It doesn't matter if you work for your yourself or a boss, there are expectations that you will be professional in the course of your business.
But what is professional behaviour?
Most people would probably find it easier to tell you what being unprofessional is, giving examples of unprofessional people they have dealt with in the past. However, it is much easier and more positive to know what to do than not to do.
Thus, some major aspects of professional behaviour are listed below:
Respect for Others
Showing others respect is the basis of all professional behaviour. It includes:
Being courteous and having good manners
Being punctual
Keeping confidential details confidential
Being fair in all dealings
Keeping personal opinions of people private
Doing what needs to be done, not leaving it for others to do
Acceptance of constructive criticism
Being fair and gentle when giving feedback
Dealing with sensitive issues privately
Make allowances for other’s mistakes
Listen to others
Apologise for any errors or misunderstandings
Speak clearly and in language others can easily understand
Responsibility and Integrity
This is where you must take care of yourself and present yourself in order to gain others’ trust and respect.
All professionals need to take responsibility for themselves and their work. They need to consider consequences and the impact on others.
Honesty is crucial – avoid even the smallest of lies at all costs
If you commit to something, then follow through with it
If you are delayed, let the other person know as soon as possible
Always be respectful about competing businesses/people – point out your benefits rather than their faults
Be prepared before meetings and when presenting reports and the like
Ensure you have made yourself clear to avoid any miscommunication
Avoid conflicts of interest
Be impartial – keep personal bias and intolerances out of the business world
Be reliable and dependable
Take appropriate actions, rather than trying to hurt someone or their business when you feel wronged
Ensure you present yourself pleasantly with good hygiene and appropriate dress codes.
Pay for services and products promptly, whatever the cost to yourself
Demonstrate self-control and avoid public arguments and disagreements
Commitment to Quality
A professional always aims to give the best they can. Whether it is putting together a product that will last and be safe to use or providing a service of value, you need to do give the customer more than they expect.
Never give out work you are not proud to have your name on and always do your best work, and the results will reflect these attitudes.
Commitment beyond yourself
A professional can see beyond him or herself and is willing to share.
Some ways to give to others in a professional capacity are as follows:
Take on an apprentice or student
Participate in professional organizations you belong to
Volunteer services to a worthy community or charity group
Encourage conservation within your work place
Join networking groups and help the members
Have referral systems in place with competitors for busy periods and complementary services
Essentially, being professional is about seeing beyond the immediate needs. By thinking about the long term perceptions of you and your business, rather than a quick dollar or score, you are likely to behave professionally.
Being as professional - To learn more about this author, visit Tash Hughes's Website.
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David Barr is the President of Venture Opportunities, Inc. David has been a professional business broker/intermediary since 1980 focusing on General Business Brokerage and Mergers and Acquisitions representing client transaction value from $400,000 to $20,000,000. Mr. Barr has handled the sale of over four hundred and fifty companies. David earned a university degree from the State University of New York majoring in economics and business.
David holds the Mergers and Acquisition Master Intermediary and the Certified Business Intermediary designations from the International Business Brokers Association. He is also a Senior Business Analyst and a Texas licensed Real Estate Agent. For more information about David and Venture Opportunities, visit www.bizdealmaker.com. - Visit David Barr's Website |
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Tash Hughes
(Visit Tash's Website)
Clear communication is critical to the
success of any business, but it is often
left to care for itself in many
businesses. Tash Hughes is a professional
and skilled writer who makes technical and
otherwise boring information accessible
for everyone a business needs to
communicate with. Next time you need
webcopy, articles, newsletters, reports or
any other business document, visit www.word
constructions.com to see how Tash and
her team can help your business succeed.
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