Professionalism

What Does Professionalism Mean to You?Take a few minutes and write down your thoughtsas a definition or description.

One Students Perception...Professionalismin a word - its an attitude. Also, the way in which an individual conducts oneself in certain situations the way you speak, the way you dress, the way you are organized, etc. It is setting standards and complying with them.

Business Success is a Matter of PrincipleValues are the most effective way to differentiate an individual or organization.Professionalism is an attitude.

Professionalism is Key to Career SuccessProfessionals agree to organization-wide shared valuesTeamwork is a mandatory part of the organizational culture

Focus on relationship buildingTrust is the glue that holds the organization togetherAdapted from: David H. Maister (1997) True Professionalism, New York: The Free Press.

Investing in Professionalism...Explore new technologiesAsk for assignmentsTake charge of your own learningEnhance your communication skillsMaster people skillsUse downtime to acquire knowledgePursue work that builds your assets

Professionalism in Teamwork...Take responsibility rather than making excuses or blaming each other

Source: Adapted from Kathleen Ryan and Daniel Oestreich (1998), Driving Fear Out of the Workplace, 2nd edition, Jossey-Bass.

Professionalism in Teamwork...Openly share information

Professionalism in Teamwork...Collaborate on important issues

Professionalism in Teamwork...Focus on a common purpose-dont get sidetracked by details

Professionalism in Teamwork...Value each others background

Professionalism in Teamwork...Openly and respectfully voice concerns & criticisms

Professionalism in Teamwork...Be positive about the team members and their work

Abrasive and Abusive Conduct...Blaming, discrediting & discountingThreatsYelling & shoutingAngry outbursts or loss of controlSilenceGlaring eye contact: the lookAbruptnessSnubbing or ignoring othersInsults and put downsRyan and Oestreich (1998)

What is Individual Professionalism?An attitudePrideResponsibilityBeing a team playerHonesty, trustworthiness, and loyalty

Adapted: David H. Maister, True Professionalism.

Openness to critiqueCare about people & goalsAccountabilityInvestment

What is Professionalism as a Student?

Enjoying the total experienceBuilding your entire careerDeveloping ownership of your programManaging your timeAccepting responsibilityHaving nonnegotiable valuesPersonal enthusiasm & style

Individual Professionalism Values...

TolerancePassion for excellenceTeam cooperation & leadershipCompetenceRespect and trust

Professionalism Issues in the Classroom...Proper languageTardiness & absenteeismExcessive talkingWorking on other assignmentsKeeping appointments

Reading outside materials in classSleeping in classDesiring special treatmentTeamwork concerns

Student-Professor Interaction...

In teams of three, develop a set of criteria (for both students and faculty) for professional interaction in the classroom, office, team meetings, and informal situations.

Questions & Discussion

What is the relationship between professionalism & business success?

How does professionalism relate to the culture of an organization?

What are the long term benefits of professionalism to you, your team, and employers?

********************