Optimum Talks Blog

First Impressions

Do you ever wonder how a good or a bad day begins? At what point do you determine if it is going to be a good day or bad day?  Can the people we meet affect our day?  Can a simple smile do the trick?

I never realized the impact that I could have on people’s day until I received the title, Director of First Impressions (DFI).  The first thought that came to me at that time was, “what does this title mean and how is it different from all of my past titles?” If I’m being honest, at first I didn’t think there was much of a difference.  However, as time has passed not only have I come to realize how important this position and title is for both me and my company, but also how important it is for our clients, candidates and everyone whom I interact with each day.

When setting out to write this post, I thought back to the first impression I received when I entered Conroy Ross Partners. I remember feeling nervous about my interview, but after taking my first step into the office, I had a great feeling; a feeling that made me want to come back. There was an addictive energy and I wanted to be a part of what was going on behind the very doors that I had just walked through.  The warm welcome and friendly environment eased my nerves to a calming state. I realized that I was here for much more than an interview; I was here to have a conversation with someone about a new opportunity.

Once I became the DFI at Optimum Talent, I felt a responsibility to not only maintain the title, but to be the primary image of the organization and create the same feeling for others that I had experienced.  This had me wondering: Could I make a difference as the DFI? And, how could I go about doing so?

The answer to my question made me immediately think about the people around me. We spend most of our day with our co-workers. I consider the people I work with to be my work family. I care about them, not only in my day-to-day work environment, but on a personal level as well.  In my role as DFI, I am first and foremost representing my work family who ultimately makeup our great company. Ensuring that my work family feels welcome and that their day turns out to be a good one is something I take pride in. I can’t solve everyone’s issues throughout the day; however, if I can impact our team in a positive manner then they will likely impact others in the same way.

I also realized that I’m not just someone with a unique title; I am a reflection of our brand. We value our people, clients, and candidates and we take pride in their achievements from start to finish. That means the second someone walks through the door it becomes much more than asking them about who they are here to see, or if they’d like a water or coffee, it’s about the people and their story. It’s about caring for someone who may have uncertainty about their future, their family, their company, their life, etc.  In addition to all of the “normal” responsibilities I have, perhaps the most important duty of all is to offer a simple smile, a friendly hello, and engage with the people who walk through the door.

I want our clients, candidates and everyone coming through our doors to feel the same way I did when I first arrived; important, valued, wanted, and cared for. A first impression can be either good or bad and it can shape an individual’s day or perhaps even their future. The friendly smile I received the first time I walked into this office has lasted me nearly four years, and I want everyone we interact with to feel the same way I do each day. Many people say a smile can go a long way. You never know what that simple act of kindness can do for someone and if nothing else, it can at least turn a bad day into something good, perhaps even great.  So I’ll leave you with this 🙂 …

-Sherlyn Mendes