The word professionalism should not just be enclosed in the sense that you have a professional license. A professional needs to practice behaviors which are deemed professional by the society's moral standards, licensed or unlicensed. Why am I bringing this up? It's because of an untoward incident I experienced last November 16, 2010 and it is because of that rude experience, I wrote a letter directly to the management of Fully Booked.
Here's a part of my letter I sent the day after:
... I went into one of your branches yesterday, particularly the Gateway branch, to do some book evaluation. As I was in the Graphic Novels section, I found one book, Wonder Woman in title, which has its cover ripped. So, I decided that I might as well open it, since I know that it is allowed in the store. Nevertheless, one of your staff members approached me and snatched the book away from me and told me that browsing Graphic Novels is not allowed. I would have understood it easier if he has not grabbed the book away from me and just told me about your policy and that would have been so simple. So, I called the attention of the store manager, who unfortunately was not in the store that time. They decided to let me talk with their OIC instead, Ms. Alele. I approached her courteously and told her that I am doing a book evaluation. Sadly, her tone when she answered me was insinuating. I did not even see a smile from her all the while we were conversing. There was even this instance when the staff called her and she shouted “Sandali lang!”
And I stressed that:
I would have given them the benefit of the doubt just so to rest my case but I believe that in this type of profession, or in any other profession, one has to practice mutual respect, courteousness and politeness. I hope you could do the necessary actions, especially because you are in a service-oriented institution.
After sending the letter, my heart easily lightened up. Although I believe that I was humiliated in front of other people during that scene, I was able to muster my courage and send my concern to Fully Booked's higher-ups. So, last night, upon checking my e-mail account, I got an e-mail from Fully Booked's Social Media and Public Relations Manager, [she's also the EIC of Fully Booked Zine, by the way]. And I quote parts of her reply:
... Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. You are correct on all counts, Sir, as you are well familiar with our policies being a longtime customer of Fully Booked. The staff should always treat customers with courteousness and in this case, this policy was not followed. Rest assured that action is already being taken by upper management. The staff members in question will be sanctioned accordingly, specifically Aleli and the book specialist.
And with that, I rest my case [which reminds me that I have to still reply to this letter]. Although I don't really love to see the concerned personnel being sanctioned, I believe that we are all aware that our negative actions will have repercussions. As Newton said, "For every reaction, there is an equal but opposite reaction."
And to Ms. Aleli and Mr. Book Specialist, you may have offended me with your insinuating tones and stares, but I still feel sorry for the both of you, because you have forgotten your good morals at home. Next time, write them down on your planners or better yet, engrave them in your hearts so you will bring them all the time.
Remember what my aunt, the Goddess Athena did to Arachne. She turned Arachne into a spider because she was too insinuating and didn't know how to respect others. And as I told Mennie and Eli after that particular incident, "Don't mess with the Mega Bitch [that's capital M & B]."
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| Athena transforming Arachne into a spider |
/dmarco
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