Professionalism Matters

 

Professionalism Matters

 

What is Professionalism?

·      Behaving in an ethical manner while assuming and fulfilling your rightful responsibilities in every situation, every time without fail.

·       It’s an attitude. Also the way in which an individual conducts oneself in certain situations. The way you speak, dress and the way you organized yourself.

·       Professionalism is a powerful quality. It allows you to fulfill your role to the best of your ability. It helps you to impress and inspire others. And it gives you a deep sense of satisfaction and self-worth.

What is Professionals?

·         A professional is a member of a profession or any person who earns a living from a specified professional activity. The term also describes the standards of education and training that prepare members of the profession with the particular knowledge and skills necessary to perform their specific role within that profession.

·         Professional means relating to a person's work, especially work that requires special training.

            Different traits of a professional.

1. Competence

As a professional, you get the job done – and done well. Your abilities match the requirements of your role, and you often produce results that exceed expectations.

But you never plow on simply for the sake of appearances. Instead, your professionalism allows you to manage your own and others' expectations, and to ask for support when necessary.

2. Knowledge

Professionalism involves developing detailed, up-to-date knowledge, which is often highly specialized. At every stage of your career you can strive to master your role – and keep adding to what you know.

It's also important to put your knowledge into action. Being professional means feeling confident to show what you know – not for self-promotion, but to help yourself and others to succeed.

 

3. Conscientiousness

Professionalism involves being reliable, setting your own high standards, and showing that you care about every aspect of your job. It's about being industrious and organized, and holding yourself accountable for your thoughts, words and actions.But don't confuse conscientiousness with working longer hours than everyone else, or obsessing about details. True professionals plan and prioritize their work to keep it under control, and they don't let perfectionism hold them back.

 

4. Integrity

Integrity is what keeps professional people true to their word. It also stops them compromising their values, even if that means taking a harder road.

Integrity is bound up with being honest – to yourself, and to the people you meet. Your beliefs and behaviors are aligned, and everyone can see that you're genuine.

 

5. Respect

Professionalism means being a role model for politeness and good manners – to everyone, not just those you need to impress.

What's more, you show that you truly respect other people by taking their needs into account, and by helping to uphold their rights.

6. Emotional Intelligence

To be a true professional you need to stay professional even under pressure. This takes strategies for managing your emotions, plus a clear awareness of other people's feelings. In short, emotional intelligence is essential.

Sometimes, professionalism means keeping your emotions in check. But at other times it's important to express your feelings, in order to have meaningful conversations or to stand up for what you believe in.

7. Appropriateness

A big part of being professional is knowing what's appropriate in different situations. It avoids awkwardness or upset, boosts your credibility, and helps you to feel secure in your role.

Appropriateness relates to outward appearances, such as dress, personal grooming and body language.But it also covers the way you speak and write, the topics you choose to discuss, and how you behave with others.

8. Confidence

Well-founded confidence reassures and motivates other people, boosting your ability to influence and lead. It also pushes you to take on new challenges, because you don't fear damaging your professional reputation if things go wrong.

Professionalism makes you confident about what you’re doing now, but always eager to do it better and achieve more.

Professionalism in Daily Life

Professionalism in the Workplace

·         Here are five ways that you show professionalism in the workplace and some tips for incorporating these practices every single day at work!

1.    Workplace Rules and Expectations

·         Follow all workplace rules

·         Complete all tasks and projects

·         Understand what’s expected of you

·         Stay clam under pressure

 

2.    Personal Responsibility

·         Admitting you made a mistake (and learning from it)

·         Taking credit for successful projects

·         Following-through on projects and tasks

 

3.    Workplace Ethics

·         Always follow company policy and report anything that doesn’t follow policy

·         Ask for help if you’re not sure how to handle a situation

·         Your workplace and personal ethics may differ a little bit and that’s okay

 

4.    Physical Appearance

·         Always dress work appropriate

·         Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene

·         Remember when you’re at work that you represent your company

·         Be the brand to the company you work for, representing both yourself and your company is the best way.

5.    Language

·         Keep politics at home

·         Avoid swearing

·         Keep topics at work appropriate

·         Good communication skill in the workplace

v  Tone and language used by employees to employers

v  Tone and language used by employees and clients

·         Ensure to pick the right communication methods

Here are 12 ways you can develop and practice professionalism:   

1. 1. Be productive
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3. Use your time productively at work.  Focus on your job responsibilities and avoid getting pulled into social media, web browsing and phone activity while on the clock.
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5. 2. Develop a professional image
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   Project a professional presence and dress appropriately for your industry and organization.  A good rule of thumb is to dress in the position you aspire to have.
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8. 3. Take the initiative
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   Ask for more projects to be given to you or think of assignments that will meet your organization's goals.  You don’t want to be under-utilized.
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11. 4. Maintain effective work habits
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    Prioritize, plan and manage your assignments and projects.  Follow up and follow through with your supervisor and team members.
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14. 5. Manage your time efficiently
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16. Establish priorities, set goals and create action plans to meet deadlines.
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18. 6. Demonstrate integrity
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    Be accountable for your work and actions while behaving ethically at all times.
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21. 7. Provide excellence
    
    
22. Produce work and results that reflect a sense of pride and professionalism, often exceeding expectations.
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24. 8. Be a problem-solver
    
    
25. When you run into problems and obstacles take the time to brainstorm a few solutions and alternatives before you meet with your supervisor.
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27. 9. Be resilient
    
    
28. Develop coping skills to manage setbacks and challenges with a positive and constructive attitude.
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30. 10. Communicate effectively
    
    
31. Practice professional on-line, in person and interpersonal communication skills.
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33. 11. Develop self-awareness
    
    
34. Learn to manage your emotions and gain awareness of your emotional triggers so you can manage your reactions positively and productively.  Accept and reflect on feedback to assist as you learn and grow.
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36. 12. Build relationships
37. 
    Network with colleagues, customers and clients to build professional cordial relationships, work on teams and collaborate effectively.