Professionalism: Stand Above the Rest

Being professional is essential for success in the workplace. Ninety-six percent of business leaders and human resource personnel say that professionalism factors into hiring decisions (“Be professional,” 2011). Professional individuals have certain attributes that set them apart from others. Today I will discuss accountability and image, two characteristics that a person must develop to become a true professional in the workplace.

First, professional individuals demonstrate accountability. People make mistakes on a regular basis. Accountable individuals do not try to blame someone else for mistakes; rather, they own up to any mistakes made and do everything in their power to resolve problems (Joseph, 2014). Also, this type of person does not use ignorance as an excuse for misbehavior. The “I didn’t know” excuse is invalid for professionals. Those who are accountable can be trusted with responsibilities; therefore, they are given more opportunities for growth and advancement in the workplace. All of this contributes to an individual’s professionalism.

Second, a positive personal image is vital to professionalism. A true professional “looks the part,” is confident, and is respected by peers (Podmoroff, 2014). Maintaining a good image includes dressing appropriately for each situation and never coming to work with an unkempt appearance. One’s own neatness and tidiness will add to one’s professional reputation.

Remember that demonstrating accountability and maintaining a positive image are crucial for each individual’s professional character. Those who develop these characteristics are sure to stand above the rest by earning success through professionalism.

References

Be professional. Be hired. (2011). Industrial Engineer: IE, 43(2), 14.

Joseph, C. (2014). 10 characteristics of professionalism. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness
.chron.com/10-characteristics-professionalism-708.html

Podmoroff, D. (2014). Professionalism. Retrieved from http://www.mindtools.com/pages
/article/professionalism.htm

Take Your Team to the Top

The delegation of assignments to teams rather than to single individuals is becoming more popular in the workplace (Kokemuller, 2014). A major factor that contributes to the success of a team is the team’s overall effectiveness at accomplishing tasks. Today I will discuss a couple tips for improving your team’s effectiveness at reaching its goals. Two tips to remember are leveraging team diversity and creating relationships between team members.

First, for teams to work most effectively, they must leverage their diversity. According to Russ Osmond, founder of Change Strategies International, rather than randomly divvying up tasks among team members, teams should assign particular tasks to individuals according to their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses (R. Osmond, personal communication, February 13, 2014). For example, instead of having John, an accomplished writer, research a new software program the company could use, give him the task of writing up weekly reports. When the things that are required of an individual are aligned with his/her strengths, each task can be accomplished with the greatest possible effectiveness.

Second, good relationships between team members allows for effective communication. Many people feel uncomfortable working with people they either don’t know or don’t have any connection with. Having fellow team members get to know each other will improve workplace relationships and communications within a team. This can be done by encouraging chit-chat or even “spotlighting” a single team member before meetings. By doing so, team members can understand each other better and therefore more effectively communicate and productively work together (Hallett, 2014).

Remember that a team’s effectiveness at accomplishing tasks is a critical factor of its success. Leveraging team diversity and creating relationships among team members are a few tips that are sure to improve team effectiveness and help take your team to the top.

References

Hallett, T. (2014). Building good work relationships. Retrieved from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/good-relationships.htm#

Kokemuller, N. (2014). The advantages & disadvantages of teams in the workplace. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-teams-workplace-21669.html