Why Professionalism Is Your Key To Success.

We’ve previously discussed dressing for success and how that will impress a prospective employer. There is however more to professionalism than looking good. It is an embodiment of goodness that you exude both on and off the court so your employer has the confidence that you will not only do and say the right things when you’re on the clock, but when you’ve left for the day.

Five of the most important elements of professionalism are:

1. Ethics – Though usually applied to professionals such as doctors and lawyers, your ethics are important to an employer. An ethical person will always do the right thing when given the choice. This applies to finishing work, handling cash, and advising clients properly.

2. Organizational skills – Though some people pretend to think that a messy desk is a sign of genius, it’s also a sign of a lack in professionalism. It doesn’t take long to clean up your office so your next appointment has your undivided attention.

3. Accountability –  Everyone wants to take credit when things go right. The professional raises her hand when things don’t. It isn’t about taking the blame, more an acknowledgement that things could and should have gone better. When you know it’s on you, then you try harder the next time.

4. Competence –  When you compare a professional athlete to an amateur, you aren’t looking at their raw talent, but their honed skills. A professional spends the time to practice and learn more about their chosen art so they aren’t just relying on that raw talent.

5. Reliability –  You always know that a professional is going to be there when you need them. They recognize the need to be there when the clock is ticking so they can always reach their goals.

Professionalism is more than a suit and tie. When you elevate yourself to a professional, you are taking an active role in your career. Anyone can just do the job, you live it. You strive to make yourself better at the job and as a person.

Take away:

Think of your dream job and then imagine it’s a sport’s team. Compare the elements of the position as if you are a professional in the NHL or NBA vs a farm team. Are you ready to raise your game and become a professional?