Professionalism is more than getting to work on time, doing your job, and looking good in your clothes.
All that is good, but if you really want to be taken seriously at your job and get ahead, there is something more to “professionalism”.
What are employers expecting?
- Skills and knowledge. You need the ability to do your job well.
- Reliability. People can depend on you to arrive at your job ready to work and to get your work done on time.
- Honesty. Employers expect you to tell the truth.
- The ability to communicate. You can follow directions, listen to others and express yourself clearly.
- Respect for others. Whether they are coworkers or customers, you treat others as you would like to be treated.
- Self-development. You keep your skills up to date; enjoy learning on the job and accept change.
- A team player. Stepping in to assist when needed, supporting and teaching coworkers.
- A positive attitude. No one likes to work with constant negativity and pessimism.
- Work focused. Keeping your attention on your work and not letting personal matters intrude on the job.
- Loyalty. You respect the authority within the company and can be trusted to work for the betterment of your employer.
- Confidentiality. Gossips are not respected and people that talk about customers or coworkers behind their back get into trouble.
If these qualities do not describe you, then maybe it is time you gave some thought to the type of employee you have been. With an attitude adjustment, a little thought and self assessment, you can be the kind of employee who gets ahead.
Displaying the eleven qualities listed above will create a good reputation for yourself and that will translate into plum assignments, bonuses, raises, and good relationships at work, great references if you move on, and an increased feeling of self-worth.
All of which are great reasons to act professionally at work.
