People Skills
I agree that professional appearance is important these days, because of the new business models of open service areas. I also believe that you cannot under estimate the value of people skills. It used to be that there were customer service people who dealt with the public, and the techs stayed in the back and did the technical work. These days, with companies trying to run leaner payrolls, people are more apt to have to multitask at their job. Dealing with the customers, explaining problems, and repair strategies is more common in today’s world of the “smart consumerâ€. Without the ability to identify and deal with the various types of customer personalities a person can lose control of the situation, and quite possible lose business for the company. With a minor understanding of self control, patience, and listening skills a person can walk away from a difficult situation with an acceptable solution for both sides. These are rarely naturally occurring skills they must be taught and practiced to be effective. I think a tech with a dirty, un-tucked shirt is by far less off-putting then a tech that cannot be pleasant and understanding to a difficult customers’ needs.
Scott Hathaway
CNT Instructor
PCI Woburn
Dear Scott,
I completely agree to what you are saying. The tech with the dirty, untucked shirt example is very good, however how do you feel about a real estate agent who is trying to sell your home who dresses in dirty,fadded jeans, a dirty food stained shirt who is constantly swearing? Does he project a good professional image?
I also agree Sarah. As a young instructor myself I feel it is very important to be dressed professional at all times.
That is an excellent point Scott. I am a Chef and teach at a vocational school and that is big change in paradigm for my industry.
For the longest times, Chefs have been relegated to the back of the house (industry lingo for the kitchen), rarely interfacing with customers, and always had this very arrogant and intimidating image.
With the new millennium, the advent of the food channels, our profession has come to the spotlight, our students want to be the center of attention, and we (the instructors) must keep up with the changes. Developing people skills, and learning to teach these skills are of essence.
It has been very interesting to me to participate on this movement, and see how some of my colleagues are struggling with the shift, and how others are having an easier transition.
Sarah,
Right you are because with this method of being a role model you are sending a powerful message to your students as to how much you expect from them as they develop as professionals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree as a young instructor I think it is very important for me to be dressed professional with out lax it sets a standard and if you as the instructor does not waiver from it, it is much easier to enforce it
Scott,
Thank you for these good comments about the necessity of people skills. They are the center of career success. There is combination of factors that contribute to success as you mention such as conduct, language and dress but these are wrapped around the core of effective people skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
