by Rachiel Alarcon

Created on: January 07, 2010

You walk into an office and you see that it has been maintained. No dirt on the floor as if it was just mopped five minutes ago. You look at the glass door and there is no smudge. It looks pristine and clean.

You open the door with a wide smile on your face thinking this is a great company who values its image.  As you head towards the reception area, you then see the receptionist filing her nails while she's busy talking on the other line!

According to the Encarta Dictionary, professionalism is a skill or character expected of a highly trained individual (see http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861736699/profess ionalism.html). These days, offices have sort of lowered their standards when it comes to branding or image.

Certain companies are allowing their staff to do their 'business' (it could be nail filing, gossiping over the phone, etc) while being on the job.

This should never be the case because this will also reflect on how your consumers view the way you do your business.

For example in the construction company, times are tougher these days. The potential Clients are looking for that 'edge'...your company's X-factor that even minute details as to how the telephone call was handled by your receptionist, to how your personal assistant made sure that they were attended to by the office assistants - all these factors are very important.

This can even land you a project!

Business owners and managers should be cautious on how they hire people in their business because this can make or break them. They cannot always be on their toes, making sure that their staff are doing the right way. They should be confident enough that the staff are doing the right thing and making the right call.

As an individual - is it important?

Of course, your company can only do so much for you. As a person, you should also be wary of how you deal with people - your potential customers.

If you think you need to learn more about professionalism, you can send a request to your superior to send you to institutions where you can learn more about professionalism.

Try and practice what you have learned in your house with your family. While you help yourself, you are also doing a good deed by passing on what you have learned to your family.  

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