Non Judgmental is a word in most of my marketing to potential clients. Being non Judgmental is what I practice while working with clients. I am a professional organizer and my job is to help people set up systems to run their live smoothly and efficiently. I have no personal stake in their outcome. AND the pace that a client moves is not my fault either. It is not an attack on my skills as an organizer.
I have heard people say, “They are wasting my time.” “They are taking too long.” “They are keeping me from better clients.” I actually seen and heard those phrases. It hurts my heart. I treat every client the same in general. They are all important regardless of job.And again, everyone learns and moves at their own pace. I am getting paid to be there and I will be there as long as they need me.Now there are instances when you and a client don’t work well together. Sometimes its temperament of the client. Sometimes is something out of your control. But in general I don’t go in with an end date (unless me and client set one), I talk with the client, assess their situation, and try not to pressure them so much with MY expectations that they end up failing.
This statement is hard for some folks to hear: If the client gets organized or not, I am off the hook for blame. If I did the best job I could with them, It’s still on THEM. It is not a reflection on me. I had to learn that. Our profession is not for the faint at heart! We are IN people’s stuff and people’s space! Once we ENTER, we are also entering THEIR emotions. I have to detach on some level and find the balance of compassion, care, and professionalism. Very similar to my Nursing days. I’ve heard sentences starting with ” If they would only do as i say…” or ” I know what’s best for them…” I know some organizers who left the profession because it was too much for them emotionally. I applaud them for recognizing that ( it was one of the reasons I left nursing). then staying in and placing their feelings into the mix.
It is a continuous that I approach every client with care, compassion, empathy, and professionalism. I know that ISN’T just one way to get organized. I leave all my “stuff” outside the door. I don’t place my expectations on them. I am open enough to know that I may not be the right fit. I’m patient to know that it may take time. I love this profession and I love my clients. It just bothers me when professional make it about themsleves
