How to Be Professional in the Workplace (Communication Diva's Guide To:) by Jennifer Lynn Swanson Page A
Authors: Jennifer Lynn Swanson
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led me to my new adventure in e-book writing.
My intention with this guide is that you will find valuable information in a number of topic areas that you can put into place in order to present yourself in a more professional light.
Some of this information may not be new to you. Some of it will be. Some of it will be information that you already know, but have forgotten about , or are not actually doing at the moment. Whatever the case, I hope that you find what you are looking for, and that you learn what you need to in order to be more professional at work.
Peace,
Jenn
What is Professionalism?
There are several definitions for the word professional.
Originally, there were only three types of professionals: clergy, lawyers and physicians. These were the recognized “professions”.
Part of what defined these positions as professional were:
— extensive and regulated training
— the development of a professional association
— a code of ethics
— a licensing body
Now, this list has expanded tremendously and arguments can be made both ways as to who is and who is not a true “professional”.
Another definition of the word is the use of it as a distinction between someone who gets paid for what they do and someone who is an amateur. An actor who is paid can call him/herself a professional actor. One who trods the boards at a community theatre just for the sheer joy of it, would be an amateur.
Sometimes, we define professionals as those who are experts in their field. Professional photographers, or professional athletes, or professional chefs. While these people usually do get paid, this definition refers more to how well they do what they do. In this definition, there are an awful lot of “professionals” out there!
Being professional is what we are focusing on here. This definition speaks to the manner in which you do things, rather than what qualifications you have or what-if any-letters you have following your name.
EVERYONE can behave in a professional manner, and believe me, those that do get noticed. How you do your job, how you carry yourself and present yourself to others, how you manage your time, how you speak (both in terms of the words and the tone of voice you use), what you wear and what values you hold dear ALL contribute to a sense of professionalism ... and the secret is ...
... it isn’t rocket science !
There are some very simple, practical things that you can do immediately to improve your professionalism. Let’s dive in and explore them a little.
Deadly Details: Seemingly Small Things Make a Big Difference in How You Are Perceived
There are a few little things that may not seem very important, but that add to the overall impression others will have of you as far as professionalism goes. These are things you can work on right away, and are not difficult to master.
The Cell Phone
Don’t be attached to your Blackberry or cell phone. Unless you use your cellphone for business purposes, put it on vibrate in your drawer, your briefcase or your bag and leave it there until you take a coffee-break or your lunch. The constant distraction of checking for texts or emails or answering calls will both interrupt the work you are supposed to be doing, and will be a noticeably unprofessional behaviour for anyone who is paying attention. Keep personal calls to emergencies only, unless you are on a coffee break.
If you must have your cell phone on, either for business purposes or when out at meetings, be sure your ringtone is something you want others to hear. People WILL judge you, no matter what, but if you are trying to improve your professionalism, this is a small way to do so.
I once had a Van Halen ring tone. I grew up listening to them, and the song I had chosen was upbeat and made me smile ... .however, it was not appropriate in a business setting. I didn’t even think about it until it was pointed out to me that it both dated me, (scowly face here) and
My intention with this guide is that you will find valuable information in a number of topic areas that you can put into place in order to present yourself in a more professional light.
Some of this information may not be new to you. Some of it will be. Some of it will be information that you already know, but have forgotten about , or are not actually doing at the moment. Whatever the case, I hope that you find what you are looking for, and that you learn what you need to in order to be more professional at work.
Peace,
Jenn
What is Professionalism?
There are several definitions for the word professional.
Originally, there were only three types of professionals: clergy, lawyers and physicians. These were the recognized “professions”.
Part of what defined these positions as professional were:
— extensive and regulated training
— the development of a professional association
— a code of ethics
— a licensing body
Now, this list has expanded tremendously and arguments can be made both ways as to who is and who is not a true “professional”.
Another definition of the word is the use of it as a distinction between someone who gets paid for what they do and someone who is an amateur. An actor who is paid can call him/herself a professional actor. One who trods the boards at a community theatre just for the sheer joy of it, would be an amateur.
Sometimes, we define professionals as those who are experts in their field. Professional photographers, or professional athletes, or professional chefs. While these people usually do get paid, this definition refers more to how well they do what they do. In this definition, there are an awful lot of “professionals” out there!
Being professional is what we are focusing on here. This definition speaks to the manner in which you do things, rather than what qualifications you have or what-if any-letters you have following your name.
EVERYONE can behave in a professional manner, and believe me, those that do get noticed. How you do your job, how you carry yourself and present yourself to others, how you manage your time, how you speak (both in terms of the words and the tone of voice you use), what you wear and what values you hold dear ALL contribute to a sense of professionalism ... and the secret is ...
... it isn’t rocket science !
There are some very simple, practical things that you can do immediately to improve your professionalism. Let’s dive in and explore them a little.
Deadly Details: Seemingly Small Things Make a Big Difference in How You Are Perceived
There are a few little things that may not seem very important, but that add to the overall impression others will have of you as far as professionalism goes. These are things you can work on right away, and are not difficult to master.
The Cell Phone
Don’t be attached to your Blackberry or cell phone. Unless you use your cellphone for business purposes, put it on vibrate in your drawer, your briefcase or your bag and leave it there until you take a coffee-break or your lunch. The constant distraction of checking for texts or emails or answering calls will both interrupt the work you are supposed to be doing, and will be a noticeably unprofessional behaviour for anyone who is paying attention. Keep personal calls to emergencies only, unless you are on a coffee break.
If you must have your cell phone on, either for business purposes or when out at meetings, be sure your ringtone is something you want others to hear. People WILL judge you, no matter what, but if you are trying to improve your professionalism, this is a small way to do so.
I once had a Van Halen ring tone. I grew up listening to them, and the song I had chosen was upbeat and made me smile ... .however, it was not appropriate in a business setting. I didn’t even think about it until it was pointed out to me that it both dated me, (scowly face here) and
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