I think "acting professional" is somewhat "objective". If a customer is swearing with "class" (and yes, it is possible to swear in sentences and it be completely professional and acceptable), and a staff member swears in the same way, is it unprofessional, in my opinion, no. Would I make it negatively, probably not, unless the question is "Server used profane language", etc. Of course, if the server swears at someone you can clearly see will have none of it (ex. a priest or nun, wearing clothing that clearly indicated what they do, using God's name in vain) that is unprofessional.
One of the MSCs I shop for, I actually meet with the client on a regular basis to help build shop forms, etc. I can have the mouth of a trucker, but when I am representing a client or company, I am extremely professional and you would never guess that I swear. With that being said, there are many times I'll be in meetings and one of the people from the client will drop and F-bomb across the table, but if I'm the only one not from the client (remember, I'm the angel who has never heard or said those words) I'll sometimes get shot a look and I just respond with "you can say it, it doesn't bother me". One of the questions in their shop forms is "Staff members spoke professionally". So, when I'm shopping their locations, if the staff member and I are both using "those words" (when I know it's not going to be awkward and I know it'll be fine), is the staff member not speaking professionally, no. If the staff member calls another staff member a "f**** b****", umm, yes, that's unprofessional.
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Kyle Bonnyman
Independent Scheduler-Editor-Recruiter-Project Manager
kyle@shopperscheduling.com | (647) 932-7468 |
Facebook: Scheduler Kyle Bonnyman