Sunday, November 13, 2011

Business is all about professionalism - what is this word meaning (Siya and her questions)

Inspite of working now for 10 years, yesterday when Siya asked me "what do you mean by professional", I was really put to thought on what does it really mean? I was always taught on how to work in office but never taught what does it take to be a professional. So thought should write about it today "My definition of professionalism" which Siya can surely refer tomorrow.

Whether you are running your own business or you are working for someone, there is always an expectation that you will be professional in the course of business. I broadly treat the following as attributes of professional :

1) Respect for others - Being courteous and having good manners, being fair in all dealings, being on time for meetings and respecting others time, being prepared for meetings, keeping personal opinion of people private, doing what needs to be done, not leaving it for others, acceptance of constructive criticism, dealing with sensitive issues privately, being faitr and gentle when giving feedback, keeping confidential details and confidential, listen(and not hear) to others, accept your mistake and apologize and finally communicate (and not speak) to others.

2) Responsibility and Integrity - We must present ourselves always in a way that you earn (not demand) respect for yourself. All professionals need to take responsibility of themselves and their work. Honesty is crucial – avoid even the smallest of lies at all costs. Commitment is a commitment -If you commit to something, then follow through with it. If there is a delay, let the person know that there is a delay - timely information is better than no information at all. be respectful about competing businesses or people - try pointing out your benefits rather than their faults. Be impartial - keep personal bias and intolerances out of the business world.Be reliable and dependable. Demonstrate self-control and avoid public arguments and disagreements.

Is this good enough Siya? :-)

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