ARE YOU A BLESSING OR A CURSE?
Nov 18, 2008
You may have spotted her behind the front desk of a company or organisation. You saw her sipping coffee, reading a novel, or gazing at folks flocking in and out, but there is more to that.
By Lindah Niwenyesiga
You may have spotted her behind the front desk of a company or organisation. You saw her sipping coffee, reading a novel, or gazing at folks flocking in and out, but there is more to that.
Being a receptionist means you are the face and voice of the company. Failure to create goodwill between visitors and the firm will break the company.
Receptionists’ clerical duties vary, depending on where they work. They, at times, do more than answering phone calls and receiving visitors.
In the medical sector, in addition to guiding visitors, receptionists gather financial and personal information from patients or clients, and then direct them to waiting/consultation rooms or respective offices.
Among other duties, all receptionists play a security role. They determine whether you will see the boss. Their common phrase would be: “Can I help you?†followed by, “Do you have an appointment?â€
“Most would ask why you want to meet the person, yet at times some are personal issues that you are not supposed to discuss with the receptionist,†says Tony Kizito, a banker.
The often-perceived attitude of receptionists towards ‘visitors with envelopes,’ has always been a subject of debate. Some applicants say they no longer trust receptionists with their papers.
Rachael, a graduate, says she applied in a telecommunications company, but was told that they never received her documents.
“That’s why it is important to call and follow-up, because some receptionists just dump our documents in trash cans,†she says.
Gloria Nakyeyune, a development officer, says she was once invited for an interview at an international organisation, and the receptionist deceived her that the interviews had already been done.
The mistaken notion that receptionists only ill-treat female visitors, has been refuted by their male counterparts.
Some males say they have seen the rough side of receptionists too, but prefer parting with a few coins, in an attempt to see their hosts.
“I wonder whether they act that way because they are underpaid or just want to be their own bosses,†says Robert Mugyenyi, a graduate.
“I believe some of them are bribed, which is unethical,†he adds.
Research shows that some receptionists are busy bodies. They poke their noses into other employees’ personal issues.
Patrick Katega, a social worker, says a receptionist at his workplace is always interested in knowing ‘who’s dating who’ in the company.
“Even if one is to have lunch with a female colleague, she will spread the rumour like black jack,†he says.
James Odong says some receptionists are discriminative and can put other people’s career at stake. He says they may sign in or clock in for some employees even when they are absent from work
However, not all receptionists are unfriendly. Some are welcoming and helpful, depending on ones approaches.
Susan Among, a receptionist at a telecommunications company, says some job seekers are arrogant.
“Some just bang at your desk, and start questioning without even saying hello!†says Among. “They think we are just school dropouts, with nothing else to do,†she adds.
Among says if such people are rude to her, it indicates how they would treat their coworkers if they get their dream jobs.
Being a good receptionist is easy. If you can positively change the mindset of the guest, you have just saved the reputation of the company you work for.
How to be a good receptionist
- Establish rapport. This involves smiling, greeting and asking in a professional manner, if they need help
- Don’t ask or accept bribes from visitors because this compromises your profession. Remember, the company pays you
- Feel free to interact with the guest, but know what you are talking about regarding the company
- Desist from spreading rumours about your colleagues, lest it will come back to you
- Plough from your own profession and stick to it.
You may have spotted her behind the front desk of a company or organisation. You saw her sipping coffee, reading a novel, or gazing at folks flocking in and out, but there is more to that.
Being a receptionist means you are the face and voice of the company. Failure to create goodwill between visitors and the firm will break the company.
Receptionists’ clerical duties vary, depending on where they work. They, at times, do more than answering phone calls and receiving visitors.
In the medical sector, in addition to guiding visitors, receptionists gather financial and personal information from patients or clients, and then direct them to waiting/consultation rooms or respective offices.
Among other duties, all receptionists play a security role. They determine whether you will see the boss. Their common phrase would be: “Can I help you?†followed by, “Do you have an appointment?â€
“Most would ask why you want to meet the person, yet at times some are personal issues that you are not supposed to discuss with the receptionist,†says Tony Kizito, a banker.
The often-perceived attitude of receptionists towards ‘visitors with envelopes,’ has always been a subject of debate. Some applicants say they no longer trust receptionists with their papers.
Rachael, a graduate, says she applied in a telecommunications company, but was told that they never received her documents.
“That’s why it is important to call and follow-up, because some receptionists just dump our documents in trash cans,†she says.
Gloria Nakyeyune, a development officer, says she was once invited for an interview at an international organisation, and the receptionist deceived her that the interviews had already been done.
The mistaken notion that receptionists only ill-treat female visitors, has been refuted by their male counterparts.
Some males say they have seen the rough side of receptionists too, but prefer parting with a few coins, in an attempt to see their hosts.
“I wonder whether they act that way because they are underpaid or just want to be their own bosses,†says Robert Mugyenyi, a graduate.
“I believe some of them are bribed, which is unethical,†he adds.
Research shows that some receptionists are busy bodies. They poke their noses into other employees’ personal issues.
Patrick Katega, a social worker, says a receptionist at his workplace is always interested in knowing ‘who’s dating who’ in the company.
“Even if one is to have lunch with a female colleague, she will spread the rumour like black jack,†he says.
James Odong says some receptionists are discriminative and can put other people’s career at stake. He says they may sign in or clock in for some employees even when they are absent from work
However, not all receptionists are unfriendly. Some are welcoming and helpful, depending on ones approaches.
Susan Among, a receptionist at a telecommunications company, says some job seekers are arrogant.
“Some just bang at your desk, and start questioning without even saying hello!†says Among. “They think we are just school dropouts, with nothing else to do,†she adds.
Among says if such people are rude to her, it indicates how they would treat their coworkers if they get their dream jobs.
Being a good receptionist is easy. If you can positively change the mindset of the guest, you have just saved the reputation of the company you work for.
How to be a good receptionist
- Establish rapport. This involves smiling, greeting and asking in a professional manner, if they need help
- Don’t ask or accept bribes from visitors because this compromises your profession. Remember, the company pays you
- Feel free to interact with the guest, but know what you are talking about regarding the company
- Desist from spreading rumours about your colleagues, lest it will come back to you
- Plough from your own profession and stick to it.