to misunderstandings, and suddenly you’re stuck trying to explain where things went wrong. If you’ve been in the shared services industry, you know that mastering client communication skills is more than just a nice-to-have. It’s crucial for strategic success. Whether you’re an associate learning the ropes or a senior associate fine-tuning your approach, the ability to communicate effectively can set you apart. The way we interact with clients can define our paths, influence projects, and impact our careers. The Reality of Client Communication What happens when you don’t communicate well? You might end up with: Mismatched expectations Project delays Frustrated clients Stressed teams Each of these outcomes can snowball into bigger issues, ultimately affecting the shared services transformation you’re working on. So how do we avoid these pitfalls? Let’s dive into some practical strategies. Active Listening: More Than Just Hearing Too often, we think we’re listening when we’re really just waiting for our turn to talk. The challenge is to genuinely listen. You might be thinking, “How do I do that?” Maintain eye contact Show empathy: nod, respond appropriately Repeat what you’ve heard to verify understanding Here’s a quick story: I once had a client who felt unheard during a project kickoff call. After a few minutes of me talking about our roadmap, the client finally interrupted, feeling frustrated. Had I really listened to their initial concerns, we could have saved ourselves hours of backtracking. Clear and Concise Messaging Nobody loves jargon-filled emails or overloaded slide decks. What clients want is clarity. Writing clear and concise messages is essential. Here’s how: Get to the point quickly Use simple language Avoid unnecessary detail — if it doesn’t add value, it’s not needed For instance, when discussing process optimization strategies, instead of diving deep into technical terms, try something like, “We aim to streamline workflows to save time and reduce costs.” Suddenly, it’s relatable and understandable. Empathy: Walking in Their Shoes This one’s huge. I can’t stress enough how important it is to put yourself in your clients’ shoes. Understanding what they’re thinking or feeling gives you the insight you need to address their concerns effectively. Here’s what I recommend: Ask open-ended questions Take note of verbal and non-verbal cues Follow up with clients after discussions to ensure they feel supported When clients see you care, it fosters trust. I’ve had clients who would rather work with me because they felt understood, even if my proposal wasn’t the cheapest. When empathy is present, success is too. Feedback: The Breakfast of Champions Let’s be real. No one loves receiving feedback, but it’s a game-changer for improvement. Here’s how to handle it: Solicit feedback proactively after meetings Be specific in requests for feedback to avoid vagueness Implement feedback to show clients their opinions matter In my early days, I was terrified of feedback. But I learned it’s a valuable tool for growth, turning my relationships with clients into partnerships. Connecting with Clients: Building Relationships Building a relationship with your clients means more than just delivering a service. It’s about connecting with them on a human level. Here’s what you can do: Engage in small talk — ask about their day or weekend plans Remember key details about their preferences Celebrate their successes I remember working with a client who loved coffee. A simple “How was that new café you mentioned?” made all the difference. It transformed our communication. We went from being just service provider and client to partners working towards mutual growth. Use Technology to Your Advantage In this tech-savvy world, don’t shy away from using tools to enhance communication. Consider: Project management apps to keep everyone informed Video conferencing tools to create a more personal feel Instant messaging platforms for quick queries When I led shared service centers, a well-chosen tool can align both teams on shared goals like process excellence or finance compliance. Follow Up: Keep the Conversation Alive Just because you finished a conversation doesn’t mean the dialogue should end. Following up shows commitment and keeps interactions fresh. Here’s how I handle it: Send thank-you emails after meetings Provide updates on project statuses regularly Check in periodically, even when there’s no urgency Your clients will appreciate the attention and care you provide. It bridges the gap and fosters long-lasting relationships. Keep Learning: Stay Ahead This industry constantly evolves. Keep improving your communication skills through: Workshops or training related to soft skills Reading relevant articles — I recommend checking out THEGBSEDGE for insights on transformation, innovation, and leadership Leveraging feedback from peers and clients By staying on top of emerging trends, you will not only improve your own skills but also ensure your team thrives in a dynamic environment. In Closing Mastering client communication skills isn’t just about saying the right things. It’s about actively listening, responding effectively, and building lasting relationships. When you prioritize clear communication and nurture your connections, you’re setting the stage for strategic success in shared services. So, reflect on your communication style. Identify areas you can improve upon. Your clients—and your career—will thank you for it. If you’re looking for more valuable insights into the shared services industry, don’t forget to check out THEGBSEDGE for content that inspires transformation, innovation, and leadership. And, keep the conversation going!