Dummy Receptionists

A front desk receptionist serves as the face of her employer. She is the first and sometimes the only person whom the guests of the business meet. Although this is an entry-level role, the receptionist needs a great deal of skill to perform the many tasks. A successful receptionist must be both an excellent communicator and a strong administrator. She also must comfortably interact with individuals of all professional levels in the organization.

The primary duty of a front desk receptionist is to greet the business’ visitors. When guests arrive, she warmly welcomes them. She may also answer basic questions regarding the business, such as hours of operation, as well as provide customers with a brief explanation of the products and services the firm offers.

In addition to in-person greetings, a front desk receptionist is responsible for answering all incoming calls. Depending on the size of her employer, she may use a sophisticated telephone system to accomplish this task. Screening calls as requested, she routes them to their proper recipient, taking and relaying messages as needed.

However, that does not appear to be the case any more with some receptionists I know, let alone the wooden faces they sport; the lack of greetings to visitors and office bearers; routing the calls to the improper recipient like an arrow shot from the dark; not to mention the woefully missing good morning, afternoon, and evening wishes from their repertoire.

These receptionists are not any Santa Claus personas, just as Slim Carlos of Mexico is not, but slim, and the rest is like water under the bridge. And to them, the light at the end of the tunnel has been switched off permanently - Prathap G. Sharjah - 26 July 2011.