[Back Talk]

RAMBO SEMINARS GREAT

I wanted to say thank you for the huge contribution PCT has made to our business. We have taken advantage of the Termite Seminar by Dr. Rambo and other offers by PCT. You’re an invaluable source of information and training to us. Also, I wanted to give you a special thank you for the Web site. I visit it everyday and enjoy it thoroughly.

John Atkinson

Owner/Technician

Residential Pest Control

Union Bridge, Md.


PROFESSIONALISM A BIG ISSUE

It is not uncommon for us to engage in general discussions about professionalism and how it affects our ability to realize positive business achievements. But considering the significant impact that professionalism can have on our achievements, can we really afford to have the concept of professionalism reduced to generalities? What does it mean to be a professional and why is it that "professionalism" is rarely, if ever, defined?

Within our industry we seem eager to simplify the concept of professionalism by associating it with our education, technical knowledge, company image, and/or our customer relations. And while these components are essential, we should not ignore the importance of the facets that are not as commonly mentioned.

Having interacted with industry peers from around the world, there is much that I have learned and discovered. Our industry is filled with a diversity of personalities, marketing concepts, technical approaches, business methodologies, and various degrees of skill and experience. It is this diversity that empowers our industry, yet unfortunately it is this same diversity that often serves as a catalyst to conflict.

It is not unreasonable that such a diverse group would experience differences of opinion and personality conflicts. However, we should never forget that our professionalism is also measured by our conduct, our rapport with our competitors, and our capacity to interact with industry peers and colleagues. Being a professional does not require that we always agree and get along, but professionalism is a choice that does require that we learn to agree to disagree, set personality conflicts aside and learn to choose our battles wisely.

There is a difference between being skilled and being professional. When we choose to be professional there is no gray line; you either are or you are not. There is no such thing as being professional on a part-time basis. True professionalism does not discriminate against any particular audience. Professionalism is invaluable, as it lends itself to our ability to earn and maintain the respect of consumers, peers, industry colleagues, employers, employees or co-workers.

It is obvious that there are many facets that measure our professionalism and there is no doubt that professionalism plays an integral role in our abilities to secure success. But the beauty of professionalism is that it is boundless in definition and therefore allows us the opportunity to continuously aspire and consistently evolve as professionals if only we choose to do so.

Claudine Madawi-Plasman

Co-Owner

Hawaii Fumigation & Pest Control

Kona, Hawaii

Write to PCT at 4012 Bridge Ave., Cleveland OH 44113 or e-mail jdorsch@giemedia.com. Letters may be edited for space or clarity.

 

 

November 2005
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