If you work anywhere near customers, you must act like cameras are everywhere. In today’s world, it feels like every moment of our day is being recorded.
You go shopping and a security camera is watching you. You walk through your neighborhood and a door camera captures your movements. And when you’re out and about, you never know if you’ll be in the background of someone’s selfie or livestream.
Yet on the job, people may forget they are being watched. Only now, it’s by customers. And with a few keystrokes, any bad behavior can be immortalized on social media or in an online review.
When I worked in TV news, you were taught to think of yourself as always being on the air, when you were around the public. If you do dumb things in the public eye, then you might find yourself featured in a news blooper style YouTube clip.
Still, some people would make mistakes that should never have happened. For example, when you are in the studio or are preparing to do a live report from the field, the rule is that if you are in front of a camera or are connected to a microphone, then you need to assume that you are on live TV.
All it takes is someone in the control room to hit the wrong button and you’ll be on TV. You never want to curse, gossip, or do anything you would not want thousands of people to see or hear.
What can employees do to avoid making these embarrassing and costly mistakes. Consider the tips:
Honor the Rules
If there’s a policy, then follow it. It’s not that complicated.
If you start to make exceptions, then they may soon become habits. Suddenly standards fall.
Consider the Pain
When you act like cameras are everywhere, then you make a commitment to follow the rules. Not sure if you can commit or are tempted to say something scandalous when you believe no one can hear you?
Imagine the pain of getting caught. It’s embarrassing and in some cases it might cost you your job or future advancement opportunities. Now go back to the previous step and follow the rules.
Show Leadership
No matter your position, you can lead by example. While it’s tempting to gossip in public or break a rule, you’ve decided to demonstrate leadership by resisting the urge. This also sets an example for others.
Correct Problems
When it comes to bad behavior, in front of customers, make sure violators understand they are playing with fire. Often this can be done privately and quietly. You explain to them what they did wrong and remind them of existing policies.
This should be done regardless of position. It may feel weird to correct someone but in a business that depends on customers, a mistake by one person may end up affecting everyone.
If you start the conversation with empathy and understanding, most people will be receptive to the criticism.
Let’s Create a Memorable Meeting
