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10 Characteristics of Professionalism

Professionals exhibit 10 key characteristics: 1) Appearance - meet or exceed dress code standards; 2) Demeanor - exhibit confidence without arrogance and remain polite; 3) Reliability - get jobs done on time and follow through on promises; 4) Competence - strive for expertise through continued education; 5) Ethics - adhere to codes of conduct; 6) Poise - maintain composure in difficult situations; 7) Phone etiquette - properly identify oneself on calls; 8) Written correspondence - keep correspondence brief, polite, and formal; 9) Organizational skills - keep work areas and materials neat and organized; 10) Accountability - take responsibility for mistakes.

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448 views2 pages

10 Characteristics of Professionalism

Professionals exhibit 10 key characteristics: 1) Appearance - meet or exceed dress code standards; 2) Demeanor - exhibit confidence without arrogance and remain polite; 3) Reliability - get jobs done on time and follow through on promises; 4) Competence - strive for expertise through continued education; 5) Ethics - adhere to codes of conduct; 6) Poise - maintain composure in difficult situations; 7) Phone etiquette - properly identify oneself on calls; 8) Written correspondence - keep correspondence brief, polite, and formal; 9) Organizational skills - keep work areas and materials neat and organized; 10) Accountability - take responsibility for mistakes.

Uploaded by

athanassiadis2890
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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10 Characteristics of Professionalism

Being a professional in your chosen field means much more things than wearing a
coat and tie or possessing a college degree and a noted title. Professionalism also has
to do with how you conduct yourself during your business affairs. True professionals
possess a number of important characteristics that can apply to virtually any type of
business.

Appearance

A professional is neat in appearance. Be sure to meet or even exceed the requirements


of your company's dress code, and pay special attention to your appearance when
meeting with prospects or clients.

Demeanor (Behavior, Manner)

Your demeanor should exude (display) confidence but not cockiness (arrogance,
pride). Be polite and well-spoken whether you're interacting with customers, superiors
or co-workers. You need to keep your calm, even during tense situations.

Reliability

As a professional, you will be counted on to find a way to get the job done.
Responding to people promptly (quickly, without delay, or at the arranged time) and
following through on promises in a timely manner is also important, as this
demonstrates reliability.

Competence

Professionals strive to become experts in their field, which sets them apart from the
rest of the pack. This can mean continuing your education by taking courses,
attending seminars and attaining any related professional designations.

Ethics

Professionals such as doctors, lawyers and public accountants must adhere to a strict
code of ethics. Even if your company or industry doesn't have a written code, you
should display ethical behaviour at all times.

Maintaining Your Poise

A professional must maintain his poise even when facing a difficult situation. For
example, if a colleague or client treats you in a belligerent manner, you should not
resort to the same type of behaviour.

Phone Etiquette

Your phone etiquette is also an important component of professional behaviour. This


means identifying yourself by your full name, company and title when you place a
call. Be sure not to dominate the conversation and listen intently to the other party.
Written Correspondence

During written correspondence, keep your letters brief and to the point. Your tone
should be polite and formal without being "stuffy." This also applies to email
correspondence.

Organizational Skills

A professional can quickly and easily find what is needed. Your work area should be
neat and organized, and your briefcase should contain only what is needed for your
appointment or presentation.

Accountability

Professionals are accountable for their actions at all times. If you make a mistake,
own up to it and try to fix it if possible. Don't try to place the blame on a colleague. If
your company made the mistake, take responsibility and work to resolve the issue.

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