published: 07 Jan 2021
5 min read | website: www.ebr.com.au
Being professional isn't just about wearing suit every day or just completing a couple of tasks on time. Professionalism is very vital if you want to get ahead, be taken seriously and to become asset to your team and organization. Professionalism is rarely taught so you can learn it by observation and experience. It is difficult to be professional every hour of the day but if you make a habit of it then it gets easier. Here are some things that you should master early in your career to be professional.
Respect everyone's time.
Start your day on time and be on time all day. It is very basic to start with but hard to follow every day. We have to make sure we go to work before office time and start our work on time. Also same applies to coming back from lunch time. Make these things as habit and always be on time as punctuality is a key to becoming more professional. Same applies for meeting. If you do so then it shows that you value everyone's time.
Dress professionally.
This doesn't mean we need to wear suit every day, but you have to follow the dress code of organization. You should come to work every day clean and well-dressed to make sure you have professional appearance. Most importantly, be confident with what you wear and present yourself well at all times.
Avoid gossip.
The best way to get respect is to show respect. Show your colleagues some common courtesy and be polite even if you work with people you don't like. Don't get involved in whispering behind anyone's back. Staying out of office politics and gossip will ensure you maintain professionalism and not get involved in rumors and hearsay.
Always finish your tasks.
It is very important to stay focused and remain productive. Create task list and to do list that you follow every day and avoid distractions. If you don't complete your work on time, then it will be considered as your incompetency.
Don't take feedbacks personally.
Don't take it to yourself too much when someone gives you feedback even if negative as it is not personal. If you respond in a defensive way, then you are just showing your co-workers that you are unprofessional and fragile. Feedbacks are excellent way to improve yourself and grow as a person.
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