Professionalism is the term we use for the standards or expectations society has of people’s conduct in the workplace. Professionalism describes our behaviour and attitude at work, which is based on our personal values, culture and past experiences. We all have certain expectations regarding our own and others’ conduct. In order to be truly professional our conduct has to remain above reproach at all times and has to fit in with the circumstances and situation.

Professionalism is judged through:

Your Image;
Communication – including telephone and e-etiquette and non-verbal;
Business Etiquette;
Competence (Skill, knowledge, aptitude and attitude);
Trustworthiness;
Empathy and compassion;
Respectfulness;
Manners;
Emotional Maturity;
Quality of relationships.

Qualities and Characteristics of professionalism

Competence means having the right skill, knowledge and attitude;
Accountability for your actions, choices and decisions;
Trustworthiness in all your dealings with others;
Respectfulness shown to everyone – absolutely everyone;
Act with Integrity – always;
Consideration for people and things;
Empathy for those who need it;
Courteousness shown to anyone and everyone you come into contact with daily;
Dependability means keeping your promises and doing what is expected of you;
Cooperation with all role players;
Commitment to others and to complete tasks;
Managing your image and dressing appropriately;
Displaying good social skills and manners;
Displaying appropriate (non-verbal) body language;
E-etiquette is the effective use of the internet, email, voicemail, and cell phone;
Respectful of others’ needs, beliefs, concerns and values;

Good Communication skills in order to defuse any argument or potentially bad situation and never to get involved in gossip;

Ability to maintain the self-confidence and self-esteem of others;
A good team player;
Lead by example;
High motivation every day;

Avoid the following unprofessional behaviours:

	Inappropriate communication like lying, cursing, aggression, threats, hateful comments or gossip.
	Inappropriate self-disclosure – telling people things about yourself that they don’t need to or want to know. It is inappropriate to disclose much of your personal life at the office, especially to the people who report to you.
	Exploitation - accepting or demanding money and gifts.
	Breaches of confidentiality.
	Using mind-altering substances – whether legal or not, which could affect your perception. This includes the use of alcohol.

There are a zillion unprofessional behaviours and actions, which could be listed here. The truth of the matter is that if you are doing anything that you know, or suspect to be unprofessional, you need to restore your integrity by deciding to behave in a more appropriate manner. It’s a choice.

By Elsabé Manning