Are You a Professional at Your Profession?

By Deborah O’Connor

 

What exactly is professionalism? We all know we have to have it to be a success, but how is it defined? The dictionary defines it as “professional status, methods, character, or standards”. This implies that one must encompass a variety of attributes. What exactly are these attributes and how does one obtain them?

 

Specialized knowledge

This can include education, degrees, or life experience. What matters, though, is that these professionals have worked in a serious, thoughtful and sustained way to master the specialized knowledge needed to succeed in their fields; and that they keep this knowledge up-to-date, so that they can continue to deliver the best work possible.

Image

Professionals look the part. They never show up to work sloppily dressed. They are always well groomed, polished, and dressed for the situation. They can always be counted on to look appropriate.

Honesty and Integrity

Professionals exhibit qualities such as honesty and integrity. They keep their word, and they can be trusted implicitly because of this. They never compromise their values, and will do the right thing, even when it means taking a harder road.

If a project or job falls outside their scope of expertise, they’re not afraid to admit this. They immediately ask for help when they need it, and they’re willing to learn from others.

Competency

Professionals get the job done. They’re reliable, and they keep their promises. If circumstances arise that prevent them from delivering on their promises, they manage expectations up front, and they do their best to make the situation right.

Professionals don’t make excuses, but focus on finding solutions.

Accountability

Professionals hold themselves accountable for their thoughts, words, and actions, especially when they’ve made a mistake. This personal accountability is closely tied to honesty and integrity, and it’s a vital element to being professional. They also stay calm under pressure and they honor their commitments. If they cannot keep a promise, they will let their boss, client, or team know as soon as possible.

They don’t make excuses. Instead, they focus on meeting expectations as best they can, and on making the situation right.

Respect

Genuine professionals show respect for the people around them, no matter what their role or situation. They exhibit a high degree of emotional intelligence and consider the emotions and needs of others, and they don’t let a bad day impact how they interact with colleagues or clients. This quote by Barbara Bush says it all. “Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people-your family, friends, and coworkers and even strangers you meet along the way.”

Manners

Be kind and polite and use good manners to everyone you come into contact with, no matter what their role is, and no matter how you’re feeling. This might sound unimportant, but it makes a significant impact.

 

As you can see from these characteristics, professionals are the kind of people that others respect and value and they are a genuine credit to their organization. In order to ensure your own professionalism, focus on improving each of these characteristics.

 

Please feel free to send questions to Deborah at: www.successfulimage.biz.

She will answer them in her weekly column.

 

Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at:  [email protected]        www.successfulimage.biz

 

 

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