Voice Mail Greetings & Attire In the Professional Office
Gotta get vent a bit about one of my pet peeves in the professional office. I cringe when calling a professional business, doctor’s office, law firm, etc. only to hear voice mail messages by receptionists or female assistants that appear to have intentional sexual drippings….you know the ever-so–soft, ssslllooooowww, melodic, sometimes raspy female voice. Sorry if I sound sexist with my thoughts today, but in all my years, I don’t think I’ve heard a male voice greeting at a professional office that appears to be intentionally trying to sound ohhhh-so-sexy….and or at least it went over my ol’ head (and other body parts obviously) if I did.
This pet peeve of mine is right up there with women who complain they aren’t treated as professionally as the men in their offices while at the same time strutting around in thigh-high skirts and “show ‘n tell” tops! There’s a place and time for sexy clothes, voices and more (by men and women), but IMHO, there’s just no excuse for them in our professional offices. I also firmly believe it severely dilutes all other efforts made by these women to be treated and accepted as professionals. Actually, and again IMHO… it hurts all women in the workforce.
We all have our unique quirks, opinions and preferences, but you will never convince me that intentional sexy attire and mannerisms increase productivity, efficiency or morale…..it may improve the visual environment (and other senses) for some, but in my professional opinion, the multiple “costs” of allowing such antics in the workplace far outweigh any of the “benefits/perks” it offers a few. And, don’t try to convince yourselves that such attire and voice mail greetings are tolerated only because clients like it. When all is said and done, clients want excellent professional services, respectful and timely treatment and a genuine interest in their legal, accounting or other professional needs….of course, many clients will enjoy such “sights” and flirtations, but I assure you that won’t be a dominant factor in what cements their overall client satisfaction, prompt payments, loyalty, referrals and repeat business. And, if that’s one of a law firm’s or other professional firm’s primary (and usually unspoken) marketing “tools,” they most likely have a lot bigger challenges that addressing. I’m not blind to reality… I know sex sells…. all too many commercials use it to get our attention ….BUT…no one has yet convinced me that “it” has a proper and productive place in the law office or other professional office.
OK, I’m done…just had to get this off my chest (great choice of words, eh?).
Thanks for “listening” and allowing me to vent a bit…wishing all of you a great week, many smiles received and many more shared,
Nancy
( Miz Star from our miniature donkey family sharing her smile with you)
About The Author
Nancy Byerly Jones is enthusiastically resourceful and tirelessly dedicated to helping her clients build success stories that last...and as a family law and workplace mediator, she is a passionate advocate for helping keep folks out of the courtroom and moving positively forward with their lives.
And, oh yes, she also loves every minute at her family's mountainside ranch - the happy and always active home of 5 horses, 9 donkeys, 3 dogs and 1 very tough cat!
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