The Impact of Professionalism

I “grew up” in corporate. I started there early and was molded by the professionals around me. They helped me polish my behavior, my language, and even my appearance. Looking back, I can’t say I agree with everything I was told to change. I can say that I appreciate the mentorship I received from some amazing women over the years. I agree with one in particular who said over and over again that professionalism is a cornerstone of success in any workplace.

When I teach leadership classes I ask my classes to describe professionalism to me. I have discovered that professionalism can mean many different things and is dependent on industry and company cultures.

For me, professionalism always includes, regardless of industry, how you as a person carry yourself, your attitude, and the way you communicate with others. By embodying professionalism, you can create a positive impression, build strong relationships, and establish a lasting reputation within your organization and industry.

Want to know where to start? Let’s dig a bit deeper into the concept of Professionalism.

What is Workplace Professionalism?

It’s important to note that professionalism isn’t just about appearance. That’s what we always go to first, right? While a neat and appropriate dress code is a piece of workplace professionalism, true professionalism runs much deeper.

At its core, professionalism in the workplace means:

– Competence: You know your stuff, you excel in the knowledge, skills, and behaviors required by your role. And you deliver the results.

– Accountability: You do what you say you are going to do, no matter what. You own up to mistakes. You consistently deliver high-quality work, even on those “holy-buckets Batman” challenging days.

– Respect:  You respect your job, your coworkers, and you go above and beyond your job description.

– Growth Mindset: You seek out learning opportunities and you continuously look for opportunities to grow and improve yourself.

Not sure where to begin when looking to up your professional game? Here are some ways you can foster professionalism in your workplace.

5 Ways to Foster Professionalism

1. Consistently Exceeding Expectations: Professionals go above and beyond, whether it’s helping a colleague in need or ensuring projects are completed to the highest standard. I am not saying to ignore your boundaries, I am saying do an outstanding job with whatever you set out to do.

2. Excellent Communication: This isn’t always easy. Lately I catch myself rambling as I try to reach my point. But aim to articulate ideas clearly and concisely. Keeping everyone informed is crucial. People don’t know what you want them to do unless you tell them. As much as we want to, we can’t read minds. And remember, communication includes both verbal and written communication. Emails and texts matter.

3. Reliability and Accountability: Do what you say you are going to do, when you say you will. Honoring commitments, meeting deadlines, and taking responsibility for your actions are hallmarks of a true professional.

4. Positive Attitude: Can we all be Miss Merry Sunshine 100% of the time, no of course not. I have been subject to a negative rant like everyone else has. Strive to maintain a positive attitude, even in challenging situations. Especially in challenging situations. It doesn’t matter who is to blame, how are you going to fix it? When you strive for positivity, that behavior contributes significantly to a professional work environment.

5. Continuous Learning: Professionals are always looking to improve their skills and knowledge, staying up to date with industry trends and best practices. Those LinkedIn webinars, those networking meetings, those podcasts, and those books (or at least the book summaries) are all ways you can continue to learn and expand your skills.

How to Enhance Your Professionalism

Want to improve your professionalism and your business image? Here are ways to up your professionalism. Not every option below is for everyone. Choose a couple and practice them.

1. Punctuality: Being on time for work, meetings, and deadlines shows respect for others (and their time) and demonstrates reliability.

2. Dress Appropriately: Adhere to your workplace dress code and ensure your appearance is neat and clean. The little stuff does matter. Is your T-shirt wrinkly (because it was in the bottom of your drawer)? Skip that shirt and pick a different one.

3. Practice Integrity: Be honest, accountable, and ethical in all your workplace interactions. Inside your organization and with your vendors, colleagues, and peers.

4. Improve Communication Skills: Invest in developing your ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. We all make mistakes, we all have typos, and there is a way to professionally communicate. Google it, bet you find a few suggestions.

5. Emotional Regulation: Learn to manage your emotions professionally, especially in stressful situations. Flying off the handle or dropping 14 F bombs isn’t going to help your professional image.

6. Respect Boundaries: Be mindful of others’ time and space and maintain appropriate professional relationships. Just because we are all glued to our phone screens does NOT mean it is ok to text someone at 10pm and expect an immediate answer.

7. Stay Positive: Maintain a constructive attitude, even when facing challenges. Leave your personal issues at the door. We all have them, and some are more distracting than others. If you are faced with a large personal issue, take the time to deal with it (and not while at the office).

8. Continuous Learning: Take advantage of opportunities for professional development and stay current in your field. Talk to your employer, do your research, ask your mentor. There are resources out there.

The Impact of Professionalism

Regardless of your “business culture”, being, acting and behaving professionally has far-reaching effects in the workplace. Being professional fosters a positive work environment, builds trust among colleagues, and enhances overall productivity. Professionals are often perceived as more credible and reliable, which can lead to increased opportunities for career advancement.

In today’s diverse workforce, professionalism transcends age and experience levels. It’s a quality that both new graduates and seasoned workers can cultivate to stand out in their careers.

Professionalism is not just about following a set of rules; it’s about adopting a mindset of excellence, respect, and continuous improvement. By embodying these principles, you can significantly enhance your value in the workplace and pave the way for long-term career success.