Professionalism & Professional Behavior

Professionalism is a challenging value to demonstrate. I am surprised to see it plastered over the walls of retail outlets or companies as one of their core values, but little has been shown in their way of professional behaviors. Being categorised as a professional (PMETs) does not mean that we are one. A professional is a title, and professionalism is about the expression of one’s profession.

What is professionalism? Before we answer that, we will need to appreciate what professional means. A professional is a person who has decided on his profession, and professes to it being his meaning/purpose in life. Your profession is more than your occupation or job; it is what you believe in and feel, strongly about. Most people have jobs but it may not be what they are passionate and engaged about.

Professionalism is about reducing inappropriate behaviors. What is appropriate will need to be determined for each culture. Be aware and be respectful of those questionable and irrelevant behaviors. Some considerations for appropriate behaviors will include:

1)    Respecting distance between another person and physical contact

2)    Minimising touching and knowing where to touch

3)    Using appropriate language (even when emotional or disagreeing)

4)    Dressing that is not revealing or reflects poorly on the organization/profession

5)    Being respectful to the person, their property, thoughts and actions

6)    Living up to your personal values, and demonstrating your company’s core values

7)    Being competent and showing that you know your work very well and can get results

8)    Avoiding personal attacks and offensive remarks

How will you express your professionalism?