More often than not, people evaluate exemplary customer service as being heard, validated, and treated fairly. The idea of fairness may vary from person to person. But understanding this gives a deeper insight into the adage 'The customer is always right.' This term isn't meant to be taken literally. It more so conveys that good customer service is understanding, relating with, and delivering on expectations. Meeting those expectations equates to good customer service.

"I was on the phone with an unhappy customer. As soon as I took the call, they were quite aggressive. I realized they weren't adept at non-defensive communication. So I took notes, distilling facts from their emotional output. Once I had a clear and objective lens of what the situation was, I could aptly and calmly mirror their grievance back to them in a more impartial way. Once they affirmed my understanding of their situation was correct, I was able to empathize with and calm them. From there, I maintained a calm and steady patient approach, and the call ended amenably. I think it's the same when communicating with anyone. Everyone wants to feel heard, everyone wants to be treated with respect, and everyone seeks validation. So whenever I'm communicating with our customers, I engage, actively listen, mirror back to them what I feel they're communicating, and validate their needs based on their perception and their reality. I'll present the situation back to them with the external components that may have been outside of their perspective. I'll share with them my knowledge, and the avenues I can explore to help them, and do my best to keep the communication as amenable and as transparent as possible. Show them that you're putting thought into it, exploring all options before reaching an outcome. In the end, by using whatever resources you have, you have to determine how much that customer's loyalty is worth and do all you can to deliver the best customer service experience you can to earn their brand loyalty."