Priorities.

I know that everyone has a list in their heads of what things are the most important. To some it is an education, others is serving the country and some people think that a family is the most important thing.

Let me also start by saying that I am not writing this to say that anyone’s priorities are wrong, or should be in a different order.

I work in an advising office, and I see students every day who think that education is the most important thing. There are the few who show up on time, with everything needed in hand completely prepared to map out the rest of their college career. Then there are the other students. The ones who show up late or not at all and don’t even remember what their majors are. These students, the ones who say that education is a priority and then don’t commit strike a nerve, to get what you want you have to do what is asked and even what is not asked.

Going on job interviews is no different story. I have not personally been the one interviewing perspective employees but have heard stories about perspectives sounding very enthusiastic on the phone and having an amazing resume show up with wrinkled clothing and alcohol on their breath.

By now you may be thinking what does this have to do with public relations? So what if kids show up for appointments late and perspective employees don’t show up dressed appropriately? In the public relations profession you wear many hats, that is no secret.

Working for an agency will require you to put the same amount of effort to all of your clients, and working for a company requires dedication to that brand. If you have an amazing proposal for a client, and show up in your pajamas completely unprepared your brilliant idea means nothing.

It is also important to prioritize your values. The PRSA has its code of ethics, and each employer will have their own set of rules to live by. What happens when something is in a gray area, or a client asks

you to lie for them? Do you do it? Ethically speaking, no you politely decline but depending on where you prioritize honesty you may be sucked into a tornado.

Prioritizing your life, values and ethics is only one part of the equation. Writing down a list of items, or telling yourself what you think is important means nothing if you are not committed and focused. Working for a specific client may be the most important thing you have to do at work, but if you do not act professional to that client and come prepared to meetings that priority means nothing.

I guess what I am trying to say is to think about what is a priority in your life, really think about it. Once you have a list of two or three items in your head make a plan on how to accomplish them and stay committed. If you have to contradict your values in order to reach your goal, think twice and see if there is another way around it.