Professionalism in 2012--- A series

In the next several weeks, I plan on publishing tips/ideas on exhibiting professionalism in the marketplace.  My hope is to share from past experiences both successes & disasters that have been noted.  This week, my discussions will revolve around communications & professional appearance.

1. Show Respect

• Cell Phone & texting are pet peeves & have no place in the workplace during working hours with team-mates.  Show some respect and keep your interest on the business items at hand.  Your work environment is just that.  It is a time for being productive in a business capacity.
• Crude & Vulgar language is becoming all too common in today's workplace.  This type of language is offensive and can damage credibility, professionalism and minimize your leadership.  Avoid disparatory words at all costs and learn to speak to your professional colleagues as though your young children are in the room.  This will help a conversation going down the toilet and avoid a growing tendency to use crude lanaguage in business settings.
• Always practice the "golden rule".  Keep in mind no one cares how much you know until they realize how much you truly care.
• Avoid at all costs - conversations related to controversial subjects such as politics, race, religion, sex.
• Avoid gossip and steer conversation away from non-business items.
• Refrain from interuptions & "getting loud" to gain control.  Learn to listen so that you can contribute and not compete to get your ideas across with a goal of ultimately leading to a collaborative relationship with your colleagues. 

2. Image is key

The old adage about First Impressions is key.  You only get one time to deliver a first impression - Make it a good one!

• Professional image can be fatal on a first meeting.
• Be on Time
• Be Prepared
• Maintain good eye contact
• Firm Handshake
• Professional appearance
• Keep in mind that professional impressions are also based on how you look. If you have tattoos, body piercings etc....this could have the potential to express an unprofessional image of both yourself and your company. It's best to keep them under wraps when in the business world.
• Professional outfitting and grooming is another key to pay attention to.  Always dress one level above when on a business trip.

A solid professional image will keep your management happy and your clients will be impressed with your polished presentation.

Next week - Showing gratitude & humility --- All my best!  John