Being a professional doesn’t necessarily mean wearing a suit or climbing the corporate latter. Professionalism is having ‘the skill, good judgment and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well.’ At its heart, professionalism is about how you present yourself to others, acting with respect and dignity and making the right decisions when it matters most.
Acting professionally is an important part of EVERY work environment. It’s an essential skill for professional and personal growth, yet many so-called professionals often act unprofessionally without even noticing it. Things such as using too much slang while speaking, parroting the latest ‘catch phrases’ (which – seriously is never cool in an adult) being stand-offish or rude to co-workers and customers or not dressing to represent the company in the best possible light can make a person seem less than professional. Professional behavior and attitude frequently play a big part in who gets promoted…and who gets let go if it comes time for lay-offs.
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts for behaving like a true pro at work:
DO: – Be reliable. It’s important to be on time. Show up to work a few minutes early so you have time to get yourself together before it’s time to punch in. It’s no different than when you were in school; you are expected to complete your assignments on time. Then don’t just wait around for someone to tell you what to do…ask what you can do next and don’t forget to help others out when you can. Stay ahead of the curve by soaking up all the opportunities for additional training that you can get. You’ll soon known as the person to go to when things need to get done.
DON’T: Dress like a slob no matter how casual your work environment is. Relaxed and sloppy are two different things. Being wrinkled and messy makes people think you are a careless and inept worker.
DO: Be polished – Come to work well groomed, in clean, wrinkle-free clothes. Keep your communication skills top-drawer, use proper language, speak slowly and clearly and always be polite. Strive to be gracious in all work and social situations. Your actions and appearance reflect on your workplace and say a lot about you personally. Do yourself proud.
DON’T: publicly argue with your co-workers. It’s o.k. to disagree with someone, but do it respectfully and politely. Don’t forget your manners, get angry or cross the line into bad behavior.
DO: Be a team player. Teamwork is the basis for any successful workplace. True professionals aren’t afraid to carry their weight, share ideas and pitch in where needed. They always honest and have a knack for finding the silver lining in situations, they’re humble about their accomplishments while giving praise to others for a job well done.
DON’T: Think you are better than anyone else, act snooty or judge others by their appearance or personal circumstances. Everyone deserves respect as a human being. Professional behavior means never having to prove that you are superior to anyone else.
DO: Practice the Golden Rule. Show people who you really are through the way you treat others including, customers, co-workers, managers and vendors. A real professional is known for honesty and integrity, Creating win-win situations for everyone involved. And when you are acknowledged for doing a great job, don’t forgetting about who helped you get there.