Be a professional – stand out from the crowd

A very good useful article clip from The Hindu  by Payal .C (faqs@cnkonline.com).

ANY ARTICLE about the dos and don’ts of the corporate
world stresses the need for professionalism.

Managers
scream ‘you are unprofessional’ over
the slightest act of negligence. But,
most
people are silent about what professionalism is really
all about.

Why does professionalism matter?

Professionalism
is essential for carving out successful career.
It’s the only way one can survive in today’s competitive
world. In fact, professionalism has become the
unofficial standard for differentiating truepotential
from a crowd of ‘wannabes and me-toos’.

If
you portray yourself as professional, not only will people
take you seriously, but it will win you important assignments
and promotions too. Thereby it will give
you the edge, which can skyrocket your career and
win you a seat at the top table.

What is professionalism?

This
is a tough volley, as the concept is subjective and
abstract. But, contrary to popular belief qualifications, skills
or experience do not determine professionalism nor
do donning power suits, toting laptops
or lunching with the CEO! Steve Gregg, a retired
human resources director, agrees, ‘It takes a lot
more than compensation or qualifications to make someone
a professional, no matter what kind of job they
have. It doesn’t matter if you make a million dollars
a year and have a corner office. Professionalism is
about a lot more than this. In fact, there are many
highly trained, highly paid workers who are considered
anything but professional, for lots of different reasons.’

Simply
doing a job over and over again does not make
one a professional. Professionalism is more of a state
of mind, a matter of perception. It reflects in the way
you present yourself and everything you say or do.
It is predominantly an attitude towards work – not the
job you do, but how you do the job!

Where does professionalism stem from?

Professionalism
is a lifelong commitment and can be
learnt over a period of time. Hence, it is important to
maintain the highest standards, not the minimum requirements.
Here’s what will make you a true professional:

Professional temperament

● Appearance
and attire do matter. Dress well.

● Exercise
etiquette, courtesy in communications.Explain
things clearly and listen to others patiently.

● Project
an air of enthusiasm, cheerfulness, humility and
friendliness

● Be
level-headed and optimistic. Uphold honour and personal
integrity.

● Treat
others with respect and expect the same from them.

● Make
yourself worthy of others’ trust.

Professional work attitude

● Though
task-specific competence does not define professionalism,
relevant experience, knowledge, capability and
understanding are imperatives.

● Cover
all bases conscientiously – learn every aspect of
the job and carefully discover what the job demands.

● Avoid
shortcuts. Put in your best efforts to deliver high-quality
work. As far as possible give more than expected.
Truly said, ‘Professionalism is giving your job
your best effort, even on the days when you don’t feel
like it’.

● Aim
for excellence; not mediocrity. Avoid procrastination and
be open to complicated assignments.

● Be
a confident, focussed and credible employee who makes
things happen.

● Make
sound decisions based on careful analysis, not mere
whims.

● Do
not shy away from personal responsibility for the
outcome of your decisions or actions. Learn from your
mistakes and avoid repeating them.

● Be
altruistic and work in the best interests of the company
and clients.

Professional
spirit

● Respect
for hierarchy and honesty is the forte of a professional.

● Live
up to your commitments and demonstrate loyalty and
dedication.

● Show
compassion and help co-workers whenever needed.

● Be
a team player who willingly co-operates and collaborates
with others.

● Try
to lead at whatever level you are and teach by example.

● Do
not only do your job, express a willingness to learn.

● Have
an eye on the future and creatively innovate for
better practices.

Professionalism
is an amalgam of these thoughtprovoking and
proactive behaviours. In short, it
means
simply doing what is right. After all, only if you behave
like a professional, will you be treated like one!

By

PAYAL
C

faqs@cnkonline.com