PROFESSIONALISM AT WORK- WHAT IT TAKES

It's sometimes difficult to identify the true meaning of "professionalism." Many individuals use professionalism as a facade to cover their lack ability to perform their job effectively. Others use it to for intimidation to gain power. Still others use it as a way to impress the unknowing. However, it seems that very few individuals use it for its original intent---to provide a foundation for effective communications and efficient performance.
During one of my recent weekly group emails, I decided to touch on an issue that often frustrates us at work and a word we use so often. What exactly does ‘being professional’ or professionalism mean? And I got varied answers. This got me thinking more. What defines professionalism in a work place?
“Keep your emotional and private life to yourself. Volunteer to do more then what you are paid for. Get a rhinoceros hide to petty people in the work place. Your attitude will open more doors for you or allow you to get a good referral if you have to leave your job”
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“Professionalism is a work practice or culture enforced throughout an organization whereby all the processes/procedures are implemented and practiced to achieve effectiveness/efficiency thereby delivering '' A'' class service to customers/clients and hence creating a ‘feel good factor ‘about the organization in the customers”
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“It simply means operate by the book/company rules/policies! And be SMART”
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“Professionalism at work? Well it depends on the environment, the country and the culture. It’s a bit like driving; no matter how safely you drive, someone else might be reckless and cause lots of damage. Similarly, at work it all depends on the organization’s culture. If you try and be professional in a laid back place you are not going to be in anyone's good books and your job security will not be so bright; bosses like to keep 'yes sir’ people close to them. In such a place, if you are professional then you will be deemed to be cold, and won't get too many invites for drinks etc”
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Professionalism has many levels and is handled many different ways. You might find that what one person sees as being professional, another would see otherwise. This can cause considerable confusion for someone trying to define professionalism in their own career.
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The answers varied, but it became evident that the challenges that we all face at some point are not in our ability to handle our job, but in our lack of a definitive understanding of professionalism in their workplace. Nevertheless, the core definition of professionalism is always the same and will hardly change from firm to firm or country to country.
What is "Professionalism"?
Power lunches and golfing with associates has little to do with the definition of professionalism. Extracurricular activities are great for networking; however, they are also situations in which individuals make their greatest mistake: trusting the situation and letting down their professional facade. Your emotional self begins to rise to the surface and you immediately alter the playing field against yourself.
Drinking with the boss has absolutely nothing to do with the definition of professionalism. While it is possible to get into the "inner circle" this way, I have seen careers come crashing down over a single beer because the boss was able to use the alcohol as a way to find "the real you" beneath the business-shield. You begin to relax and eventually your professional being takes a hike.
Business suits do not define professionalism; however, the professional situation defines which clothes you should wear. Whether it is casual day or formal day in your office, you must dress to look your part. How you look demonstrates how you feel and will define how people see your professional being, inside and out.
So, what is professionalism if it's not power lunches, golf, drinking with the boss, and business suits? A general, raw view of professionalism is, "a focused, accountable, confident, competent, motivation toward a particular goal, with respect for hierarchy and humanity, less the emotion." What this means is that you leave out the outbursts and emotional thralls that accompany stressful situations and success. You maintain focus, with a sense of urgency, and accept responsibility on a path toward a specific goal. In the process, you maintain respect for your superiors, peers, and subordinates as well as respect them as human beings.
Handling Professional Situations
The advantage to dealing with professional situations without emotion, and base business-related interactions on intellect, industry, and experience, is that it provides a common foundation from which professional relationships can flourish. Emotion varies wildly between individuals; however, competency in a particular field provides a basis of understanding. From this basis, everyone can function and exercise their power on the same playing field.
Understand that a business situation has a purpose and a goal. Jocularity and emotional responses have no place in such a situation because it takes away from the time spent moving toward that goal. By including such emotion into a professional relationship can make others, who are focused on their direction, see you as someone that doesn't take their position seriously. I am not saying that a sense of humor is not acceptable, but it can sometimes get you labeled as someone who is not a "team player," among other things.
The point to realize is that, if a professional situation seems to be turning against you, maybe you are not behaving in a professional manner.
Are you unprofessional?
Most people feel that professionalism is a subjective term based on a hidden set of standards. Many companies use these standards to criticize you if they don't like you, and to praise you otherwise.
One can justifiably be seen as unprofessional if you have not taken the time to understand your corporate culture and learn the "hidden standards." Corporate culture plays a considerable role into the idea of professionalism. You have to learn how to maintain your level of raw professionalism and, once you learn the corporate culture, add the new expectations to your professional facade.

In summary, professionalism can be measured using the following indicators:
 Responsiveness as the golden rule: Giving timely feedback and positive criticism is crucial in enhancing communication
 Organization and time management
 Email/voicemail best practices
 Importance of planning and adhering to the plan
 Problem solving attitudes
 Manners matter
 Integrity always
 Impact communications
 Presentation development
 Dressing appropriately
 Speaking politely and courteously
 Performing your job duties to the best of your ability
 Arriving and leaving at the designated times
 Not abusing sick and vacation time
 Leaving personal life at home