Professional Presence

Today's business culture and culture in general has become less formal. The days when bankers and business men wear 3 piece suits is long gone. However with this informality it has made navigating through the laws of dress codes more difficult for employees. This does not mean that a lax attitude towards formal dress should produce unkempt or unprofessionally dressed employees. New workers in the workforce may need some guidance on what that entails. For work at home employees the dress may not be formal however there are steps that a work from home employee can take to feel more professional while working. I work for an university as an admissions advisor. My students are online for the most part. However, my new role requires me to travel occasionally for training. Working from home it is so easy to fall into the trap of sweats and a dingy t-shirt. But imagine the panic that ensues when you are called to a google hangout meeting or a virtual meeting over the web. Sure you can turn your camera off but that is a missed opportunity to make an impression on peers and managers. So the alternative is to make it a priority to shower, do your hair and makeup and even if the outfit is casual to get dressed. Behavioral attributes for a professional include being punctual, using time wisely, being a team player, appreciating cultural diversity and developing skills to move on to the next level. I value my ability to multi-task and place the needs of the team over my own needs. These skills make me valuable to my organization.

The paradox of a slave

I took the seat to the left of my son's father. Nervously I awaited for my second born to walk through the door. With my head bowed I heard him before I had a chance to look up. The clink clink clank clank of his chains sang out and forced me to acknowledge his presence. We made eye contact but I quickly looked away to avoid a rainfall of tears. Seeing him in a green suit with chains binding his hands and feet made my heart heavy. I would like to think that every parent wants their child to do better than them. We pour blood, sweat and tears into making sure that they choose a better path than we did. Our children's failures become our failures. The sweetness of their success we taste and celebrate with them. They, after all, are a reflection of us. I sat wondering if the judge could see my blood, taste my sweat or feel my tears that I have cried along the way. Did the thick green folder speak of my fight that spanned 16 years? Could it possibly tell the story of a teenage mother who climbed from the stereotypes of welfare to a highly successful career? Did he care that my son, when not physically restrained in chains, is mentally enslaved by mental illness. Was my son another number to him and me just another statistic? I quietly waited while the judge reviewed his file. The words the judge spoke have been lost to the vacuums of time. But the sound of those chains still resonate in my mind. I couldn't help but compare my son standing there young, black and enslaved. Legally free and mentally free are miles apart from each other. I wonder if that is how a slave mother felt when her children were sold to another owner. All her blood, sweat and tears being sold at the auction block. What is the value of a mother's blood, sweat and tears?

I'm no Carrie Bradshaw

I have created this blog as a practice forum for my writing skills and to open myself up to potential readers of my future materials. I am currently writing my autobiography which I believe will be a heartwrenching documentary of a colorful life that I hope will inspire and uplift people. I am growing my own businesses which I will often refer to as my kingdom. So I would like to document my journey into my business. I like to think I am royalty and so dont be alarmed if I call myself princess or queen. This blog will be part satire, part expose and part diary of my life. Please leave me comments on my material or writing style as my goal is to grow and get better. Practice makes perfect!

Redbonechik