How do you define “professional?”
Wednesday, my friend—a restaurant server—got an interesting opportunity. She emailed me for advice, and she joked that she’s not accustomed to being professional.
I told her nothing was further from the truth. She’s extremely professional.
Why do we all tend to initially define “professional” as “banker-like?”
Unless you’re a banker, don’t confuse your version of professional with a banker’s.
In the hospitality industry, a server’s defining characteristics of professional – humor, confidence, warmth, kindness – are simply different defining characteristics of professional than a banker’s.
I bring this up because Lynn’s ebook about email etiquette will teach you how to be professional regardless of your profession. It will also—in ten short, simple steps—teach you to be kind.
Professionalism in your emails—and in your career—gives you credibility.
Kindness puts people in your corner. It’s the reason I’m in my friend’s.
Sometimes (like in the hospitality industry), being kind is one of the defining characteristics of being professional. That’s one of the many reasons why my friend is a true pro.
What are your company’s core values? Do you embody them?
Yes? Congrats! You’re a true pro, too.
(Yesterday, sales of Lynn’s ebook officially covered all her expenses. Now, when you name your own price to purchase Oh Dear: Restoring Kindness & Professionalism To The Age Of Email, every single dollar will go to benefit the Community Impact Fund of United Way of Champaign County, Illinois. You’d like them. They’re true pros like you.)
