Dear Sujeet
WHAT IS PROFESSIONALISM?
In the modern world, there seemed to be a lack of succinct understanding of the concept of “professionalism”. There was also a misconception that anyone who is in a profession (a doctor or a lawyer) is a professional. A clarification here is –just because one is in a profession, s/he automatically does not exhibit professionalism; by the same token, someone who exhibits professionalism need not necessarily be in any particular profession.
So, what is professionalism?
In a rudimentary sense, professionalism is all about the following:
-Concepts exhibited through behavior and attitude,
-A focused approach,
-Pride in what one is doing,
-Confidence, Competence, and Accountability,
-Respect for people irrespective of rank, status and gender,
-Responsibility while on the path to achieving a particular goal,
-Commitment to word and deed,
-Control of emotions,
-Not compromising on rules and ethics while performing a task, and so on……………..
Basically, it boils down to staying focused on the issue on hand. No matter what the provocation is and no matter how stressful a situation may be leave out emotional upheavals.
We all will be exhibiting professionalism,if we:
• Understand and accept the fact that you are there to accomplish a definite task.The completion of the task itself is done with integrity,commitment,and pride.
• Base business-related interactions on facts,figures,logic,and understanding of the situation.
• Listen with empathy.It helps you understand the situation and the person on the other side of the table.
• A business interaction has a purpose,an identity and a goal. Make sure these are understood and translated into behaviour by the employees.Otherwise all policies will remain in paper.
• Understand how to treat superiors,peers and subordinates with courtesy.
Are you confused? The whole concept of professionalism can be very confusing.It is not something that can be measured or rated.However it can be seen or admired or felt by all concerned,if you practice the real professionalism.
AVS