What Does Being a Professional Mean?

Site Owner

This short account is intended to stimulate you to think about what being professional means to you in your work contexts.

But what is professional behaviour?

Most people would probably find it easier to tell you what being unprofessional is, giving examples of unprofessional people they have dealt with in the past. However, it is much easier and more positive to know what to do than not to do. Thus, some major aspects of professional behaviour are listed below:

Respect for others
Showing others respect is the basis of all professional behaviour. It includes:

Being courteous and having good manners
Being punctual
Keeping confidential details confidential
Being fair in all dealings
Keeping personal opinions of people private
Doing what needs to be done, not leaving it for others to do
Acceptance of constructive criticism
Being fair and gentle when giving feedback
Dealing with sensitive issues privately
Make allowances for other’s mistakes
Listen to others
Apologise for any errors or misunderstandings
Speak clearly and in language others can easily understand

Responsibility and integrity

This is where you must take care of yourself and present yourself in order to gain others’ trust and respect.

All professionals need to take responsibility for themselves and their work. They need to consider consequences and the impact on others.

Honesty is crucial – avoid even the smallest of lies at all costs
If you commit to something, then follow through with it
If you are delayed, let the other person know as soon as possible
Always be respectful about competing businesses/people – point out your benefits rather than their faults
Be prepared before meetings and when presenting reports and the like
Ensure you have made yourself clear to avoid any miscommunication
Avoid conflicts of interest
Be impartial – keep personal bias and intolerances out of the business world
Be reliable and dependable
Take appropriate actions, rather than trying to hurt someone or their business when you feel wronged
Ensure you present yourself pleasantly with good hygiene and appropriate dress codes.
Pay for services and products promptly, whatever the cost to yourself
Demonstrate self-control and avoid public arguments and disagreements
Commitment to quality and to continuous improvement and personal development

A professional can see beyond him or herself and is willing to share

Being professional is about seeing beyond the immediate needs and planning for the future . By thinking about the long term perceptions of you and your business,rather than achieving quick wins, you are likely to behaveprofessionally.

So what does being professional mean to you in your working contexts? Do you agree with the above? What is missing?