Okay. You haven’t heard from me since forever. Let’s just say things have been “different” these past several months and let it go at that.

But I haven’t just been goofing off…at least not all the time!
> I taught an “Intro to PR” course Spring semester at The University of Tampa, and I’m prepping for an online “Intro to Organizational Communication” course Summer II.
> I’ve gotten actively involved in a cool international organization, “Global Listening Centre,” as a Director and Chair of their Ethics Committee.
> I’ve been (slowly) organizing an ethics program for the Public Relations Society of America‘s “Ethics Month” in September with an amazing guest (details coming soon).
> And I’m doing my best to adjust to this new existence called “Florida retirement” which is proving to be a bit of a challenge.

So be it. One thing I have noticed is the annoying habit of some individuals (who will go unidentified in this rant for a number of reasons) to not respond to legitimate requests for information, etc., via email. For those of you who know me, apparently I live on email. Regardless of where I am or what I might be doing, I read…and respond to…any and all legitimate emails that I receive.

My Curry College and Regis College students figured out early on that I might be relaxing in my favorite city, Taipei, eating amazing food and generally having the time of my life, and 12 hours ahead of them timewise…but I was available and I responded. My University of Tampa troops are coming to realize this as well.

Why? Simple. I consider myself a professional. I make a commitment to my “clients,” in today’s cases, students, that I am and will be there to help them when and if they need my assistance.

That’s what we’re here for, folks…to lend our professional assistance when and if needed. And, sometimes, that means “sensing” that there might be a problem and offering a helping hand without being asked.

It’s called “professional courtesy” or, simply, “professionalism.” And one thing I have learned over the years is…it’s not “rocket science.” It’s simply a case of doing the right thing at the right time for the right reasons. Or, as the “Golden Rule” suggests: “Do unto others as ye would have them do unto you.”

So, to close out this little rant, “Check…and answer…your damned emails!”