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As I’ve grown in my career, I feel a need to shed light on some of the skills I’ve developed. In today’s casual, ‘say whatever, do whatever’, world, I feel there is a lost art of ways to demonstrate professionalism at work. Yet, it can mean so much more joy and balance, because you have an internal system in place for how to act at work.
When I think of a true professional, what comes to mind is someone who is respected. It is someone that acts with ‘class’ and thinks before they act or speak. Someone who thinks about what is right for the business or the situation regardless of how they feel about it. Someone who is competent, yet genuinely kind and acts with integrity.
In business, it is not only good to be a good worker but how you are perceived can impact your work and career as well. It is important to think how you and your words and actions will be perceived by others. It doesn’t mean you are necessarily trying to please people, but rather that you do the right thing. The result of doing this is that others respect you.
Which worker is more professional? Let’s look at two workers, Jane and Mary
Jane comes in late to meetings and frequently misses them without good reason. She looks like she just rolled out of bed and gets on a zoom call wearing a tank top and sweats she wore to bed. She can be negative and fires off emails without thinking and often insults others. She is often late to get projects completed and has not really kept up with the latest changes in her field. As a result, colleagues tend to avoid working with her unless they absolutely have to.
Mary comes in or gets on calls dressed nicely with her hair well groomed. She is on time for meetings. She has a positive attitude and speaks clearly with a well thought-out response. If needed she will even go against crowd, politely, if it is right for the situation. She is good at her job and meets deadlines well. People enjoy working with Mary and invite her to be on projects.
Hopefully, it is obvious that Mary would appear more professional which can impact business results and her day to day job. Long term, it is great for her career and even can lead to more joy at home.
What are ways to demonstrate professionalism?
Being someone that others Trust
You do what you say you are going to do. You meet deadlines. You don’t spread gossip. You show up for meetings on time, or communicate well in advance if you occasionally can’t make them for a good reason. You have integrity. This also means not saying things just to please others. You are honest, yet kind and courteous.
Doing what’s right for the business regardless of how you feel
There maybe things at work you don’t like doing. There maybe people who aren’t your favorites to work with. However, being a true professional, means rising above how you feel and acting in a way that is good for the business.
Be Competent
One of my favorite business books, is called the Speed of Trust. In it they say that trust in business is a factor of both character and competence. So always strive to be a great worker and good at your job. Continue to develop and grow in your skills and in your field of expertise. Be the person, that when others need a certain task, you are the expert and the ‘Go-to’ person producing great business results.
Get along with colleagues
Be a person that learns to work with different types of people. This requires being accepting of different types of work styles and personalities and adapting. Be a person that people like working with but also can trust to get the job done.
Dress appropriately for work
It is important to wear clothes that are appropriate for your business. Even think about this if you will work from home and only show yourself during telecons. Don’t underestimate the importance of appearance.
You have good work habits
You are on time, organized, and dependable. You plan, have goals, and you work to meet them. You have boundaries and work-life balance. You practice self-care and respect yourself.
Communicate appropriately
One of the effective ways to demonstrate professionalism is by your verbal and written communication. Write timely, well-constructed emails. Speak respectfully to others regardless of whether they are the CEO or the housekeeping staff. Think before you talk or write. This also requires that you be a great listener …..I could use a little work in this area!
What are the benefits of professionalism?
People want to work with you because they both like and respect you. They think highly of you, not just as a solid worker but as a good person. You have more opportunities at work and in your career. Organizations want you, and if they have you they want to keep you.
The ways you demonstrate professionalism at work carries with you beyond your job and follows you throughout your career. It is wonderful to have previous colleagues always reaching out to you for career advice, for opportunities, or to see how you are doing. When you have a professional mode of working you always have a compass by which to act on. This makes for a more joyful day at work and ultimately more work-life balance. What could be better.
