Do you have a tip jar on your desk?

Have you ever noticed when you go to ice cream stores, coffee shops or limited service restaurants you will find a tip jar at the cash register? I often wonder why I should tip the ice cream server (or barista or person taking orders and working the cash register) when that is what they are paid to do. Unlike a waiter or a waitress who has to anticipate the differing needs of each of their tables and juggle multiple tasks, they are hired to do one thing – serve ice cream/coffee. They can get more or less creative with their serving technique, but ultimately, they are hired to provide one service.

I realize the answer to my question is obvious. Tip jars are present because they don’t get paid much to serve ice cream and they are providing a service, but this made me think about having a tip jar in my office. As a professional level employee what would happen if I starting asking for tips? Like a waiter, I wasn’t hired to do just one thing, I was expected to juggle multiple tasks and work with multiple people. (Note: In this case I am defining “professional level employee” as anyone who works in or out of an office for a business and doesn’t traditionally earn tips.)

I have worked in the public, private and non-profit sectors and I can say that none of my managers would have appreciated me putting a tip jar on my desk. Over time I had to discover that my “tips” came in the form of verbal recognition of a job well done, positive marks on a performance review, or even raises and bonuses.

I realize that most employees, who work in a business where a tip jar (or the opportunity to earn a tip) is present, work very hard to impress their customers and earn tips. Do professional level employees do the same? Do you do the same?

If you don’t, you should. Being able to work well with other departments, provide top notch service to internal and external customers, juggle multiple projects, and consistently complete tasks accurately and on time should earn recognition in the workplace. The recognition may not be as immediate as a quarter going into the jar, but it should not go unnoticed. Instead of adding up the dollars at the end of the day, add up the “at-a-boys” from your supervisor, the positive comments on your performance review, and the new projects you’re being entrusted to lead. If at the end of the week/month/evaluation period you notice that your “tips” aren’t great, your work probably isn’t great either.

Next time you find yourself being complacent or providing mediocre service, think about the employee serving ice cream or coffee. Will they grow and profit from mediocre or poor service? Probably not and neither will you.

Can you wear shorts to work and still be professional?

Austin is known for its casual nature and the offices in this city are no different. Many executives wear shorts and flip flops and their employees tend to follow suit. I am not a fan of shorts (and flip flops) in any office, but I have to say that in general, it can be appropriate because strong CEOs or other executives are in tune with their customers' expectations and tend to set the tone for the level of professionalism in their office based on that assessment.

The great thing about professionalism is that its definition changes in every environment. It would be much more difficult and rare to wear shorts to work in the financial industry, than it would be in the technology industry.

Professionalism isn't only about what you wear or how you look. It is also about how you speak and how you act. So if you can take command of a board meeting full of high powered executives, make a presentation that captivates your audience and delivers your message clearly, you can probably wear shorts to work. (Note: This assumes you are in an office/industry that allows shorts as part of their dress code).

However, if you produce sloppy work, show up late, have difficulty conveying your message or earning the respect of your peers, you won't be doing yourself any favors by wearing shorts. If you cannot speak and act professionally - you better at least dress professionally!

In today's economy where unemployment is at an all time high, you should treat each day in the office as a job interview and be prepared to demonstrate the value you provide to the organization daily. Whether you like it or not, value isn't based only your technical ability, but it is also how you present yourself as a representative of the organization in and out of the office.

Most experts on this topic would agree that if you are interacting with the customer or client, you should dress in professional attire. I recommend you follow your CEO's lead. If your CEO wears shorts and flip flops and your business is currently sustainable and successful, it works. If your business is not thriving, dress code is probably just one of the issues where you can improve.