Intentional Professionalism

As you well know, high professionalism isn’t automatic. If you demonstrate high professionalism, it is because you intentionally do so with skill, discipline and self control. If you practice professionalism on a regular basis, it becomes a habit and you become known by your choices. Are you known as a high professional?

Traits of Professionalism

Your career progress and satisfaction with yourself are a result of your choices that demonstrate high professionalism. Much of the stress, burnout and dissatisfaction people experience is the result of choosing to show up less than their own professional standards and expectations.

There are three traits that reveal high professionalism. We highlight them in one of the initial courses in the Partner-Pipeline®. Through various exercises, examples and personal assessments, participants learn the knowledge and skills to stand out as high professionals. They understand that they are in control of these traits and therefore, are responsible for them.

The first trait is attitude. Many participants question the amount of control they have over their attitude, as if it were hardwired in their DNA. They quickly learn how they take control of their attitude in order to show up with energy and optimism.

Another trait is credibility. Simply put, credibility is doing what you say you will do. Their commitments and promises matter to their clients and colleagues. Whether it’s meeting a deadline or arriving on time, they can be counted on to follow through consistently.

The third trait is excellence. When they consistently deliver their best efforts, they demonstrate their personal standards. Believing that it’s ok to just get by, or someone else will fix it, or no one will notice, are not acceptable to someone pursuing excellence.

These traits are entirely up to you to develop. Partners and managers notice these three traits quickly in younger staff. Younger staff follow the lead of their managers and partners. Each feeds the other.

Demonstrated Professionalism

Professionalism is a choice. At every given moment, you demonstrate your decision by your actions.

• When you are frustrated, do you become critical, judgmental and jump to conclusions? Or do you listen, be empathetic and encourage their better self next time? Your choice.
• When you have to go the extra mile or sacrifice in some way in order to keep your word, what do you do? Your choice.
• When you know something could be better and closer to your standard of excellence, do you apply more of yourself to reach that standard, or do you settle for something less? Your choice.

These three traits matter because they are visible to everyone around you. You can’t hide for very long. Your excuses, rationale, or whatever you use to give yourself a pass will be revealed and you will be known by your choices.

Do your people demonstrate these traits? Do you? In the final days of 2023, evaluate your commitment to high professionalism and how you will begin 2024 demonstrating high professionalism. It’s your choice.