The Key to Professionalism

Even if your workplace is laid back, and the dress code consists of jeans and t-shirts, professionalism is still the level by which a thriving company is measured. All too often professionalism is assumed to be what you wear and how polite you are, but the reality is that professionalism is the key to promotions and will help you maintain job satisfaction indefinitely. It also separates the exceptional employees, who are committed to doing the best they can, from other employees- who do just enough to get by.

"Professional" used to mean someone who has attained a doctoral-level degree, but it can also mean someone who is distinguished from an amateur. In other words, a professional is someone who learns every aspect of a job and discovers what is needed and wanted by the company they work for. Compare the following and see what I mean.

Amateur

• Uses lower emotional tones- anger, hostility, resentment and fear.
• Flighty, flaky, unable to stay focused and not committed to learning duties.
• Is pessimistic and will avoid difficult tasks as much as possible.
• Gossips and takes up company time doing anything but their own job.
• Gives respect only to superiors, if at all.
  

Professional

• Uses higher emotional tones- enthusiasm, interest, contentment.
• Is focused and clear-headed, even when multitasking, is very interested in the job at hand.
• Remains optimistic and jumps into difficult assignments.
• Is personable but does not gossip and is dedicated to accomplishing goals.
  
• Is respectful to everyone they meet; especially concerning their time.
  

Another clear indication of a professional is someone who is honest with their employer concerning their own needs and aspiration. Integrity is a key concept and something that will separate the professionals from amateurs like oil and water.

Being professional does not always come with appreciation and being professional in the workplace can sometimes quickly turn into resentment if the only reason it is being done is for acclamation, a promotion, or a raise. A professional produces more than expected for their own level of satisfaction and understands that whether it is noticed or appreciated, the goal is inherent in performing the best job possible. This may be the hardest part of achieving professionalism, as many managers, and supervisors are not quick to show appreciation and sometimes do not show it in a way that an employee can understand. However, the result of having a sense of professionalism is recognizing what it takes to do a good job and knowing that you have consistently done the best work possible. Those who are able to master a strong sense of professionalism coupled with unwavering integrity will be noticed in any business!