Notice I haven't mentioned the customers at all? (Until now, I guess, oh well, the streak is over.)

That's because your team must come first. If they don't feel safe, well-trained, heard, and that their role has purpose, you won't have enough of a team to serve your customers anyway!

I know, I know, I just finished saying that "People First" is a red flag term. It is—because it's often more lip service than reality. You, the leader, deal in reality. Put your team first.

Make sure they have the tools to do the job.

Make sure they receive proper training from someone who genuinely wants to train.

Make sure they have a nearby coach to help them improve.

Make sure they receive timely feedback.

Make sure they're paid fairly for their work. Yes, you can pay your best performers more than the newest team members. You're not a cell phone company trying to lure new customers.