Basic Professionalism for Any Workplace
Whether they love their job or can’t wait to clock out every day, most people present themselves differently at work than they do at home. This is perfectly normal and fine; our relationships with coworkers and customers should be different than those with our family and friends. It is important, however, to create and maintain a professional persona that will help you succeed at your job. Here are some tips that apply to any industry.
Be on Time
Showing up is the first (and arguably, most important) step to maintaining professionalism. However, it’s not enough just to be there-you need to be there on time. Punctuality is the biggest indicator to your colleagues and superiors that you’re a dependable employee. If you are running late, always call (don’t text or email) to let your supervisor know and do so in an apologetic way.
Dress Nicely
Whether your place of work has an official dress code or not, your personal appearance is directly related to how people perceive your professionalism. This doesn’t mean that you need to spend a fortune on the latest formal fashions (this may not even be practical, depending on the kind of work you do). It does mean that your clothes should be clean, unwrinkled and modest. For men and women alike, what you would wear to a nightclub or on a date is almost definitely not appropriate for the workplace.
Avoid Profanity
Different businesses have different policies about using profanity at work. Some don’t have one at all. You should simply adopt your own policy: avoid it. No good can come of using foul language at work. Even if your coworkers swear like sailors, maintain professionalism and keep your mouth clean. Don’t worry about “fitting in.” It’s unlikely anyone will notice if you don’t curse, but you can be sure they will notice if you do, and it’s probably not the kind of attention you want.
Be Honest
Integrity and professionalism go hand in hand. Resist the temptation to fib or fudge the facts to cover for mistakes or look better. Any of these actions are, simply put, lies, and will erode trust with your colleagues. Own up to mistakes, be accurate and honest. People will respect you and know they can rely on you.
If you follow these guidelines and treat everyone at your workplace, from new customers to chief executives, with respect, you’ll be well on the way to presenting and conducting yourself professionally.
