Serious about Service

The word “professional” refers to those engaged in a learned profession. It refers to the manner in which one conducts oneself in the pursuit of a profession. Professionalism refers to the pride that one takes in one’s work and it is as much a matter of attitude as anything else. As we have seen our country transition from industrial to service orientated positions we have also seen a transition of society’s work ethic. Manufacturing and its tangible gratifications both in quality products of substance and national pride have given way to a commerce of service and distribution for which very few of us understand or take ownership of. This is the work ethic that I speak of, a decline in the dedication to deliver and surpass our customers expectations. Customer satisfaction across the board as a percentage is at a dangerously low level. As a country now economically dependant on delivering services to provide for our social and economical needs we have yet to develop, discipline and enrich our knowledge in excelling at it. Branding an image and growing your stature beyond providing a service, beyond customer satisfaction takes a thorough commitment in attaining customer loyalty. And how does one achieve the continuous patronage and respect of the masses? This is where your training begins. To start, a thorough introspection of oneself and the company, secondly a deep understanding of benevolence and humility must rule your conscious and guide your actions. No matter what your position within an organization you must first and foremost comprehend the fact that we all serve someone and the accountability of your actions, its role in the success of the company are directly within your control. In an earlier blog “Social Wallflowers Blossom Too” we uncover the statistical growth of wealth and entrepreneurs in this country; we also discover a need to have an ownership mentality one that understands leadership and its responsibility. Far too many of us are ill prepared to truly take the reins, yes we may own the business and sign the checks but who is being held accountable for the culture of your organization? So many of today’s businesses are wrought with ignorance, apathy and contempt, we find ourselves literally driving our customers into the hands of the competition. Ask yourself? Does your companies actions compliment the resources disposed or are you spending good money attracting new clients and training new staff while failing to keep your existing ones?