Definition

Professionalism is defined as "meticulous adherence to undeviating courtesy, honesty, and responsibility in one's dealings with customers and associates, plus a level of excellence that goes over and above the commercial considerations and legal requirements."

Importance

For a business to succeed, all of its employees need to demonstrate a high level of professionalism. As well as ensuring that all work gets completed to a high standard, being professional and diligent is important on an individual basis, as it boosts reputation and enables you to get noticed in the workplace.

Characteristics

There are a number of characteristics of a professional. Acting in a professional manner means treating colleagues with respect, listening to their views with interest and taking onboard opinions or suggestions. As a professional, you must be diligent, motivated and reliable, delivering results on time and to the highest possible standard.

Being an Example

If you act in a professional manner, being motivated and efficient, then those around you will learn from your example and react in the same way. As a result, the team will work effectively and deliver high-quality results. If you demonstrate a high level of professionalism, you will instill confidence in your colleagues and your managers, who will be impressed by your attitude.

Misconceptions

Even the most unqualified or inexperienced worker can be professional in the workplace. Being professional does not come with time; instead, it is a quality you have, an attitude and state of mind that means you take pride in your work, take your career seriously and have respect for others.

Benefits

There are a number of benefits to being a good professional. Firstly, you will develop an excellent business reputation, and this will be noticed by managers and other professionals, leading to good career opportunities. Additionally, you will earn the respect of your peers, who will look to you as an example as to how they should conduct themselves in the workplace

Professionalism can be defined as conducting your business with complete respect for the feelings of your prospect or customer. It is vital for you to convey professionalism to every prospect and client, as they will not trust their business to a person or company that does not respect them.

Here are four tips to keep you on track:

1. As much as possible, behave the same as your prospect or customer. People look for a company and business with a similar style and personality. If your prospect wears a suit, you should wear a suit. If your customer addresses you as "Mr. West," you, in turn, address her as "Ms. Staker."

It is even better to stay one step ahead. If your prospect wears khakis and a button-down, you should wear a light suit. If your customer calls you by your first name, continue to address them as Mr. or Ms. until they ask you to use their first name.

Keeping up your professional appearance and manners is vital to gaining customers and keeping them. 

2. Avoid adressing personal matters in a new business relationship. This goes along with the first point. Your prospect is looking for a particular level of professionalism. Let them introduce personal information before volunteering your own.

Many businessmen and businesswomen believe you must get friendly with a prospect or customer to have a good relationship with them. In reality, prospects and customers are not always looking for friendship - sometimes it is just business.

Wait for personal cues from your client. If you become too informal too fast, they may view you as unprofessional, unrespectful or even untrustworthy.

3. Bashing competitors is taboo. When competitors are brought up in conversation, the natural reaction is to go on the offense and begin bashing them. Never, ever do this. As far as you know, your prospect is currently working with that competitor and actually hired them personally.

You should have enough confidence in your product that you don't even view yourself as having competitors. If your competitor is brought up in a sales meeting or other similar situation, simply list several ways your product is different from the other company and therefore, better.

Bashing your competitor may convey your point, but it will ultimately wreck your image and diminish your business. Blasting rivals is highly unprofessional.

4. Be punctual for all appointments. Never keep your client waiting. Not only is lateness unprofessional, it is insulting. Your prospect's or customer's time is no less important than your own. They have meetings to attend, calls to make and letters to write just as you do. To be late for an appointment is to tell a prospect or customer you do not value their time.

Make sure you are on time to every appointment. If the appointment is not at your place of business, it is best to be several minutes early. 

Punctuality is an absolute must for every professional. Show your respect by appearing on time.

As business places become more relaxed, professional behavior is deteriorating. Never fall into the trap of informality. Prospects and customers want to work with people and companies that are professional and respectful.

Follow your customer's lead to detemine when to relax, avoid personal matters, don't bash your competitors and be on time for all appointments. If you obey these four rules, your prospects and customers will see you as a professional and will trust you with their business.

DefinitionProfessionalism is often defined as the strict adherence to courtesy, honesty and responsibility when dealing with individuals or other companies in the business environment. This trait often includes a high level of excellence going above and beyond basic requirements. Work ethic is usually concerned with the personal values demonstrated by business owners or entrepreneurs and instilled in the company’s employees. The good work ethic may include completing tasks in a timely manner with the highest quality possible and taking pride in completed tasks.

FeaturesProfessionalism and the work ethic demonstrated by individuals in the business environment may be built around an internal moral system or code of ethics. Morality and ethics usually represent the personal beliefs individuals display when working in business. Common traits often include transparency, honesty and integrity. These personal traits often display themselves

publicly when individuals respond to various business situations. A professional work ethic may be seen as somebody “walking the walk” regarding their personal morality and ethics.

FunctionSmall businesses often use professionalism to help them establish a good reputation in the business environment. Because many small businesses have limited capital resources during the early years of operations, an important advertising strategy is word-of-mouth. Small businesses that treat each customer in a professional manner and display a strong work ethic when completing business functions or responsibilities can help develop positive goodwill with consumers.

EffectsBusiness owners and entrepreneurs may decide to create a written set of guidelines outlining their company’s professionalism and work ethic expectations. These written guidelines can help the business owner translate his company's mission or vision to employees. These guidelines may also be included in the company's employee manual so business owners can properly train and educate individuals about the importance of the company’s professionalism and work ethic.

ConsiderationsTransforming an individual's understanding of professionalism and work ethic may be a difficult process in small business. Many individuals may not have the same views on professionalism and work ethic as the business owner. Business owners may hire these individuals if they have technical experience or expertise in the business, regardless of the employee’s personal moral or ethical beliefs. But employees often adopt the business’s professionalism and work ethic guidelines when working for a company, especially if they are well compensated.

Professional workplace behavior is necessary for the long-term success of a business, whether it & amp;rsquo;s a big corporation or small business. Employee interactions and relationships with customers are of vital importance to ensure that company goals and objectives are met. A professional work place attitude and appearance allow employees to take pride in their work and improve worker performance. Managers who behave professionally set an appropriate example by encouraging their people to conduct themselves in a manner that supports company-wide success.

Establish Boundaries

Professionalism in the work place establishes boundaries between what is considered appropriate office behavior and what is not. While most managers support an enjoyable and vibrant work environment, limits must be put in place to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings. Workers who

conduct themselves professionally steer clear of crossing the line with their conversations and other interactions with co-workers, superiors and clients.

Encourage ImprovementA business environment in which employees dress and operate professionally is more conducive for success. According to “Dress for Success,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping businesswomen obtain professional work attire, professional dress codes support career development and personal growth in the work place. Workers who dress and act professionally feel better about themselves and are encouraged to perform better for their clients.

Maintain AccountabilityCompanies that interact directly with clients are obligated to provide the best services possible and present their company in the best possible light. Professionalism counts when providing written information to clients. Professionally written company reports, business plans or other correspondence help businesses remain accountable with their level of service. According to the Small Business Administration, “the impression given in the paperwork submitted is important.”

Promote RespectProfessionalism in business establishes respect for authority figures, clients and co-workers. Maintaining a professional demeanor limits gossip and inappropriate personal conversations that could be considered disrespectful. Keeping a professional attitude with clients who behave inappropriately demonstrates the level of respect an employee has for the customer and the business partnership.

Minimize ConflictConflicts are less likely to arise in a professional business environment. Workers who respect each other’s boundaries and conduct themselves professionally rarely have disagreements that cannot be resolved efficiently. Professionalism in business also benefits diverse environments in which business people and their clients have several different perspectives and opinions. Professional behavior helps business people avoid offending members of different cultures or backgrounds.

There are, however, quite a few common traits when it comes to being professional. This includes the following:

1. Competence. You’re good at what you do – and you have the skills and knowledge that enable you to do your job well.

2. Reliability. People can depend on you to show up on time, submit your work when it’s supposed to be ready, etc.

3. Honesty. You tell the truth and are upfront about where things stand.

4. Integrity. You are known for your consistent principles.

5. Respect For Others. Treating all people as if they mattered is part of your approach.

6. Self-Upgrading. Rather than letting your skills or knowledge become outdated, you seek out ways of staying current.

7. Being Positive. No one likes a constant pessimist. Having an upbeat attitude and trying to be a problem-solver makes a big difference.

8. Supporting Others. You share the spotlight with colleagues, take time to show others how to do things properly, and lend an ear when necessary.

9. Staying Work-Focused. Not letting your private life needlessly have an impact on your job, and not spending time at work attending to personal matters.

10. Listening Carefully. People want to be heard, so you give people a chance to explain their ideas properly.

The Professional Advantage

The more you put into practice the 10 points listed above, the better your chances will be to create a positive reputation for yourself. This can ultimately translate into raises and promotions, chances to work on more assignments that you enjoy, less likelihood of being downsized when layoffs are being considered, and the respect of peers and senior management.

You also benefit from feelings of increased self-worth and dignity. Plus you keep yourself marketable for the future. All in all, some very good reasons to as professional as possible.