http://disabilityfactsblog.com We Are Your Disability & Workforce Development Experts! Specializing in Organization & Staff Development Solutions Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:35:45 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Be Accountable When working in a community setting, it’s easy to get lost, emotionally and professionally, in the systems that you’re assisting. Stay in touch with an anchor who can give you feedback, perhaps a co-worker. Never keep information from your supervisors; keep them updated with successes and challenges. No one ... http://disabilityfactsblog.com/index.php/maintaining-professional-boundaries-tip-8/ Be a Role Model Customers look up to you so you need to lead by example.  Never exhibit behavior that is unprofessional, such as using profanity or taking advantage of your position to influence others.  Always be on time for appointments and keep meetings concise and to the point.  Keep the ... http://disabilityfactsblog.com/index.php/maintaining-professional-boundaries-tip-7/ Be Consistent Consistency is at the core of an effective professional relationship. Always do what you say you’re going to do.  If necessary, underpromise and overdeliver! You need to be someone that your customers can count on.  Also be sure to treat each customer with the same kindness and respect --- ... http://disabilityfactsblog.com/index.php/maintaining-professional-boundaires-tip-6/ Don’t Shift From Service-Provider to Employer Similar to the previous principle, don’t ask customers to perform personal services or work for you, even if it’s for pay. This may represent a serious conflict of interest that could cost you your job.  It also limits opportunities for your customers to pursue competitive ... http://disabilityfactsblog.com/index.php/maintaining-professional-boundaries-tip-5/ Don’t Open Your Wallet While this may seem obvious, it’s very easy for this to happen, especially when someone is operating on good intentions.  Discipline yourself to only use available program funds.  This includes providing change for vending machines, sharing cigarettes or even food.  Unfortunately, as much as we’d like, we ... http://disabilityfactsblog.com/index.php/maintaining-professional-boundaries-tip-4/ Service Time is Not “Me” Time While the rule is not to self disclose, only do so when it substantiates a point that addresses a customer’s needs.  Don’t use your relationship as an opportunity to vent your feelings.  In fact, rule of thumb: just listen! Active listening places the proper focus ... http://disabilityfactsblog.com/index.php/maintaining-professional-boundaries-tip-3/ Take Care of Yourself Do you want to know how to get on the path to job burn-out? It’s in not knowing where work ends and where personal life begins.  Even from the onset, set clear working hours and respect those hours. Don’t take work home and turn the cell phone ... http://disabilityfactsblog.com/index.php/maintaining-professional-boundaries-tip-2/ Empower Not Rescue Your role is to assist your customers in achieving their goals.  Point them in the right direction, nurture the attitude needed, give them encouragement--- but don’t do the work for them! You may feel that you’re being helpful when you do so, but you may be robbing them ... http://disabilityfactsblog.com/index.php/maintaining-professional-boundaries-tip-1/ I was recently contacted by Tim Moore, the owner of My Disability Blog, a blog dedicated to information about Social Security Benefits.  I checked out the site, and was very impressed with the extensive amount of information on Social Security benefits, especially on applying for benefits.  I've included Tim's blog under the ... http://disabilityfactsblog.com/index.php/disability-resource-my-disability-blog/ Always remember that there is a thin line between making a good impression and deceiving an employer.  Job seekers should never extend the length of time they were employed or add fictitious educational experience to cover a gap in their resume.  The consequences of misrepresentation could mean losing the job.  ... http://disabilityfactsblog.com/index.php/disability-work-gaps-strategy-6/