Professionalism

Professionalism

What Does Professionalism

Mean to You?

Take a few minutes and write down your

thoughts…as a definition or description.

One Student’s Perception...

Professionalism…in a word - it’s an attitude. Also, the way in which an individual conducts oneself in certain situations …the way you speak, the way you dress, the way you are organized, etc.

It is setting standards and complying with them.

Business Success is a Matter of Principle

Values are the most effective way to differentiate an individual or organization.

Professionalism is an attitude.

Professionalism is Key to Career Success

Professionals agree to organization-wide shared values

Teamwork is a mandatory part of the organizational culture

Focus on relationship building Trust is the glue that holds the organization

together• Adapted from: David H. Maister (1997) True Professionalism, New York: The Free Press.

Investing in Professionalism...

Explore new technologies Ask for assignments Take charge of your own learning Enhance your communication skills Master people skills Use downtime to acquire knowledge Pursue work that builds your assets

Professionalism in Teamwork...

Take responsibility rather than making excuses or blaming each other

Source: Adapted from Kathleen Ryan and Daniel Oestreich (1998), Driving Fear Out of the Workplace, 2nd edition, Jossey-Bass.


Openly share information


Collaborate on important issues


Focus on a common purpose-don’t get sidetracked by details


Value each other’s background


Openly and respectfully voice concerns & criticisms


Be positive about the team members and their work

Abrasive and Abusive Conduct...

Blaming, discrediting & discounting

Threats Yelling & shouting Angry outbursts or loss

of control

Silence Glaring eye contact:

“the look” Abruptness Snubbing or ignoring

others Insults and put downs

Ryan and Oestreich (1998)

What is Individual Professionalism?

An attitude Pride Responsibility Being a team player Honesty,

trustworthiness, and loyalty

Adapted: David H. Maister, True Professionalism.

Openness to critique Care about people &

goals Accountability Investment

What is Professionalism as a Student?

Enjoying the total experience Building your entire career Developing ‘ownership’ of your

program Managing your time Accepting responsibility Having nonnegotiable values Personal enthusiasm & style

Individual Professionalism Values...

Tolerance Passion for excellence Team cooperation & leadership Competence Respect and trust

Professionalism Issues in the Classroom...

Proper language Tardiness &

absenteeism Excessive talking Working on other

assignments Keeping

appointments

Reading outside materials in class

Sleeping in class Desiring special

treatment Teamwork concerns

Student-Professor Interaction...

In teams of three, develop a set of criteria (for both students and faculty) for professional interaction in the classroom, office, team meetings, and informal situations.

Questions & Discussion

What is the relationship between professionalism & business success?

How does professionalism relate to the culture of an organization?

What are the long term benefits of professionalism to you, your team, and employers?