You’ve secured the job or maybe you’ve already had the job. Now it’s time to make sure you show your employer they made the right decision and keep the job. By the way, if you’ve already had the job, it’s never too late to learn something new or improve. Improving is actually a good thing. It’s a sign of progression. If you don’t have the job yet (peep that I said yet because if you want it you can get it), that doesn’t count you out. This is important for you too. You’ll hopefully soon be implementing professionalism daily.
What is professionalism? You’ve read the company handbook (or not), and you think you’re good to go. Well professionalism goes way past that. It is an imaginary set of rules that actually includes some of the rules most likely provided by your company via employee handbooks of protocols and procedures, but it also includes more than what you’ll find in there. I can’t say that it’s common sense because you know how the saying goes, “common sense ain’t that common.” However, there are a few factors that could play a role in the confusion about appropriate behaviors in the workplace, such as cultural differences, previously accepted behaviors, and differences in workplace environments. When you come from a setting where certain things aren’t enforced and others are allowed you may not know that what you’re doing isn’t appropriate. I’d easily sum it up by saying, “there’s a time and place for everything.”And work is a place you should be implementing professionalism daily. However, that won’t suffice because everyone was raised differently. Unfortunately, it isn’t always taught either.
The great thing about professionalism is that it’s the same across the board, no matter what work environment you’re in. So, it’s not anything you have to relearn with every job change. Some places are more laxed than others. So, when in doubt, just take the professional route. You can quote me lol.
Defining Professionalism
The Oxford Languages dictionary defines professionalism as the competence or skill expected of a professional. The Merriam- Webster dictionary defines it as the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person. Neither of these definitions do it for me because they refer to the “professional,” which still doesn’t explain anything because a professional can be without professionalism. I define professionalism as the conduct, characteristics, and qualities required to perform in harmony in the workplace. It’s important to note that professionalism goes beyond the skill or academic training required to perform tasks and responsibilities of a certain position.
The Importance of Professionalism
Professionalism is important because as my definition states, it keeps harmony in the workplace. With harmony in the workplace, there is more productivity. The distractions are few, issues can be resolved swiftly, and collaborative efforts can be achieved. This is why we should be implementing professionalism daily. The major categories of professionalism include image, attitude, and productivity. Yes, productivity, the focus on, effort put forth, and quality of work you produce.
Professionalism is composed of pretty much every aspect of the workplace. Image includes not only how you dress but your appearance at work. Do you look disheveled? Are your clothes clean and ironed? This is usually implemented by a dress code. Dress codes are specific to the job title in some professions. However, business attire is defined, and the type of business attire you are required to follow is dependent on your company’s work environment and dress code. Attitude is composed of your ethics, dedication, commitment, and willingness to work. The type of attitude a company wants its employees to have is usually conveyed by the company’s purpose or mission statement. Productivity is determined by your attitude along with the quality you put behind your tasks and effort you put into achieving them.
Ways to implement Professionalism
Implementing professionalism daily includes:
1. Present with a professional image
Adhere to the dress code. This keeps everyone’s focus on their tasks and not on what you may look like. For professions that require a dress code specific to the tasks, it allows tasks to be effectively or safely carried out. It may also be an identifier for customers, clients, or patients. Remember, for interviews, attire is always business professional no matter what position you are applying for.
2. Have the proper work attitude
Show up willing to work. It just doesn’t make sense any other way. If you’re not going to work, you’re wasting you and your employer’s time. If you don’t want to work, it makes the tasks of those who work with you difficult, and it shows through to customers, clients, or patients. Be ethicaland demonstrate integrity. Hold yourself accountable. An important and sometimes overlooked component of work attitude is self-awareness. It is important to be aware of self and how you come across to others, especially when you’re in a position where you work with a team. When issues arise concerning the attitude or tone you take with people, it is not enough to say you didn’t know or intend to come off the way you did.
3. Use appropriate and effective communication
It’s important to note that communication in the workplace goes past verbal communication, especially during these times where many people are working from home. Email is communication as well, and email etiquette must be considered. You must be aware of not only what you say but how you say it. And please know that any message sent over the computer can be found whether its via email or a messenger system. So always communicate with professionalism. This is extremely important for employees that collaborate with others. Oh, and we can’t forget about Zoom etiquette. And I call it Zoom etiquette, but I’m referring to all mediums used to conduct online meetings. Be sure that professionalism is also being displayed when participating in these.
4. Be productive
Productivity starts with showing up to work on time. Outside of tardiness being unprofessional, the less time you have to complete a task, the more likely it is to not get completed or for the quality to be low because it was rushed. This also includes being prepared for work. Without the tools needed to complete required tasks, you are wasting you and your employer’s time. Maximize your time during the workday by refraining from being on the phone and handling personal and/or social matters and activities while you’re on the clock. And last but not least, implement effective work habits, such as time management to achieve goals and complete assigned tasks and responsibilities with excellence.
5. Implement appropriate conflict resolution
Appropriately handling conflict in the workplace is important. These can stem from inappropriate communication, attitudes, or misunderstandings, and definitely disrupt workplace harmony. This is why attitude and communication are important. It’s also important to be able to identify, understand, and handle constructive criticism. Nowhere did I say you must handle the conflict on your own. Handling it appropriately sometimes means removing yourself and escalating the matter to a superior. Most company’s provide policies and procedures that address workplace conflict. It’s important to remember that it is not your job to prove anything to anyone. It is only your job to carry out the tasks you were hired to do. If a situation escalates, or better yet, if you can sense it will, take it up with your superior.
Professionalism is not something you should have to be taught or learn on the job. The lack of professionalism is what ultimately gets you dismissed from the job. Also, you’re not excused from professionalism just because you work from home. If you make it a priority to display professionalism on the job, you should do well at not only performing the duties you were employed to carry out but growing and advancing in your career. With all that being said, remember who you are and what you represent as a person. Don’t compromise your morals or lose your voice. You should ensure that those align with a company’s purpose and mission before accepting a position. The work you do represents you. So, practice implementing professionalism daily. Be the best representation of yourself. Let your work represent you well and be on the company’s radar for all the great things about you. Not for being unprofessional and disrupting the harmony of the workplace.
And remember…
If you enjoyed this post, check out —> 5 Must- Haves for Every Successful Woman <— for more tips to be successful and —> Will I Get a Job After Pharmacy School <—- for more motivation about the job hunt.
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