It occurred to
me that I learned most of my social business skills while working in the
corporate world. What I like to
call business polite as well as
standards of behavior that are customary and acceptable in corporate settings.
The same is true at law firms. There is a huge difference between what is
acceptable in a corporate environment, as far as interactions with clients and
colleagues, and what might be acceptable at the local grocery store.
This corporate
socialization education can only be learned by doing. Learning how to conduct
yourself in the world of big sharks without being eaten alive is especially
dangerous if you’re a neophyte. If you are lucky enough to be chosen from the
thousands of applicants hoping to work for an American corporation, do not blow
it. It’s true that not every one
is suited to the corporate hierarchic structure. The corporate bureaucracy,
most of which are replete with strict rules of protocol and procedures, is not
the place for every able candidate. For those who prefer less rigidity, there
are a number of low-key but highly successful companies to chose from. While
there is a more casual situation in the office, even these companies demand a
stringent adherence to core corporate values. This system of corporate values
is customer driven. It is the building blocks on which their corporate culture
is built. It’s the attitude that a Google or Zappos imbues their staff with; it
will be your responsibility to give each customer the BEST experience they can
have. Not the nicest, not a good
one. The demand is high for the BEST
service they can find. Nothing less will do. The more regimented
corporation including medium to large size law firms, will have many subtle and
unbendable rules of behavior, adherence to which are non-negotiable. This is so
in the office, amongst co-workers and their supervisors and managers, as well
as towards clients and their staff. Yes. The secretaries, assistants,
paralegals and file clerks working for your client are also given the same
level of professional service as their boss. It is expected that they treat you
with that type of professionalism in return. It is all a reflection on the corporation. If you look at
structure and rules within a highly successful organization as a learning and
growing tool, it will serve you well throughout your life.
How valuable is this type
of work environment? Very. This type of conformity, particularly when your
young and starting out is your ticket to learning in an environment that can be
found nowhere else. This is the door that swings open to let anyone willing to
put in the effort, the chance to develop the emotional, intellectual and
psychological skills needed to compete with anyone, anywhere. I believe this is
the extension of your formal education. In fact, if you did not have the chance
to receive a formal education, you can learn every aspect of a business and
excel. You must refuse to leave a room without having taken full advantage of
the chance to learn from everyone in that room. In corporate America there is
no giving up when faced with a problem.
The job is not over until the deal is done. If your solution is not the
resolution, go back and reassess. Believe you can. Know you can do what is said
not to be possible. Once you see
you can, no one will ever be able to convince you that you cannot.
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