Professionalism at WorkBy: Amanda Herrick

Professionalism

• We often hear how important it to behave “professionally” in the workplace.

• If you want to get ahead, be taken seriously, and have your boss think of you as an asset to the team, doing things in a professional way is vital.

• But what is professionalism?

Professionalism

• Professionalism is:– Having a high standard of professional

ethics, behavior and work activities while carrying out one's profession.

– Having a reasonable work morale and motivation.

– Having interest and desire to do a job correctly as well as holding positive attitude towards the profession are important elements in attaining a high level of professionalism.

TIPS TO BEING A PROFESSIONAL

• Work is not a time to hang out with your friends. It is a job and when you are on the clock, work needs to come first.

• When you receive an assignment, do it promptly and to the best of your ability. NEVER EVER do sloppy, half done work.

#1: Take it seriously

#2: Office Atmosphere

• It is fine to be laughing or joking when we are alone in the office, but it needs to stop when someone walks in.

• Frequently, people walk into the office and I can't hear them over your laughing or joking. Also, no cursing when students are in the office. Act professionally.

Which of these people would you rather talk to?

#3: Attitude

• Your attitude is what people are going to remember the most about you, not what you say.

• Always be positive and have an upbeat attitude. No one likes a constant pessimist or someone who always looks depressed. You don't always have to feel upbeat, but you must ALWAYS show it to the clients (students in our case).

#3 Attitude

• SMILE! Even when you don’t feel like it, it has been scientifically proven that just the act of smiling makes you feel happier.

• Do not complain constantly. It just puts people off.

• Don't bring personal issues to work. Your personal life and your work life are separate. Keep them that way.

Take inventory of these guys:

• What message are they sending to the world?

• Pretend that you are a boss and had an employee coming in dressing like this. What would be your thoughts of him?

Now do the same for these guys:

• What message are they sending to the world?

• Pretend that you are a boss and had an employee coming in dressing like this. What would be your thoughts of him?

If you're a book and your

clothes are the cover, you

should dress like a New York

Times best seller.

#4: Presentation

• A tip for looking perfectly professional at any job: look at how your supervisor and other people in your job position dress.

• Use that as a guideline of how dressed up you need to be for any job.

#4: PresentationAppropriate Work Attire

• Blank T-Shirts• Nice Jeans (no holes)• Polo Shirts• Button-down shirts

Inappropriate Work Attire

• Sweats– Gives the impression that

you don’t care about your job. You just rolled out of bed and went to work.

• T-shirts with logos– Great for hanging out or

going to the mall in. Unprofessional for work.

• Sagging pants– NO ONE wants to see your

undies or shorts.

• Anything with an inappropriate saying on it.

• Hats

BODY LANGUAGE:ACT CONFIDENT AND YOU BECOME

CONFIDENT!

#5: Body Language

• Your body language can convey a stronger message than your words.

• Confident body language is essential in any business setting.

• Everything about your body language makes an impression.

Examples of Body LanguagePositive Body Language• Standing Straight• Greeting people with a

firm handshake• Holding your head

high• Smiling• Making eye contact

Negative Body Language• Fidgeting• Slouching• Picking at yourself• Not maintaining eye

contact• Putting your hands in

your pockets• Crossing your arms

Final Tips

• DO NOT use your phone during work. No playing games on it or texting. ESPECIALLY when you are talking to someone. It gives the impression that you are not paying attention.

• Don’t wait for things to be assigned to you. If you see something that needs doing that you can do, do it.

Final Tips

• Speak up if there is an issue or problem. Most often, supervisors don’t see the little things that you do.

• Always keep your supervisor informed, but try to handle issues by yourself.

• Always give someone your complete attention when they are speaking to you.

Final Tips

• Take responsibility. If you messed up, own up to it.

• Take everything in stride. Deadlines, rude students, slow computers. Don’t make them into drama. Remember: Don’t sweat the small stuff…and its ALL the small stuff.

• Always strive to learn something at every job you do. You will use it later.