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Professionalism, Telephone and Email Etiquette. Presenter Nicole Brantley City of Savannah. Professionalism. What is it? Who is it expected from? How is it measured? Why bother?. Professionalism . What is it?
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Professionalism, Telephone and Email Etiquette Presenter Nicole Brantley City of Savannah
Professionalism • What is it? • Who is it expected from? • How is it measured? • Why bother?
Professionalism What is it? The skill, good judgment and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well. Professionalism is more than good training and skill.
Professionalism Who is it expected from? • Young people new to the workforce • New hires • Recently promoted • Existing employees
Professionalism How is it measured? • Dress • Demeanor/Attitude • Communication • Awareness/Competency
Professionalism How is it measured? • Dress – what you wear and how you wear it -Creates a visual image -Enhances personal creditability
Professionalism How is it measured? • Demeanor/Attitude – the way you carry yourself -Provides a first and sometimes lasting impression -Creates a mental image -Conduct/behavior Characteristics: • manners • trustworthiness • empathy and compassion • respectfulness • emotional maturity
Professionalism How is it measured? • Communication • Written • Verbal -What you say and HOW you say it • Non-Verbal -Body language tells others about your attitude
Professionalism How is it measured? • Awareness – what you know (competency) • Job Knowledge • Application of Knowledge -Understanding and delivering on expectations • Teamwork -Being cooperative -Demonstrating initiative
Professionalism Why bother? What’s in it for me? • Personal growth and development • Higher self-esteem • Motivation • Higher emotional intelligence • Sought-after ‘subject matter expert’ status • More effective leadership • Respect • Better communication • More influence • Greater wealth • Value to the organization
Telephone Etiquette TRURE OR FALSE • Phone conversations are just as important as face-to-face conversations. • Phone handling skills can resolve or escalate a conversation. • Personal cell phones are private property that, if used discreetly, shouldn’t be a problem in the workplace.
Telephone Etiquette Four Important Phone Etiquette Rules • Answering the phone using formal greetings. Always state your name and the name of your business in the introduction. It is considered best practice to use sir or ma'am to address customers if names are unknown. • Speak clearly. Take the time to speak clearly and in a positive, professional tone. Doing so will put the caller at ease and can diffuse an upset customer. • Listen & learn.Listen carefully to customers. Always allow the caller time to finish his/her thoughts without interruption and ask questions that clarify information. Be sure to confirm understanding with the caller before moving forward. • End calls with a final offer of assistance. This may seem useless but makes a huge difference in ensuring that you have addressed and resolved the callers issue. By asking, “Is there anything else that I can help you with?” This method is also useful in wrapping up lengthy calls and handling excessive talkers.
Telephone Etiquette Tips for Cell Phone Use in the Workplace • Give 100% of your focus to the person in front of you. • At a business meeting or lunch, a mobile device should not be part of the place setting. • In meetings, “avoid reading under the table.” • Have a professional ring tone. • In the work area, turn your mobile device to silent. • Take personal calls in a private place. • Never use cell phones in the restroom.
Telephone Etiquette Practicing good telephone skills: • Presents a professional image • Enhances creditability of your message • Provides a positive impression • Increases satisfaction and decreases escalations
Email Etiquette • Emails should not replace verbal communication. • Treat your work emails as records of your professional history. • Think carefully and thoughtfully before you press send. • Don’t be an email ninja! Use emails as a business communication tool, not a weapon for mass destruction.
Email Etiquette 6 Email Rules to Live by at Work • Get to the point fast. • Reply to emails in a timely fashion. • Keep it focused on business. • Spellcheck your emails before sending. • Don’t “reply all” unless you have to. • Avoid BCCing.
Email Etiquette Practicing good email etiquette: • Presents a professional image • Enhances creditability of your message • Provides a positive impression • Keeps you out of the land of regret
????? Questions ????? Contact Information: Nicole Brantley City of Savannah – Revenue Department Utility Services Administrator (912) 525-3100 ext. 1134 nbrantley@savannahga.gov