Tips for Professionalism in the Workplace
Professionalism in the workplace is a combination of an individual’s standards of behavior; the character he exhibits; the attitude to work; and how he goes about performing his job. These qualities together add up to an employee who maximizes his contribution to the company’s success; while working in harmony with the other members of the organization.
Courtesy
One measure of professionalism is extending courtesy to those above and below you in an organization. Some people in a business setting go out of their way to act respectful to their boss; but treat those who rank below them with less courtesy. The true professional sees each individual as a contributor to the company’s success.
Communicate clearly
Developing your communication skills improves your professionalism. Editing emails before sending and thoroughly proofreading your written communication; and other correspondence shows your boss that you pay attention to detail and improves your business writing overall. The way you manage your conversations also counts. Every conversation is an opportunity to improve your articulation, assertiveness and listening skills.
Punctuality
Being chronically late for meetings with subordinates or colleagues shows lack of respect for the value of their time. Arriving late at work even if a supervisor doesn’t notice is a sign to co-workers in an organization that the individual thinks the rules are for everyone else but him.
Time Management
Staying on top of your clutter and your clock demonstrates professionalism. When all the moving parts within an organization are working together, the organization can compete and reach goals more effectively. Being late to meetings, missing deadlines, forgetting important dates or not completing tasks throws a wrench in your organization’s gears. Constantly improving your time management keeps projects flowing and reflects well on you as a professional.
In Your Presence
Being pleasant to the senses helps exhibit your professionalism in the workplace. Dressing and keeping an appearance in a way that says you take pride in your job and your workplace is a classic tip for improving professionalism. Paying attention to the details of office etiquette is also important. Minimizing personal phone calls and keeping your cell phone ringtone on vibrate shows respect and professionalism. Respecting your colleagues’ time and space reflects professional social skills.
Take care of your-self
Taking care of your physical, mental and emotional health improves your professionalism. Bringing your most optimistic, solution-focused attitude to work every day is a mark of professionalism; this can inspire others you work with and improve workplace relations in general. Only coming to work when you’re physically healthy and capable reflects your commitment to your own health as well as to productivity. Additionally, always elevating and fine-tuning your manners, temper, humility and empathy shows an emotional maturity and self-awareness that many human resource professionals and workplace managers identify with professionalism.
Separate Work and Home Life
Members of an organization are expected to focus on their job responsibilities while at work. They should not allow problems in their personal lives to affect how they behave in the workplace. Professionalism means understanding that when you arrive at work in the morning, you give the company your full attention.
Maturity
True professionals know that some days are better than others at work. They know that unexpected negative events can occur in business. Exhibiting professionalism means remaining calm under crisis situations and being a role model of mature behavior for others in the organization. When the natural inclination is to express anger, a professional remains calm. Professional behavior means being mature enough to accept blame for mistakes that were your responsibility and not blaming others. A professional has enough self-confidence to share credit with others rather than always trying to be the center of attention.
Positive Attitude
An individual’s attitude at work affects those around. A perpetually negative person can create a negative environment for an entire department. Conversely, you should understands that positive attitude contributes to group harmony, cooperation and ultimately success. Having a positive attitude at work lessens the chance of conflict and improves morale.
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