Professionalism

professionalism Why care about Professionalism' Presented to Ms. Bobbie Schnepf, Instructor Southeastern Louisiana University, College of Business Hammond, Louisiana Prepared by Ty Fajoni, Eric Pohlmann, and Nicole Walters – Team 6 Business Students – Management 240_08 Southeastern Louisiana University April 21, 2010 Table of contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ……………………………….……………………………………. iii INTRODUCTION: PROFESSIONALISM …………………………………………………… 1 BACKGROUND: THE ROLE OF A PROFESSIONAL …………….……………………… 1 DISCUSSION: PROFESSIONAL, CHARACTERISTICS, BEHAVIOR/APPEARANCE …………………………………………………………….. 3 Professional ………………………………………………………………………………. 3 Professions ……………………………………………………………………………. 3 Professionals ………………………………………………………………………….. 3 Professionalism ………………………………………………………………………. 4 Characteristics ……………………………………………………………………………. 4 General Business Courtesies ………………………………………………………. 4 Business Introductions ………………………………………………………………. 4 Communication ………………………………………………………………………. 5 Behavior/Appearance ……………………………………………………………………. 5 Dress ………………………………………………………………………………….. 5 Etiquette ………………………………………………………………………………. 6 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ……………………………………………. 8 WORKS CITED ………………………………………………………………………………. 10 Executive Summary This paper examines the connection that professionalism has with business through characteristics, communication, appearance and behaviors. We used information from a variety of sources to find a solution to why care about professionalism. Our conclusion that professionalism is essential in the workplace was based on internet findings, survey, studies, and articles. Breakdown of the data revealed results in three areas: * Professional. The most important quality associated with any person working in the business world is professionalism. The first in becoming a professional is to understand what professionalism is and its characteristics. * Characteristics. Successful professionals have respect for themselves and their profession. They have the interest in serving the needs of others and have good team work abilities. * Behavior/Appearance. When you walk in to your workplace or a professional setting properly attired and possessing good behavior, you are accepted in their environment. There are many factors that you must consider before acceptance is established. The findings suggest that individuals who are engaged in professional activities and who develop a true understanding of the aspects of being a professional develop the essentials of professionalism. Professionals who are continuously engaged in constructing new understandings in the business world are likely to succeed in the essence of professionalism. introduction: professionalism This project was conducted to explore what it means to be a professional in today’s business environment and how to project an image that enhances one’s reputation and value in the workplace. In particular, the research looks for answers to these questions: * What is a professional' * What characteristics are valued in the workplace' * Why is behavior and appearance vital in the workplace' background: the role of a professional Team six of Business Management 240_08 class conducted this research of Professionalism at the request of their instructor. The entire class was broken up into teams and requested to complete a presentation and report on professionalism. Our research was presented in a power-point presentation on April 21, 2010. The objective for the assignment was to develop a defined understanding of the attributes and values involved with professionalism. Just as the other teams in the class, team six was motivated to complete the research because not only did it further our education, it also provided essential information that we will use in our future careers in the business world. During our research, we found data for this report, which came from internet research and a survey from a professor of York College on college graduates and their professionalism in the workplace. The results of this survey, confirmed our findings of why an individual should care about professionalism. “The level of professionalism displayed by college graduates has diminished over the years. Kelly Gorman said she attributes it to the failure to foster a sense of independence in them when they were children. Gorman is manager of human resources at Harrisburg-based Penn National Insurance, which has nearly 850 employees. People who lack professionalism include those who are not neatly groomed or appropriately dressed, as well as those who submit applications and résumés containing spelling errors, she said. Gorman's observations coincide with the results of a recent study commissioned by York College of Pennsylvania. The study polled more than 500 human resource professionals and business leaders nationwide in an attempt to determine the importance of professionalism to employers when considering a job applicant. Business leaders said many recent college graduates have a hard time accepting personal responsibility and acting independently, and do not have a sense of direction or purpose, according to the survey results. More than 30 percent of respondents said professionalism among college graduates applying for entry level positions has decreased over the past five years. And one in every three respondents said less than half of college graduates exhibit professionalism in the workplace.” (Bair) discussion: professional, characteristics, and behavior/appearance The results of this research indicated there are many factors that play into professionalism. The factors conveyed fall into three groups: (a) professional, (b) characteristics, and (c) behavior/appearance. Professionalism The most important quality associated with any person working in the business world is professionalism. The first in becoming a professional is to understand what professionalism is and its characteristics. “Professionalism isn't just a set of appearances -- neatness, good grooming, "shop talk" and the like. Nor is it just technical skill; many technically skilled people are not really professional. Professionalism is, rather, a set of internalized character strengths and values directed toward high quality service to others through one's work.” (Stenson) Professions 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. Three important elements a profession possesses: (a) service orientation; (b) abstract knowledge used in the area of service; and (c) self-sufficient in decision-making and action relative to the service. These characteristics must be translated by individuals into patterns of action that convey the image of a professional person. Professionals Professional is one who follows an occupation as a means of livelihood or gain, or one who is engaged in one of the learned professions. There are six characteristics of a professional’s style: (a) ethics, moral standard of conduct; (b) altruistic: regard for and devotion to the interest of others, unselfish; (c) responsible: accountable, answerable, trustworthy, and able to respond; (d) theoretical: systematic and abstract principles of professional action; (e) committed: a lifetime of devotion; (f) intellectual: feels responsible for continuous development of professional knowledge and skills; learning is not a task, but a way of living and being. (Stratton). Professionalism Professionalism describes a certain type of behavior in the workplace, based on our values and understanding of our professional roles, demonstrated in our behavior. Professionalism is a passion for personal responsibility, devotion to a life of service, commitment to a mission, and openness to new ideas and alternatives. Characteristics Successful professionals have respect for themselves and their profession. They have the interest in serving the needs of others and have good team work abilities. General Business Courtesies Some general business courtesies we found to be important to professionalism included: (a) demonstrate a positive attitude; (b) represent the organization with a courteous and business-like attitude in all contact; (c) retain emotional control, honesty, and productivity; (d) be timely; (e) learn appropriate office behavior- pay attention to the way things are done; and (f) understand the unwritten rules of business. Business Introductions When being introduced to someone you should always show him or her ample respect no matter how important you think the individual they may be. Also, when being introduced to someone you should always aim to have a strong firm handshake and address the individual with the proper title. It is embarrassing altogether when you have to be corrected on a person’s title. Communication Having good oral and written communication skills are important for carrying out interactions, especially with clients. Important communication factors relevant to professionalism we found important, include: (a) verbal: learn company lingo, but use proper English when writing and speaking; (b) be assertive; properly address a person; (c) non-verbal: communicating without the use of words; (d) written: expected to write with more advanced skills, formal writing and documentation, keep notes up-to-date and organized; (e) body language: handshake, eye contact, posture, smiling, facial expressions. All of these factors are vital in carrying yourself professionally. Proper communication skills are essential in proving yourself in the professional world. Behavior and Appearance As discussed, your first impression is one of the most critical parts in your workplace and your interview. The second somebody takes a glance at you, you are judged at that instant. When you walk in to your workplace or a professional setting properly attired and possessing good behavior, you are accepted in their environment. There are many factors that you must consider before acceptance is established. Dress/Appearance Be sure to follow the dress code of the office or professional setting you are in. If there is not a code, observe what others are wearing and dress accordingly. Always dress in a presentable manner. To be at proper dress standards it is quite simple. Your clothes should be fitted, clean, ironed, and not to bright or exaggerated. Your footwear should be of the fancy type. Tennis shoes, open toe shoes, flip flops or crocs are not accepted and will be frowned upon. Your shoes should be dress type, clean and with the end of your pants just resting on the tongue. Properly fitted pants, when you sit down, should ride up just a little bit to see your dress socks. Accessories should be very limited. Piercings must be taken out of the face and ears for men. Women should be limited to just a few pieces of jewelry. Tattoos should be covered. Personal grooming and hygiene can also affect the way one is viewed in the business world. Men should always be well groomed with clean facial hair if any. Clean shaved with a fresh haircut is what is expected in the business world. All of these examples are part of the modern business world. In a business you will interact with people. To interact with people you must come off as a people person. This is why dressing to the standard is crucial to making the person you are interacting with, feel comfortable and there is a better chance of succeeding in satisfying the customer or employee. Business is all about making deals, and to be on the level of high success you must look like a professional and act like a professional. Etiquette Mastering business etiquette is critical for success in today’s work environment. A variety of aspects of business etiquette are important in multiple work situations. Many of the items may seem to be common courtesy and politeness, but that just means that you are practicing good etiquette already. Workplace Etiquette include the following: (a) greeting co-workers in passing is courteous; it is rude not to greet others when you enter an office. It is important to use acceptable terms and speak in terms acceptable to the company culture; (b) sharing recognition with others on a team project is important; you shouldn’t ever take credit for work done by others; (c) respecting personal space. As a guest, respect the other person’s privacy. As you enter the office, don’t take over their desk area with your belongings. To respect the other person’s time, make an appointment and be punctual. As a host, greet the visitor and make him or her feel welcome. If you are busy when the visitor arrives, have someone else escort the person to the meeting place. Escort a visitor out of the office when the meeting is over. As a co-worker, show respect and courtesy, use “please” and “thank you.” Respect the effort and concentration of others; do not interrupt them or enter an office with the door closed. Keep your work area neat. Communication Etiquette is important because of the enormous amount of each work day that is spent communicating (verbally or in writing). Telephone etiquette should demonstrate courtesy; it is obvious to the person on the other end of the phone. Electronic communication should be used effectively; modes of communication include cellular phones, e-mail, and fax. You should not use your cellular phones in the workplace or in a workplace setting; wait until lunch or break or excuse yourself from the situation before engaging in conversation on your cellular phone. Business meetings allow you to make a positive impression; watch what is said and the nonverbal communication as well. Business Dining and Entertaining Etiquette- Meal Functions can take place at any time during the day. Breakfast is for urgent meetings, reviewing an event, or convenience of the participants; it usually lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour. Lunch meetings can last up to 2 hours. They are used to entertain clients or establish contacts. Be cautious with alcohol; some companies forbid consumption during work hours. Usually, the meeting begins once an appetizer is served. Business dinners develop and solidify existing relationships. Allow 2 hours for the meeting, which may begin before the second drink arrives. Dinner should not be the first meeting with a client, unless he or she is from out of town. Dining Etiquette says that you should arrive promptly at the invited time; a few minutes late is acceptable if there is a cocktail period. Place settings are complete; work toward the plate with the silverware. Eating the meal should begin once everyone at the table is serves. Pass to the right, offer items to your immediate left. The best rule of thumb is to follow the example set by the host. conclusions and recommendations Professionalism is obtained through many factors in the business world. As we explained, professionals, adhering to characteristics, proper attire, and behavior are all challenging and exciting factors of professionalism. If we want to get ahead in today's business office, certain factors leads to the following conclusions and recommendations about importance of professionalism: 1. It is always important to acknowledge the professional aspects; meaning, ethics, skills, communication and appearance. 2. By keeping these main characteristics of professionalism in mind as we go about our day, we'll be able to exhibit a professional manner and attitude that will help us succeed in whatever we do. 3. Most professions have codes of ethics, standards to which you will be expected to adhere when you are working. Professional attributes are developed to create a career-long commitment to achieving excellence and demonstrating integrity in one’s work. After completing our research on professionalism, we recommend that each individual with the desire to be a professional needs explore all the factors in professionalism and gain the knowledge of why you should care about professionalism. Each position you hold will act as a building block for further career choices you make and striving to fulfill these aspects is important in each step a professional takes. Professionalism is the key to success; always remember that the secret of success is passion. Works Cited Bair, Jessica. "Professionalism 101: Colleges Nurture Trait Employers Want." 6 November 2009. All Business A D&B Company. 2010 April 19 . Stenson, James B. "Professionalism & Workplace Savvy." Stenson's Parent Leadership Website - Professionalism & Workplace Savvy. 19 April 2010 . Stratton, Susan S. "Characteristics of a Profession ." 23 February 2002. download-book . 18 April 2010 . -------------------------------------------- [ 1 ]. (footnote continued)