All summer my daughter had been working towards earning her Red Cross “Green Cap” in swimming at camp.
The test for a Green Cap would require that she could complete a list of required skills in 10 feet of water. Currently, she could do everything in 3.5 feet of water, but was terrified to try them in anything deeper. Friends were starting to pass. She was too scared to try.
To support her and validate her fears, we methodically worked with her one weekend.
First in 4 feet.
Then 5 feet.
Then 6 feet.
Then you guessed it, 10 feet.
She was finally confident and ready to test for her Green Cap.
This slow incremental approach was the key to her success, and it also applies in business as well. Companies shouldn’t expect to make huge changes all at once. That’s confusing to both employees and customers. When it comes to service, you don’t need to make a significant (or expensive) leap to wow your audience. Small, well thought-out changes will earn a customers’ trust and build brand loyalty.
What is something small you’ve changed personally or professionally that has made a positive impact?