Professionalism & Work EthicTIPS FOR SUCCESS IN THE WORKPLACE

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Professionalismis a determined effort by

everyone in the workplace to give their best each and every day.

“Businesses of all sizes rely on credibility,

confidence and reputationto survive, and their people are

part of that impression.”

Professionalism & Workplace Savvyby Erica Feigenbaum, Demand Media

Path to Professionalism

Punctuality and Attendance

Communication

Presentation and Appearance

Competence and Initiative

Respect

Pun

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“80% of success in life is just showing up.”- Woody Allen

One of the most important qualities an employee

can display is dependability

The main factor in being dependable is attendance

Attendance is usually the top priority when it

comes to an employee's performance and is

necessary for continued professional growth

Problems of Poor Attendance

Company

Drop in productivity

Staff

Extra work for others

Financial

Cost of temporary replacement

When one staff member has

consistently poor attendance, it

affects all areas of their business:

Punctuality

If you arrive 5 minutes late and leave 5 minutes early every day, you have stolen 30 hours of work time from your employer in one year.

Punctuality Tips

Be at your workstation when the business day starts.

Be clear on time allotted for lunch and breaks.

Don’t pack up until the work day is over.

Co

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icat

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Oral Communication

Be clear and concise

Think before you speak

Be positive instead of negative

Reflect on your conversations

Ask open ended questions: How, what, why

Written Communication

Writing in the A-B-C format:

Accurate

Brief

Clear

21st Century Communication

Use proper grammar

Carefully proofread, edit, spell-check

Rethink your response before you send

Don’t use email if the subject needs a face-to-face conversation

Nonverbal Communication

Eye contact

Facial expression

Personal space

Appearance

Posture

Gestures

Voice tone/inflection

Timing

Communication Don’ts

Gossip

Flirt

Discuss politics, religion, or personal problems

Complain about your job, coworkers, or supervisor

Criticize or insult your coworkers or supervisor

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”

Winston Churchill

Attitude

Attitude

Be positive

Show enthusiasm

Pick your battles

Be in charge

Pres

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Ap

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Presentation

Perception matters

Presentation is equally important as attendance and punctuality

You are only given a very short time to make a first impression

Appearance Professional Neat, clean

Well-groomed

Proper hygiene

Company dress code

Health and safety standards

Your appearance is a reflection of the company or organization you work for.

Appearance

Co

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Init

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Competence

Perform job duties in an efficient and proficient manner

Possess the skills and knowledge to do the job well Be a “paid expert”

Keep skills current

Initiative

Do what needs to be done without being told

Complete all job duties promptly and professionally

Take action and ownership

Help others or take on extra projects when possible

InitiativeUse critical thinking and problem solving skills:

Ask what the problem is

Analyze it

Explore all possible solutions

List solutions from best to worst

Select the best solution

Evaluate the solution

Rewards of taking Initiative

Knowledge of your company and the market it serves

Increased value as an employee

Enhanced independence

More career advancement opportunities

A more meaningful and fulfilling work experience

Res

pec

t

Respectis the foundation of workplace success with managers,

coworkers, and customers

Consideration for self and others

Value of people’s differences

Understanding conflicting points of view

Respectful Workplace Behaviors

Get to know your coworkers

Be courteous

Encourage coworkers to express opinions and ideas

Listen to other’s viewpoints

Ask for advice and help

Be honest

Use integrity Steer clear of gossip Avoid getting into fights and

arguments Follow workplace standards Be a source of positivity and

encouragement Share credit when deserved

Wo

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Work Ethics

RESPONSIBILITY

How you work

Amount of work done

Punctuality

Best effort

Responsibility for results

QUALITY

More than the bare minimum

Produce great work

Work Ethics

DISCIPLINE

Commitment

Dedication

TEAMWORK

Work together

Respect each other

Collaborate

Consequences of Unethical Behavior

Incarceration

Job loss

Loss of professional license Ex: Physician, social worker

Limited employment options

Legal fees/fines

Loss of respect and trust from others

Guilt, depression, and anxiety

Damage to environment

“Individuals do not become professionals because of some sudden leap that they make into the stratosphere. Individuals become professionals because of their lifetime

dedication and commitment to higher standards and ideals, honorable values,

and continuous self-improvement.”

Jim Ball, Professionalism is for Everyone

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Like what you saw?

Professionalism in the Workplace 2012 Speedupcareer.com; Professionalism at Work “Professionalism in the Workplace”; Centennial College “10 Ways to Be Professional at Work”; The Monster Career Coach, career-advice.monster.com “What Are Good Work Ethics?”; Roslyn Frenz, eHow Contributor, eHow.com “Professionalism & Workplace Savvy”; Eric Feigenbaum, Demand Media, Small Business – Chron. Com “Topics of Professionalism in the Workplace”; Rose Johnson, Demand Media, Small Business – Chron.com “Tips for Professionalism in the Workplace”; Mary Beth Magee, eHow Contributor, eHow.com Job Retention Instructor Guide: Goodwill Works Curriculum. Goodwill Industries International, 2009. Job Retention Participant Guide: Goodwill Works Curriculum. Goodwill Industries International, 2009. “Job Retention Workshop.” Careerlinkhighvalley.org. “Job Success: Time Management.” GCFlearnfree.org. 1998-2011. Goodwill Community

Foundation. MARO “Time Management.” Cpehr.com. 2011. California Human Resources HR Outsourcing. CPEhr. “Tips for Professional Success: Developing Professionalism Through Your AmeriCorps Experience.”

America Reads – Mississippi. Team Leader Training. 22 Feb. 2006. Whitmore, Amanda. From Temp to Hire. Muskegon, MI: GoodTemps Temporary Staffing Agency

(A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Goodwill Industries of West Michigan), 2011.

Sources