Professionalism in the Workplace

Is it the role or the behavior?

Professions have a body of knowledge, scope of practice, agreed upon values, oath or code and accountability to our society for their profession and their professional behavior.

EngineersArchitectsPhysiciansNursesTeachersLawyersFlight Attendants..

ProfessionalismDescribes a certain type of behavior in the workplaceBased on our values and understanding of our professional rolesEvidenced in our behavior

How professionalism is judgedAgainst a set of expectations or standardsFrom our own personal values set and understanding of what professionalism meansMay be situational in natureStrongly influenced by culture

Professionalism is in the eye of the beholder

Professional is judged through:Our ImageOur CommunicationOur CompetenceOur Demeanor

From the Clients PerspectiveTrustworthyCompetentEmpatheticRespectfulCaring

Our relationships with Client:Therapeutic contextSafety, trust and ethical behavior are foundationalRelationship has boundariesVulnerability of client and the imbalance of power

Respectful of their:NeedsBeliefsConcerns Values

Crossing Professional BoundariesNon-therapeutic relationshipsInappropriate communicationInappropriate self-disclosureExploitation money, giftsBreaches of confidentiality

From the Co-Workers PerspectiveTrustworthyCompetentSupportiveRespectfulAccountable

Professional Team

Expectations of Professional Team MembersFunctional TrustMutual RespectOpen Communication

Functional TrustAll people have an equal need for respectRespect is the basic foundation of all healthy personal relationshipsEach team member is equally importantEach team members work is equally important

Mutual respectAll people have an equal need for respectRespect is the basic foundation of all healthy personal relationshipsEach team member is equally importantEach team members work is equally important

Open CommunicationTeam members talk to each other about issues directlyAll team members avoid the 3 BsSupportive feedback is given generouslyCorrective feedback is helpful, tactful and constructive

Where Do I Start?

Qualities and Characteristics of a Professional

CompetentTrustworthyRespectfulAct with IntegrityConsiderateEmpathetic

Professionals are:

CourteousDependableCooperativeCommitted

Professionals are:

Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.