Farewell to Governor General Michaelle Jean
A person of color, class and Canada
As her term ends, Governor General Michaelle Jean will be remembered as being a phenomenal ambassador for Canada. Her image and demeanor with everyone she met inspired not only goodwill towards herself but inspired goodwill towards everything she represented, her community, her government and the citizens of Canada. She truely was Canada’s goodwill ambassador.
Goodwill or bust
I was just giving a business etiquette and networking presentation to a law firm in Calgary and they asked me to participate in a panel on personal marketing tips and strategies for lawyers. A senior partner reminded the lawyers that they are always marketing; everything they do, every meeting and point of contact with clients or potential clients either builds goodwill or doesn’t.
What is goodwill and why is it important?
The dictionaries describe goodwill as – an intangible asset and marketplace advantage based on a favorable reputation. The asset and advantage is hard to measure in business but when it is missing it is certainly noticeable. The favorable reputation is based on the customer’s interactions with and feelings towards the individuals who represent the company.
Who do you represent?
When you are out there in the professional and public eye, what are your points of contact like? Are you your own best ambassador or your own worst enemy? It’s important to understand that to the people you meet and network with, you are like the Governor General, you represent more than yourself. You represent your organization and your profession. That’s quite a mantle of responsibility.
Like it or not … you’ve got the job
It probably wasn’t listed as part of your job description, but you are an ambassador or a spokes-model for your organization. That doesn’t mean you need to have fashion model good looks. It means you need to understand how to model your behavior on classy goodwill ambassadors like Michaelle Jean. You should demonstrate to all; ethics, civility, warmth and character. The traits you exhibit reflect back on your organization.
You are either building goodwill… or you’re not
Our tip is to consciously think of yourself as a goodwill ambassador. In our etiquette and networking seminars we call this advice the host mentality. Think of yourself as a host, no matter where you go. Treat colleagues and clients and everyone you meet as an honored guest and your business will prosper.
Farewell Governor General Michaelle Jean
May we all be goodwill ambassadors like you, for the good of ourselves, our business, our community, our country and our planet.