Be Consistent Consistency is at the core of an effective professional relationship. Always do what you say you’re going to do. If necessary, underpromise and overdeliver! You need to be someone that your customers can count on. Also be sure to treat each customer with the same kindness and respect — no matter how… Click to read the full article
Maintaining Professional Boundaries – Tip #5
Don’t Shift From Service-Provider to Employer Similar to the previous principle, don’t ask customers to perform personal services or work for you, even if it’s for pay. This may represent a serious conflict of interest that could cost you your job. It also limits opportunities for your customers to pursue competitive employment and may be… Click to read the full article
Maintaining Professional Boundaries – Tip #4
Don’t Open Your Wallet While this may seem obvious, it’s very easy for this to happen, especially when someone is operating on good intentions. Discipline yourself to only use available program funds. This includes providing change for vending machines, sharing cigarettes or even food. Unfortunately, as much as we’d like, we can’t be everything for… Click to read the full article
Maintaining Professional Boundaries – Tip #3
Service Time is Not “Me” Time While the rule is not to self disclose, only do so when it substantiates a point that addresses a customer’s needs. Don’t use your relationship as an opportunity to vent your feelings. In fact, rule of thumb: just listen! Active listening places the proper focus on your customers’ needs…. Click to read the full article
Maintaining Professional Boundaries – Tip #2
Take Care of Yourself Do you want to know how to get on the path to job burn-out? It’s in not knowing where work ends and where personal life begins. Even from the onset, set clear working hours and respect those hours. Don’t take work home and turn the cell phone off! If an issue… Click to read the full article
Maintaining Professional Boundaries – Tip #1
Empower Not Rescue Your role is to assist your customers in achieving their goals. Point them in the right direction, nurture the attitude needed, give them encouragement— but don’t do the work for them! You may feel that you’re being helpful when you do so, but you may be robbing them of the opportunity to… Click to read the full article