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Reversal

Improving Products and Services

Reversal is a good tool for improving a product or a service. To use it, ask the opposite of the question you want to ask, and apply the results.

Example:

Imagine that you want to improve the response of a service center. Using Reversal you would ask 'How would I reduce customer satisfaction?'. After considering this question you might give the following answers:

• Not answering the phone when customers call
• Not returning phone calls
• Have people with no product knowledge answering the phone
• Use rude staff
• Give the wrong advice

After using Reversal, you would ensure that appropriate staff members were handling incoming phone calls efficiently and pleasantly. You would set up training programs to ensure that they were giving accurate and effective advice.

Key Points:

Reversal is a good, easy process for improving products and services. You use it by asking the exact opposite of the question you want answered, and then apply the results appropriately.

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In the next article we look at SCAMPER, a simple tool for creating new products and services. To read this, click 'Next article' below. Other relevant destinations are shown in the "Where to go from here" list underneath.

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