When we transact at government offices, we expect to receive the best service. Government employees should adhere to the highest professional and work ethic standards. But this is not always true for all government institutions.

More often than not, government employees have a bad reputation. Unfortunately, three words describe them: unprofessional, lazy, and inefficient. The professional image of the government agency they represent also gets a bad reputation.

How a Professional Behaves

Being a professional is not limited to a person’s title, degree, or job position. A professional with a good image is someone who is well-groomed, properly dressed, competent, courteous, effective, and knowledgeable. They carry with them a positive attitude all the time and are very good communicators. 

All organizations need professionals at all levels, from the rank and file to the executives. A client walking into a local government office expects a level of professionalism from the people they come in contact with. Clients come from different social classes and should receive equal treatment. No client is better than the other. A government employee who shows no partiality creates a positive client experience.

How a Professional Looks

Professional Image Strategists often say that you only have 7 seconds to create a powerful first impression. So, it is a must to build an impressive executive presence. A professional cares about how they look. Whether they wear an office uniform or not, they should look decent and with authority.

What they wear and how they present themselves reflect their credibility and integrity. An employee with poor grooming is a turn-off not only to the client but to the co-workers as well. Wearing the appropriate dress and footwear is a must. Wearing slippers at work diminishes credibility and respect.

When an employee takes time to manage their appearance, they will look good. When they look good, they will feel good about themselves. Then, this builds their confidence and effectiveness. The more professional they look, the more credible they appear to others.

How a Professional Communicates

There are different types of communication. What people say and how it is said affect their image as well. Are you paying close attention to what your clients are saying? Or do you show impatience when listening to their requests?

These nonverbal cues impact the transaction. Misunderstanding often occurs because the employee didn’t take the time to listen. Unfortunately, this adds to the list of negative customer experiences.

Clients remember employees who are good communicators. Those who know how to listen attentively stand out. They earn the respect not only of the client, but their colleagues as well. They also practice etiquette, attitude, work ethics and professionalism. 

Consult with an Image Strategist

Attitudes and behaviors come from childhood. Knowing how to conduct oneself in front of a client is a component of being a professional communicator. Behavior is evidence of the person’s core character, and that character is evident in workplace behavior. 

Radiance Image Consultancy has AICI-certified image consultants who specialize in professional development workshops that address deep issues. We help the participants understand who they are and how their character affects their work. We offer a range of training programs that empower your employees and enhance their professional image. As a result, they will realize the work values in ethics and professionalism. When a professional image is neglected, problems will persist and negatively impact the reputation of the government agency.

Does your organization have a negative reputation? Do you want to change the way clients perceive your employees and your organization? Get in touch with our professional Image Strategists today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to common questions about having a positive professional image:

What are the three characteristics of a professional image?

A person’s professional image is defined by their appearance, behavior, and communication. Looking well-groomed, acting courteously, and speaking confidently all contribute to creating a strong professional impression.

How would you present a positive image of yourself and your work?

You can project a positive image by being punctual, reliable, and maintaining high standards in your work. In addition, being articulate and confident in your appearance can leave a lasting impression on your colleagues and clients.