Why Exceptional Doesn't Work for Me
The Challenge this month on ActiveRain is to write a post on why we are exceptional. I find it a bit put offing to want to define myself as exceptional in anything I may do. That's not to say I lack confidence, I just don't want to be so self-assured that it affects my performance.
Would I want to be considered as highly qualified and maybe at times even better than that? Of course, but to start off a day thinking I am already captain of my universe gives me nothing to strive to improve, and that might make me overlook a detail, as obviously anyone that is exceptional must do everything right. I would never want to be that complacent, besides, my wife would set me straight in quick time.
I focus on using the mind that God gave me, along with the sense of right and wrong that my parents instilled in us, and just try to do the best I can.
What also helps me is a tenacity to carry out a task until completion, and to give it a little more than what may have been asked. Is that exceptional, or just doing a job. We have all heard the expression that 'If a job is worth doing, then it should be done right.' For me, I will always try to go a little extra.
When we take on a client, it is only right that we work to do our best and take no short cuts.
We sit down with a client and listen to their wants and needs. We should be using our ears and mind to register what they are saying and not trying to talk over them and never really hear them. I always hear my clients and when they show a hesitancy to speak, I insist that they let it all come out. Not one of my clients can every ask a foolish question. They may not know all the answers and it is our job to not only know the answers but also ask the questions that may not be obvious to them.
Years back, when I first started out my professional career, I was cautioned to respect the people that sent us their business with the ultimate in respect. I was reminded that our clients are our purpose and the reason we are what we are. Without that client, we have nothing but an ability and no one to use it to help.
Like so many of us, I have clients that have taken the time to write a thank you note for the assistance. I have been called their champion, a teacher, confidant, savior and a list of others. They are the words that inspire me to take that next call and that keeps a smile on my face whenever I meet a new person to help.
Exceptional is not a word I would use to define myself; I was taught humility. I just know I am significantly better than average.
Why Exceptional Doesn't Work for Me
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