The Principles of Professionalism

Author: Gian Fiero

In the business world there is so much discussion around the building of "brands" that the importance of professionalism gets overshadowed and under-emphasized. How successful can a brand be without professionalism as its main ingredient?

As often as we hear and use the word professionalism, we don't hear it's definition and expectations articulated. I will do so in this article.

Professionalism is a systematic process of getting desired results while displaying pleasant behavior and conduct that is appropriate and expected in establishing mutually beneficial business relationships. In addition, it provides an inner compass that helps to positively influence one's actions.

By observing and implementing the principles below, you can achieve professionalism that you will reap the benefits and rewards from for years to come.

1. RESPECT: The foundation of every business relationship is respect. Respect is both a noun and a verb. Business is all about fulfilling needs and solving problems. Having respect means that you honor your role in fulfilling the needs and solving the problems of your employer or your clients. When working relationships go awry, the insidious causes can be traced back to either a lack of focus or a lack of respect whichcan prevent one from recognizing, and appreciating, the problems that an employer is in the business of solving, or the needs that a client is trying to fulfill.

2. QUALITY ASSURANCE: My mother always said, "Anything worth doing, is worth doing right." I didn't realize that I would be applying that to everything in my life - including professionalism. It's always a tell-tale sign of how much someone cares about the quality of their work when blatant mistakes or obvious sloppiness is found. Employers and clients expect quality assurance; which means that you care enough about the quality of your work to check it over before submitting it. When in doubt, all work should be evaluated for meticulousness and its end use; for example, if you draft proposals, how will that proposal be received, read, and used by the parties for which it was created? Are they conservative? What are their sensibilities? Are they detail oriented? Are they visually oriented? Do they value brevity? Always remember: Quality is in the details. You are responsible for knowing the detailed expectations of employers and clients.

3. PROACTIVE: In business, we are either proactive in anticipating needs and problems, or reactive in fulfilling needs and solving problems. If we are truly successful in being proactive, we save employers and clients time and money in the long term. Being reactive (depending upon the business) is usually a sign that things have been overlooked, and as a result, a problem has arisen which needs to be solved immediately because it was not anticipated. Professionalism entails foresight and an accurate analysis of what the real problems are, or what they may be, before they need to be solved.

4. RESPONSIVE: How easily can people get in touch with you? How quickly do you respond to problems or a change in direction or plans? Surveys reveal that responsiveness is the number one factor in customer retention and job promotions. It includes, but is not limited to, how quickly and efficiently you respond to requests, complaints, or any call to action.

5. TIMELINESS: Getting things done, and getting things done as expected, and in a timely fashion, is the difference between being good and great. Your ability to meet deadlines, those of others or your own, speak volumes about your professionalism. When deadlines are not met, your professionalism is immediately called into question and trust is lost. If you are attempting to impress your boss or your clients, complete assignments before they are due. Also related to timeliness is punctuality. Most people who are new to the workforce or business world fail to realize how something as simple as showing up on time communicates volumes about you such as: respect (for another's time), courtesy, consideration, respect, and organization - just to name a few.

Remember, that professionalism is not just an ingredient of a brand, but is a brand in and of itself. Once you achieve it, the (business) world will be yours for the taking.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/public-relations-articles/the-principles-of-professionalism-703846.html

About the Author

Gian Fiero is an educator, speaker and consultant. He is affiliated with San Francisco State University as an adjunct professor, and the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) as a business advisor where he conducts monthly workshops on topics such as business development, career planning, public relations, and personal growth.