A good call center manager is considered as the corner stone of a call center as he can make or break a center. Efficient co-ordination and control of agents and other employees under him truly demand a multifaceted approach and a vibrant personality. Some of the vital attributes of a good call center manager include the following:
Textbook listening and questioning skills: Call center managers need to listen to not just countless customer complaints but also grievances of operatives and agents who work under tremendous pressure. Handling the most complex customer complaints or inquiries may demand utmost patience and persistence.
Superior comprehension skills: Call center managers should grasp things quickly as they are working in a real time environment where critical decisions are made in split seconds.
High energy levels: They should have high levels of endurance and a never-say-die attitude as they are working in a fast paced environment, which may require long hours of functioning without break. This job is only for power-packed individuals who can go that extra mile without being bogged down. He should strive to explore the latest happenings in the industry apart from the many routine organizational issues.
Management & supervisory skills: A call center manager should motivate all his staff members to get the best out of them. The eventual success of a call center depends on an efficient team and a call center manager plays a key role in keeping the cream of his work force in his fold by motivating and encouraging them. He should set and meet performance targets for many vital parameters like speed, efficiency, sales and quality. Liaising with supervisors, operatives and third parties requires special skills. He should be an optimist who will never lose hope even in the most trying situation.
Business acumen: A call center manager plays a great role in generating revenue and should have strong entrepreneurial qualities. He should rope in more customers to keep a call center a profit center as the industry is highly competitive and customers tend to switch sides very easily. He should exploit the existing database, all the while augmenting it. An astute call center manager will never lose sight of a lurking business opportunity and close the deal well in time to derive the maximum benefit. He should monitor calls in order to maintain an impeccable track record with the highest possible quality.
Interpersonal Skills: He should vibe well with not just his team but also should get along well with all his customers. A personalized approach may go well in ensuring a loyal customer base, which in turn ensures unhindered productivity.
Bottom line, a good call center manager should be a self starter who never gets tired of keeping up with and implementing new trends of the call center industry.
