SY BCOM SEM III

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

THINKING ABOUT PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

1. What do you understand by the word professionalism?

Professionalism refers to the conduct, behavior, and attitude expected of someone in
a professional setting. It includes qualities such as reliability, responsibility, integrity,
and respect for others. A professional adheres to ethical standards, delivers high-
quality work, and maintains a positive and respectful demeanor in their interactions.

2. Whom would you call professionals? Give at least 5 examples.

Professionals are individuals who possess specialized skills, knowledge, and
qualifications in their field. Examples include:
1. Doctors
2. Lawyers
3. Engineers
4. Teachers
5. Accountants

3. Whom would you classify as being non-professionals? Give at least 5 examples.

Non-professionals are individuals who may lack formal training or specialized
qualifications in their work. Examples include:
1. Freelance writers (without formal training)
2. Hobbyists (e.g., amateur artists)
3. General laborers (without specific trade skills)
4. Informal caregivers
5. Retail workers (without specialized training)
 4. Why do some professionals behave unprofessionally sometimes?
Some professionals may behave unprofessionally due to stress, personal issues, lack
of accountability, or inadequate training in professional conduct. External pressures,
such as tight deadlines or workplace conflicts, can also lead to lapses in judgment
and behavior that do not align with professional standards.

WORKPLACE SKILLS

1. How does an effective understanding of professionalism help in performing one’s job

satisfactorily and successfully?
An effective understanding of professionalism helps individuals perform their jobs
satisfactorily by fostering a strong work ethic, accountability, and reliability.
Professionals adhere to high standards of behavior, ensuring tasks are completed
efficiently and with integrity. This understanding also promotes respectful
communication, teamwork, and a positive workplace culture. By consistently
demonstrating professionalism, individuals gain the trust and respect of colleagues
and superiors, leading to career advancement and job satisfaction. In essence,
professionalism serves as the foundation for building a successful and reputable
career.

2. How can individual can develop their professional skills continuously throughout
their career and their lives?
Individuals can develop their professional skills continuously by committing to
lifelong learning. This can be achieved through attending workshops, pursuing
further education, seeking mentorship, and staying updated with industry trends.
Engaging in reflective practices, seeking feedback, and setting personal development
goals also play a crucial role. Networking with peers and joining professional
organizations provide additional opportunities for growth. By being proactive and
open to new experiences, individuals can adapt to changing job demands, remain
competitive, and excel in their careers.

3. What are some of the ways in which professionalism has been enshrined in a code of
conduct of certain organisations such as Indian Medical Association (IMA) and State
Bank of India Officers Association ( SBIOA)
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) enshrines professionalism in its code of
conduct by emphasizing ethical medical practices, patient confidentiality, and
continuous professional development. It mandates that doctors uphold the dignity of
 the profession and prioritize patient care. Similarly, the State Bank of India Officers
Association (SBIOA) promotes professionalism by ensuring members adhere to
ethical banking practices, maintain transparency, and demonstrate accountability in
financial dealings. Both organizations stress integrity, responsibility, and a
commitment to service, reinforcing the importance of professionalism in their
respective fields.

4. What are some of the ways in which you feel you can be more professional in your
own life? Do you think you can achieve a balance between duty and personal
considerations?
To be more professional, I can focus on improving time management, enhancing
communication skills, and being more proactive in seeking feedback. Additionally,
setting clear boundaries between work and personal life can help maintain
professionalism. Achieving a balance between duty and personal considerations is
possible by prioritizing tasks, practicing self-care, and managing stress effectively.
By aligning my personal values with professional responsibilities, I can maintain
integrity while meeting job demands, leading to a harmonious and successful career.

Real life experience

Write about an instance where being professional has come at the cost of one's
personal life. Write the content in 1000 words

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, professionalism is often hailed as a

virtue essential for career success. It involves a commitment to ethical standards,
reliability, and excellence in the workplace. However, the pursuit of professionalism
can sometimes come at a significant personal cost. This is a story of a man named
Anil, whose dedication to his career as a corporate executive led him to make difficult
decisions that deeply affected his personal life.
Anil was always a driven individual. From a young age, he aspired to climb the
corporate ladder and make a name for himself in the business world. After earning an
MBA from a prestigious university, he joined a well-known multinational corporation
as a management trainee. His hard work, strategic thinking, and leadership abilities
quickly caught the attention of senior management, and within a few years, Anil was
promoted to a mid-level management position.
As he advanced in his career, Anil’s responsibilities grew. He was tasked with leading
a team of professionals, managing critical projects, and ensuring that his division met
its targets. Anil thrived in this environment. He was often the first to arrive at the
office and the last to leave. His colleagues admired his dedication, and his superiors
began to see him as a rising star within the company.

While Anil’s professional life was flourishing, his personal life began to show signs
of strain. He had married his college sweetheart, Priya, shortly after graduating, and
they had two young children. Priya had been supportive of Anil’s ambitions, but as
his work demands increased, she began to feel the pressure.
Anil’s long hours at the office meant that he often missed family dinners, school
events, and weekends. When he was home, he was frequently preoccupied with work,
responding to emails or taking calls. The quality time that he once spent with his
family dwindled, replaced by the demands of his burgeoning career.
Priya tried to communicate her concerns to Anil, but he was so focused on his
professional responsibilities that he struggled to see the impact his work was having
on his family. He rationalized his absence by telling himself that he was working hard
to provide for his family’s future. However, deep down, Anil knew that the balance
between his professional and personal life was tipping dangerously out of control.

The turning point in Anil’s life came when he was offered a promotion to a senior
executive position. This role came with greater responsibilities, a higher salary, and
the prestige that Anil had always sought. However, it also required him to relocate to
another city, away from his family, at least for the first year. The company offered to
cover the cost of frequent travel back home, but Anil knew that the demands of the
job would make it difficult for him to maintain a regular presence in his family’s life.
Priya was devastated by the news. She had already felt the strain of Anil’s long hours
and frequent absences, and the prospect of him being away for extended periods was
overwhelming. She expressed her fears and concerns, pleading with Anil to
reconsider the promotion. But Anil, driven by his professional ambitions, felt that this
was an opportunity he could not pass up. He assured Priya that it would only be
temporary and that the promotion would ultimately benefit the family in the long run.
With a heavy heart, Anil accepted the promotion. He moved to the new city, leaving
Priya and the children behind. The distance added to the already growing tension
between Anil and his family. Despite his best efforts to stay connected through phone
calls and visits, the physical separation took its toll. Anil found himself increasingly
consumed by his new role, and the demands of the job left little time for anything
else.

As months passed, the strain on Anil’s personal life deepened. His relationship with
Priya deteriorated, with frequent arguments and growing resentment on both sides.
Priya felt abandoned and overwhelmed with the responsibilities of raising their
children alone. The emotional distance between them widened, and the once-strong
bond they shared began to erode.

Anil, too, was affected. Although he excelled in his new role, he began to feel the
weight of his choices. The joy he once found in his work was overshadowed by guilt
and loneliness. He missed important milestones in his children’s lives, and each
missed moment was a painful reminder of the sacrifices he had made in the name of
professionalism.

The final blow came when Priya, unable to bear the situation any longer, suggested
that they separate. She felt that Anil had chosen his career over his family, and she
needed to protect herself and the children from further heartache. The suggestion of
separation shocked Anil, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions. The
realization that he might lose his family was a wake-up call that shook him to his
core.

Anil’s world was turned upside down. The career that had once been the center of his
life now seemed hollow in the face of losing his family. He took a leave of absence
from work and returned home, determined to rebuild the relationships he had
neglected.
The road to reconciliation was not easy. Anil had to earn back the trust of his wife
and children, which required time, patience, and a willingness to change. He sought
counseling, both individually and as a couple, to work through the issues that had
driven them apart. Anil also made a conscious effort to be present in his family’s life,
prioritizing their needs over work for the first time in years.
Gradually, the healing process began. Anil learned the importance of balance and the
need to set boundaries between his professional and personal life. He realized that
true success was not just about career achievements but also about maintaining
healthy and fulfilling relationships with loved ones.

Anil’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the costs that can come with an
unbalanced pursuit of professionalism. While dedication and hard work are essential
for career success, they should not come at the expense of one’s personal life. The
key is to find a balance that allows for both professional growth and personal
fulfillment.

In the end, Anil was able to reconcile with his family, but the journey was fraught
with pain and difficult lessons. He learned that professionalism is not just about
achieving career goals but also about being responsible to oneself and one’s loved
ones. It’s about understanding that success in one area of life should not come at the
detriment of another.
Anil’s story is a testament to the importance of balance, communication, and the
willingness to make difficult choices to protect what truly matters. It serves as a
cautionary tale for anyone who finds themselves caught between the demands of their
career and their personal life, reminding us all that true professionalism encompasses
more than just the workplace—it extends to how we manage and honour our
commitments to those we care about most.