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What does "Being Professional" Actually Mean?
The
magic question that generally makes everyone put on SCRATCHING THE HEAD or
BITING THEIR NAIL.
The
answer varies but there seemed to be a general lack of succinct understanding
of the concept.
For
some, being professional might mean Dressing Smartly at Work, or Doing a Good Job.
For
others, being Professional means having Advanced Degrees or other Certifications, framed and hung on the Office wall or at Home.
Professionalism encompasses all of
these definitions.
But, it also covers much more.
So, what is professionalism, and why
does it matter? And how can you be Completely Professional in your day-to-day
role?
Defining
Professionalism
The
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines professionalism as "the Conduct, Aims,
or Qualities that Characterize or Mark a Profession or a Professional Person"; and it defines a profession as "a calling requiring
specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation."
These
definitions imply that professionalism encompasses a number of different
attributes, and, together, these attributes identify and define a professional.
So,
what are these attributes?
Key
Points
Professionalism is a trait that's
highly valued in the workforce. It has many attributes, including:
1. Specialized Knowledge.
2. Competency.
3. Honesty and Integrity.
4. Respect.
5. Accountability.
6. Self-Regulation.
7. Image.
1. Specialized Knowledge
First
and foremost, professionals are known for their specialized knowledge. They've
made a deep personal commitment to develop and improve their skills, and, where
appropriate, they have the degrees and certifications that serve as the
foundation of this knowledge.
Not
all business areas have a stable core of knowledge (and the academic
qualifications that go with this); not all areas demand extensive knowledge to
practice successfully; and not all professionals have top degrees in their
field.
What
matters, though, is that these professionals have worked in a serious,
thoughtful and sustained way to master the specialized knowledge needed to
succeed in their fields; and that they keep this knowledge up-to-date, so that
they can continue to deliver the best work possible.
Professionals
get the job done. They're reliable, and they keep their promises. If
circumstances arise that prevent them from delivering on their promises, they
manage expectations up front, and they do their best to make the situation
right.
Professionals
don't make excuses, but focus on finding solutions.
Professionals
exhibit qualities such as HONESTY and INTIGRITY. They
keep their word, and they can be trusted implicitly because of this. They never
compromise their VALUES,
and will do the right thing, even when it means taking a harder road.
More
than this, true professionals are HUMBLE – if a
project or job falls outside their scope of expertise, they're not afraid to
admit this. They immediately ask for help when they need it, and they're
willing to learn from others.
Professionals
hold themselves accountable for their thoughts, words, and actions, especially
when they've made a mistake. This personal accountability is closely tied to
honesty and integrity, and it's a vital element in professionalism.
They
also stay professional under pressure.
For
instance, imagine a customer service employee who's faced with an irate
customer. Instead of getting upset or angry in return, the employee exhibits
true professionalism by maintaining a calm, business-like demeanor, and by
doing everything that she can to make the situation right.
Genuine
professionals show respect for the people around them, no matter what their
role or situation. They exhibit a high degree of EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EI) by considering the emotions and needs of others, and they
don't let a bad day impact how they interact with colleagues or clients.
Professionals
look the part – they don't show up to work sloppily dressed, with unkempt hair.
They're polished, and they dress appropriately for the situation. Because if
this, they exude an air of confidence, and they gain respect for this.
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