Always Be Professional

My version of a popular saying goes like this: “We don’t drink, smoke, swear, or chew, and we never run with those who do.” These vices get in the way of business; they do not facilitate it. They are distractions, they are distasteful, they are ungentlemanly (and, especially unladylike), they are costly, and they are unprofessional. Everything you do in life has either a cost or a payoff, takes you closer to your goals or farther away, or helps or harms you.  Little, if anything, that you do is benign. And, so it is in business. Vices can kill your professionalism, even if you can’t see it. There is a better way to win clients and build business relationships. Always be a professional.

Drugs and Alcohol

I don’t drink alcohol. I am not against it, per se. Nor am I self righteous when others do. It’s legal in most situations. I just can’t see a benefit that outweighs the risks. Alcohol dulls the senses. I want to be in charge of my faculties. Drinking produces drunk drivers. I don’t want to hurt others, especially while driving under the influence. Alcohol lowers inhibitions. I don’t want to do things I might regret later. Alcohol is expensive. I don’t want to be seen as a sycophant in a business relationship. Getting drunk makes you less attractive (I can hardly afford to be any less so). I don’t want clients, co-workers, or business associates to see me in a state of intoxication. There is nothing to be gained and much to be lost. Avoid the practice in any business situation. I maintain a stiff firm policy: No drinking with clients, co-workers, vendors, sponsors, or the home office, whether before or after business hours, whether at home or while traveling, whether on personal or company time. We just don’t go there as a matter of principle.

I don’t use drugs, I AM against it, and I AM self-righteous when others do. It’s illegal. Otherwise, everything else above concerning alcohol applies here.  Don’t do it.  Ever.

Tobacco

Of course, it is harmful to your health. That alone should be reason enough to avoid the practice, but let us stick with the context of business. Smoking makes you smell funny, yellows your teeth, soils your clothing, takes time away from your duties, and reveals a weakness to addiction which is undesirable in any business situation. Most smokers are unaware of the aromatic cloud that follows them around throughout the day. In decades past, smoking was not only considered socially acceptable, but it was cool. All the movie stars did it. Today, smokers are more and more relegated to sidewalks, back alleys, and airport smoking booths. Restaurants, bars, theaters, office buildings, and retail establishments have all but eliminated smoking in urban and suburban areas around the country, and the trend has gone international. It should have no place in your business world. I want to present a professional image in every business context. I do not want time wasted on smoking breaks. I do not want to be seen as susceptible to unsavory appetites. We strive to hire nonsmokers exclusively in our practice.

Foul Language

Foul language is the last resort of a limited vocabulary. People who use foul language, especially in a business context, degrade themselves and those around them. Its use is disrespectful and creates a poor work environment, especially for the ladies. I once was in a meeting with a new client who let an f-bomb fly in earshot of two of my female staffers. The man had a belligerent attitude, and I feared correcting him would cause a scene. But, I felt compelled to stand up for my staff and our principles. All I had to say was, “Please watch your language, there are ladies about.” He immediately lowered his countenance and sheepishly apologized. I was relieved. He conducted himself honorably in every future encounter with me and my staff. In another instance, I was at the mall shopping for a gift for my wife. I was so impressed with the grace and professionalism of the woman who helped me, I hired her to join our staff. Within a month, I was getting complaints from her co-workers that she was using strong foul language in the office. I could hardly believe it.  When I called her on it, she immediately admitted to the practice.  I terminated her on the spot. If cursing and swearing are allowed to exist they will flourish. That is not the kind of environment I want for my clients and staff. Set a zero tolerance policy and set the best example yourself.

One Final Word

Practicing vice (bad habits and immoral behavior) is indiscretion (behavior that displays a lack of good judgment). This quote speaks best to the issue of exercising vice: “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout, so is a woman who lacks discretion” -Proverbs 11:2. The woman is the small gold ring, the vice is the large pig. Sort of lays it out there, doesn’t it?