By Dr Than Lwin Tun
THE Merriam-Webster dictionary defines professionalism as “the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person”. It defines a profession as “a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation”.
Professionalism includes a variety of personal qualities and behaviours that demonstrate commitment to effective performance in a given job.
Central professional characteristics are commitment and confidence, responsibility and dependability, honesty and ethics, and appearance and professional presence.
The essential qualities that lead to high job performance and success throughout a career: Ability to Learn, Conscientiousness, Interpersonal Skills, Adaptability and Integrity.
A good professional can do the job and he can do it well. Nevertheless, technical expertise is not enough, Qualities like honesty, punctuality, a spirit of service, the ability to meet deadlines and many others are also essential.
The traits of professionalism are- be best, be dependable, be a team player, be respectful, be ethical and be positive.
Professionalism is the conduct, behaviour and attitude of someone in a work or business environment. A person doesn’t have to work in a specific profession to demonstrate the important qualities and characteristics of a professional. Professionalism leads to workplace success, a strong professional reputation and a high level of work ethic and excellence.
In a recent study on Career Readiness conducted by NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers), employers who hire college graduates were asked which professional competencies were essential to workplace success. Professionalism/work ethic topped the list with 97.5% of respondents identifying it as either “absolutely essential” or “essential” for a new college hire’s success.
The ways you can develop and practise professionalism: Be productive -- Use your time productively at work; Focus on your job responsibilities and avoid getting pulled into social media, web browsing and phone activity while on the clock; Develop a professional Image -- Project a professional presence and dress appropriately for your industry and organization. A good rule of thumb is to dress in the position you aspire to have; Take the initiative -- Ask for more projects to be given to you or think of assignments that will meet your organization’s goals. You don’t want to be under-utilized; Maintain effective work habits— Prioritize, plan and manage your assignments and projects. Follow up and follow through with your supervisor and team members; Manage your time efficiently -- Establish priorities, set goals and create action plans to meet deadlines; Demonstrate integrity -- Be accountable for your work and actions while behaving ethically at all times; Provide excellence -- Produce work and results that reflect a sense of pride and professionalism, often exceeding expectations; Be a problem-solver -- When you run into problems and obstacles take the time to brainstorm a few solutions and alternatives before you meet with your supervisor; Be resilient -- Develop coping skills to manage setbacks and challenges with a positive and constructive attitude; Communicate effectively -- Practise professional on-line, in-person and interpersonal communication skills; Develop self-awareness -- Learn to manage your emotions and gain awareness of your emotional triggers so you can manage your reactions positively and productively. Accept and reflect on feedback to assist as you learn and grow; Build relationships -- Network with colleagues, customers and clients to build professional cordial relationships, work on teams and collaborate effectively.
So, if you want to progress your specific professionalism, please pay attention to the ways you can develop and practise professionalism.
References
1. https://careertrend.com/facts
2. https://www.elmbrookcenter.org
3. https://career.vt.edu/develop/
professionalism.html
