When working in corporate, it is essential to behave a certain way. That way is often referred to as professionalism. Learning and embracing professional behaviour is crucial to excelling in the workplace. Companies often look for candidates who are communicative, reliable, and pleasant to work with, in short, they are looking for professional behaviour at the workplace. The way you appear in an employment setting can send several different messages to hiring managers and colleagues. Employees who exhibit professionalism promote positivity in the workplace and conform to the organization’s standards.
For an individual to exhibit professionalism, it is crucial to first understand what exactly the term means, why is it important in the workplace, and how to be more professional at work.
What Does Professionalism Mean?
There is a popular saying that goes like this: “Professionalism is not the job you do, it is how you do the job”
Professionalism is the ability to be dependable, hardworking, and respectful in a working environment. This quality needs to be improved over time by practicing improving how you manage yourself in your workplace, how you interact with your colleagues, or how you manage your tasks. Professionalism often includes dressing appropriately according to your workplace and being mindful of the rules and regulations that need to be followed in the company.
By practicing being professional in your workspace, one can ensure positive first impressions, successful interpersonal relationships, and a lasting reputation within your organization. In an office setting, it is important to value other’s time, be mindful of the way you speak to others, and present yourself as someone reliable. When you practice professionalism, you not only ensure a good time for yourself but also for your colleagues who work alongside you.
Six Key Characteristics of Professionalism
- Work Ethic: Employers prefer hiring candidates who are passionate about their work. They are more likely to prefer candidates who seem like they will engage more in the workplace. Employers are always on the lookout for candidates who show strong work ethic as it displays your commitment towards your job and the company you are working for. Wol ethic also ensures you deliver better results through your work.
To display a strong work ethic, you can start volunteering or taking initiative for new projects. You can also make sure to be punctual and fulfil all deadlines on time.
- Integrity: Organisations usually set policies for employee behaviour that everyone needs to comply with. However, you should always aim to set a higher standard for yourself. You can practice integrity by sticking to your words and being accountable.
By reflecting integrity, you set a standard of morality for yourself. You can always try to shy away from office gossip or avoid discussions on sensitive topics. You can also recognize others for their achievements instead of making everything all about yourself. As a dedicated employee, you should maintain confidentiality wherever required.
- Reliability :
If an organization wants to succeed, it has to ensure that its employees are reliable. This one factor is very critical to workplace success. Departments are way more efficient and effective if individuals can trust one another to work responsibly. When there is a sense of trust between you and your colleagues to create quality content without failing to meet deadlines, it becomes easier to achieve organizational goals.
To be reliable, you need to improve your skills and be adaptable to maintain your focus even during times of distress. The more disciplined you are, the more likely chances of you being reliable as well.
- Consideration :
Organizations look for individuals who have good emotional quotient. People with good EQ tend to be more thoughtful towards others, their needs, feelings, and thoughts. They are kind to their peers in all situations and treat everyone with respect, regardless of their designation.
To become more considerate at your workplace, you can try to be kind to others and help them in times of need. You can learn to become an active listener and understand the situation before responding.
- Accountability: Accountability requires you to admit your flaws and mistakes and strive to learn from them for better judgment in the future. Owning up to one’s behaviour shows honest and forthright manners.
You can always complete your assigned tasks on time and start taking responsibility for project outcomes you may have participated in. Doing this will highlight how you take account of all your tasks, whether successful or not.
- Conscientiousness: Professionalism involves being efficient and organized in your workplace. It pushes individuals to be reliable and accountable for their words and actions.
Conscientiousness is a skill that one learns over time. Individuals often confuse it with overdoing everything that is expected of them. Practice conscientiousness by planning and organizing your work in a manner that does not hamper any deadlines for you.
Now that you have learned the qualities you can develop to look more professional, here are 5 tips to be more professional at work.
- Arrive on Time: Start practicing punctuality in your everyday life. Arriving on time displays time management and showcases you as an organized individual. This will present you as an employee your seniors can rely on.
- Have a Positive Attitude: Most managers appreciate a positive attitude. Professionals who can maintain a positive attitude end up having a positive impact on their peers. This also helps you look calm to your coworkers who may start viewing you as their leader.
- Seek Feedback: Constructive criticism and honest feedback are crucial for growth and personal development. As a professional, you should always be welcoming towards feedback from your coworkers or managers. Take the feedback seriously and work towards improving it so that you allow yourself room to grow.
- Improve your Body Language: How you carry yourself speaks volumes about you. Practice improving your postures. Be mindful of how you present yourself when you are in someone’s company. Avoid fidgeting with things when listening to someone, or slouching in meetings. Sit upright and lean during meetings as it shows active engagement from your end.
- Keep personal matters to a Minimum: Try to not engage in other’s private life conversations or even present your personal life in front of everyone in your workplace. Refrain from engaging in conversations that may hamper someone’s productivity.
The road to success is different for everyone, but there are certain practices that each one of us has to follow the same. Professionalism is one such matter. As you move higher in your career, you will understand that the most basic of things matter way more than you gave them credit for. Better be prepared from the start than being clueless about it at a later stage!
