In this unit, you’ll learn how to identify and close skill gaps, deliver feedback that actually drives change, and co-create improvement plans that stick. These are the building blocks of a high-performing Customer Success team—where every member knows exactly how to grow and contribute to world-class customer outcomes.

Pinpointing the right development areas starts with a blend of objective data and direct observation. Relying on gut feel or self-assessment alone can be misleading. For example, you might notice from call analytics that a CSM’s talk/listen ratio is consistently high—"Talk/Listen ratio = 68/32"—or that they ask fewer next-step questions than the team average. These patterns often reveal hidden gaps.

It’s equally important to listen for qualitative cues during customer calls, such as missed opportunities to confirm understanding or a tendency to dominate the conversation. When you spot a gap, keep your feedback factual and neutral: "I've noticed in your last three calls, you asked only one next-step question, while the team average is five." This approach keeps the focus on observable behaviors, not personal traits, and helps your team member see the opportunity for growth.

Feedback is most effective when it’s specific, timely, and rooted in what you’ve actually observed. The SBI (Situation–Behavior–Impact) framework is a practical way to structure your message. Start by describing the situation, then state the exact behavior, and finally explain the impact. For instance:
"During yesterday’s renewal call, you spoke for 80% of the time and didn’t ask the customer to confirm next steps. As a result, the customer seemed unclear about the follow-up, which could delay the renewal."

Avoid vague or judgmental statements like "You’re not a good listener". If the team member becomes defensive, acknowledge their perspective and gently redirect to the data: "I understand you feel confident in your approach. Let’s look at the call analytics together to see what’s working and where we can improve." This keeps the conversation constructive and solution-focused.

Here’s a sample dialogue that demonstrates these skills in action:

• Dan: Jake, I wanted to talk through your last few renewal calls. I noticed your talk/listen ratio was 68/32, and you averaged just one next-step question per call, while the team average is five.
• Jake: I thought the calls went well—I was making sure to cover all the details for the customer.
• Dan: I appreciate your thoroughness. The data shows that when we ask more next-step questions, customers are clearer on follow-ups and renewals close faster. How do you feel about trying a new approach next week?
• Jake: That makes sense. I hadn’t realized I was talking that much. I’m open to focusing on more next-step questions and seeing how it goes.

In this exchange, Dan uses data and specific examples to surface a skill gap, avoids judgmental language, and invites Jake into the improvement process. Notice how the conversation stays focused on behaviors and outcomes, not personal criticism.

After surfacing gaps and delivering feedback, the next step is to partner on a focused, actionable improvement plan. The best plans are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Limit the plan to one or two key behaviors to avoid overwhelm. For example: "Increase confirmed next steps per renewal call from 1.7 to at least 4 by Week 4."

Agree on how progress will be tracked—such as weekly dashboard reviews or call shadowing—and define what “on-track” versus “at-risk” looks like. Keep the tone supportive and collaborative: "Our goal is to help you build confidence and consistency, not to penalize. Let’s check in weekly to celebrate wins and adjust if needed."

By combining data-driven diagnosis, clear feedback, and actionable plans, you’ll foster a culture of continuous improvement and set your team up for sustained success.

In the upcoming role-play, you’ll have the chance to practice these skills in realistic scenarios—diagnosing gaps, delivering feedback, and building improvement plans that drive real results.