“Professionalism is knowing how to do it, when to do it, and [then] doing it.” -- Frank Tyger.
Although there are many definitions, even quotes and theories, of professionalism, there is one definition that stuck out to me: a high level of excellence going above and beyond basic requirements. In your every day life you should practice professionalism.
[Side note]: One thing that hinders certain people (esp. young adults) from being professionals is their perspective of professionalism. They think "oh, I don't like dressing like that" "I would prefer to do the bare minimum" "does it really take all of that??" Okay, well...YES, you must dress professional. YES, you must put forth more effort than you would like to. YES, it DOES take all of that. Change your way of thinking and you will change your life!
I recently read an article focused on the reason college students and young adults do not take professionalism and the professional world seriously: "One of the big problems that we face with students is convincing them that what happens in college classrooms is very similar to what happens in the world of work. For example, they assume that once they get into the workplace, they won’t have to work with people who fail to carry their weight on a team project. Perhaps we should invite them to observe faculty committees. A lot of students also think it doesn’t matter if they miss deadlines, come late to class, regularly request a bending of the rules, or text while someone else is talking. In some cases they might know these things are unprofessional, but the actions become justified in the student’s mind because they’re doing them in class, not at work... The reasons for deadlines, attentive listening, careful editing, respectful disagreement, and being punctual may not be obvious to those who think college classrooms operate on a different plane than the real world." (Helping Students Learn to be Professional). Professionalism begins in the classroom. Why else would there be career development services on campuses, career fairs, and seminars that outline the importance of professionalism? Why else would rules, regulations and deadlines be put in place? Why else would you have maybe five or six classes per semester that you have to juggle? College develops determination, time management, responsibility, open-mindedness, soft skills, strong work ethic, leadership, enthusiasm, interpersonal communication skills, listening skills - the list goes on. Equip the professional inside of you!
Learn and practice professionalism! Imagine having the required level of core competencies that it takes to work a job but not the professionalism that your potential employer needs and desires in a candidate. Become the person they MUST hire!
We will discuss more with the next post on PROFESSIONALISM!
"You have the POWER to be EXCELLENT in every area of your life. Start TODAY!"
"You have the POWER to be EXCELLENT in every area of your life. Start TODAY!"
Until next time!
