Professionalism is one of the most important aspects to achieve success in work. Professionalism can open the door to other career opportunities, a raise, or even a bonus. Your attitude towards your boss, co-workers and clients should always be polite and professional, from the way you conduct yourself and communicate to how you interact with others at work.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Carrying Yourself Professionally
Step 1. Look presentable and dress appropriately
Every day, make sure you leave for work clean and tidy to make a professional impression. You should also dress professionally according to office regulations. Avoid clothes that are too tight or revealing, and don't wear clothes that you think are inappropriate for work.
- Estimate what kind of clothes should be worn by observing other employees. If everyone in the office is dressed conservatively with suitably long suits, shirts, and skirts, adjust your outfit. Many companies also have a more casual dress code, such as loose-fitting pants or jeans as long as it still looks professional.
- If possible, cover the tattoo and remove earrings on any piercings that aren't appropriate, unless your boss doesn't mind showing the tattoo or piercing.
Step 2. Adhere to the culture at work
Pay attention to how coworkers behave to get a sense of the culture in your office. Observe how they dress, how they lower their voices when someone is on the phone, or that they enter the staff room for a casual discussion. During meetings, you may also notice how they interact with clients and they always arrive on time or even a few minutes early. Observe the attitudes of other employees to find out what is considered professional in your workplace.
Step 3. Attend meetings and discussions on time
The majority of workplaces expect employees to arrive on time for scheduled meetings and discussions, and be in the office until certain hours. If you don't know your exact office hours, ask your boss. Most offices expect employees to be on site since the morning to answer any calls from clients and ensure the office is functioning during regular business hours.
If possible, try to get into the meeting room five minutes early so you have a chance to cool off and sort things out. Don't come 10 minutes early because other employees' schedules will be disrupted, and make them feel uncomfortable
Step 4. Maintain a positive attitude
Usually, a professional attitude is a positive and motivated attitude. To achieve success, demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge to carry out the work and responsibilities. However, in addition to expertise and intelligence, superiors will also appreciate a professional attitude that shows character and integrity.
Focus on being an honest, reliable, hardworking, and positive employee every day without exception. Work should be important to you, and value success even if it's small
Part 2 of 3: Communicating Effectively
Step 1. Bring an agenda or notebook to meetings and discussions
Make sure you remember tasks or appointments by always keeping them on your to-do list. You can use a digital agenda or a physical agenda. Show professionalism by jotting down what needs to be noted to make sure you're always organized and don't forget anything.
Step 2. Speak clearly, and when necessary
To communicate professionally, you must be able to write and speak confidently and clearly. Be an active listener during meetings and discussions, and wait for the other person to finish speaking before you speak your mind. Speak slowly and concisely so that everyone can understand and pay attention to your point.
If you see a problem with a particular project or client, talk to your co-workers and boss. Don't ignore or avoid conflicts like these. Instead, deal with it by alerting others and working together to resolve the issue
Step 3. Use email or phone, unless the discussion has to be face-to-face
Most companies encourage employees to manage time effectively by using email or phone to discuss minor issues or decisions. There's no need to propose a meeting to discuss a topic that can be completed in five minutes by exchanging emails or phone calls. Wasting other people's time with unnecessary meetings would be considered unprofessional.
Sometimes you need to have a face-to-face discussion to solve a big problem. If so, email the meeting invitation to coworkers and/or clients. Check other employees' calendars to make sure they can attend
Step 4. Learn to accept feedback, then act on it
Another way to demonstrate professionalism is to be willing to learn from feedback. Remember that good feedback should be about work and results, not something personal. Responding to feedback with anger or defensiveness will create an unprofessional appearance. Instead, take lessons from there and use feedback as a way to improve performance.
Part 3 of 3: Interact Professionally
Step 1. Avoid office politics and gossip
Sometimes office gossip is hard to avoid, especially if you're new and want to get to know other coworkers. However, avoiding politics and office gossip can maintain your reputation as a professional employee and avoid getting involved with rumors or hearsay.
By not talking behind their backs on coworkers or passing on gossip, you also value them and can be counted on to be honest and forthright
Step 2. Treat coworkers with respect and a pleasant attitude
You must treat everyone well, including coworkers who don't get along or don't agree with you. If there are coworkers you can't work with, avoid working with them, if possible. Consider talking to your boss if there are persistent problems with the attitude and performance of one or more coworkers. Avoid gossiping behind your back or being rude to the colleague as that is not a professional way.
Step 3. Treat your boss like a mentor
If your boss sees potential in you, he or she may want to act as a mentor to you. So, maintain a healthy relationship with your boss through professional and humble ways. Don't act like you know better, don't want to learn a new skill, or turn down his advice. A boss who also acts as a mentor can open up greater career opportunities and opportunities to develop your skills.
