What Does Professionalism Really Mean? Share Your Thoughts and Experiences

Professionalism, one of the most common words we use in the current scenario, but still, I am not able to get a clear definition for this word. I have asked a lot of people, but unfortunately, no one was able to give a satisfactory answer. People say that professionalism is receiving a salary in a cheque or bank, working on the latest technologies, or sitting in a hi-tech office, but I am not satisfied. I request all CiteHR Members to give your comments on this or let me know what the right definition of professionalism is.

Hey,

According to me, adding on to what Dhamis said, professionalism is balancing personal and professional life. Professionalism means being practical in life. One who has skills, knowledge, and the right attitude, and uses them, is called a professional. The attitude that a professional demonstrates is known as professionalism.

Hope you find it a little convincing!

Thanks,
Gurleen

Hi Sujeet,

Hope this will clarify the definition of professionalism.

To start, let us agree on something: just because one is a professional, he or she does not automatically exhibit professionalism.

A very general, raw idea of professionalism is a bundle of the following concepts: a focused approach, pride in what one is doing, confidence, competence, motivation towards a particular goal, accountability, respect for people irrespective of rank, status, and gender, responsibility while on the path to a particular goal, commitment to word and deed, control of emotions - well, you are beginning to get the idea now. Basically, it all boils down to leaving out emotional upheavals and staying focused on the issue, no matter how stressful or trying the situation turns out to be. Cool as a cucumber, grace under pressure, while keeping total focus on what one is supposed to be doing and accomplishing.

You will be exhibiting professionalism if you:
- Base business-related interactions on facts, figures, and purely on the logic and understanding of the situation at hand.
- Do not get carried away by the passion of the moment.
- Remember, emotions vary by individual sensibilities and cultures.

So, stay focused and gently guide the person back to the issues. Otherwise, you will lose complete control over yourself and the situation. A business interaction has a purpose and a goal. An excessive amount of jocularity or "kidding around" will be seen as flippant. That does not mean you should pack up your natural sense of humor. Be mindful of when you are crossing the line; there is a tasteful limit to everything. The ideal is a combination of light humor where and when appropriate with complete seriousness in moving towards the goal demanded by the interaction.

Understand your "corporate culture" and function within its parameters. Every business must set forth not only to develop its own identity but also to ensure it is understood and translated into behavior by the employees. Otherwise, all corporate policies will remain just that—policies on paper. Understand how to treat superiors, peers, and subordinates with the utmost courtesy and according to the accepted norms. This will differentiate you from the rest by giving the cutting-edge advantage. More than your technical expertise and academic accomplishments, you will be remembered and admired for your strict codes of conduct in your interactions.

Accept the fact that you are there to accomplish a definite task, and it should be done with complete integrity, commitment, and pride in your job. This is just the raw data to get you started. The whole concept of professionalism can be very confusing with so many concepts going into it. It is not something that is measured in any test where you are given scores. It is there in a very subtle way, making a statement about you, and others are constantly taking notes on you. For starters, stick with all the ideas given here, and you should be able to survive any professional situation with great professionalism! Best of luck!

Hi friends. I would like to add what Gurleen said, but I may express my views more elaborately. Professionalism is all about attitude towards your work; that is, the dedication and sincerity with which you approach your work. It's about the work that helps you earn money. For example, if someone prepares food with full dedication and sincerity and earns money, we call him/her a professional. However, if the same person prepares food at home, we call him/her a good homemaker. What do you guys say?

Dear Sujeet,

About 6-7 years ago, the former Corporate VP (HR) of Wipro Technologies, Mr. Dileep Ranjekar, used to write a column in Times of India every Thursday. In one of the columns, he addressed the topic - "What is Professionalism?"

I don't remember everything about the article, but a few key points stood out to me:

a) Professionalism is anything done with a lot of common sense. It starts with common sense.

b) Professionalism involves working with the end result in mind. Reflecting back, around 20% of our time is often wasted because we are uncertain about the outcome of our activities.

c) Professionalism requires thorough planning. How many HR professionals review a candidate's CV before scheduling an interview? Are specific CV-related questions prepared in advance? Not frequently enough.

d) Professionalism is demonstrated through forward thinking and actions.

If I recall any additional points from the article, I will include them later.

Thanks,
Dinesh V Divekar
+91
dineshdivekar(at)yahoo.com

Hi all,

Hope the following attempt also helps in defining professionalism:

A 'true' professional must be proficient in all criteria for the field of work he/she is practicing professionally in. Criteria include the following:

1. The highest academic qualifications - i.e., university college/institute
2. Expert and specialized knowledge in the field in which one is practicing professionally
3. Excellent manual/practical and literary skills in relation to the profession
4. High-quality work in areas such as creations, products, services, presentations, consultancy, primary/other research, administrative tasks, marketing, or other work endeavors
5. A high standard of professional ethics, behavior, and work activities while carrying out one's profession (as an employee, self-employed person, career professional, business owner, company representative, or partner/colleague, etc.)

Also, taking into consideration natural and harnessed talents integrated and used with qualifications when doing work in a professional capacity. These talents/skills are just as important in any form of work, whether paid, unpaid, volunteer, domestic jobs, or any other work.

Regards,
Srini

"The Professional Man " - i jotted this down a few years back from the corridors of mumbai's KEM hospital - may be to share it here.
--------------------------------------------------------------
THE PROFESSIONAL MAN

The Professional man is in essence one who provides service. It is a service that wells up from the entire complex of his personality. True, some specialised and highly developed techniques may be included, but their mode of expression is given its meaning by the personality of the practitioner. In a very real sense his professional services cannot be separate from his personal being. He has no goods to sell no land to till; his only asset is himself. It turns out there is no right price for serivce, for what is a share of a mans worth. If he does not contain the quality of integrity he is worthless. If he does he is priceless. The value is either nothing or it is infinite.

So do not set a price on yourselves. Do not measure out your professional services on an apothecary's scale and say “Only this for so much”. Do not debase yourselves by equating your souls to what they will bring in the Market. Do not be a miser, hoarding your talents and abilities and knowledge either among yourselves or in your dealings with your clients, vendors, patients or flock. Rather be reckless and spendthrift, pouring out your talent to all to whom it can be of service. Throw it away; waste it as only in the spending it can be of service. Do not censor your thoughts to gain a wider audience. Like LOVE, Talent is useful only in its expenditure and is never exhausted.

Certain it is – that Man must eat so set what price you must on your service. But never confuse the performance which is great with the compensation be it money power or fame which is Trivial.

Dear Srini,

Your list is quite good, but I strongly disagree with the very first point. Professionalism has nothing to do with academic qualifications. In my career, I have often found individuals from IIMs or with PhDs making mistakes that a person with average common sense would not have made.

Secondly, there is another danger of higher qualifications - they can breed arrogance. You will find very few who are well qualified and still humble.

Thirdly, higher qualifications may lead to a lack of a learning attitude. These individuals often rely on their intellectual prowess and sometimes lead a life of intellectual stagnation.

Bill Gates and Dhirubhai Ambani are excellent examples of professionals who were not academically strong when they started their careers.

Thanks,
Dinesh V Divekar

Hi all, Hope the following attempt also helps in defining professionalism:

A 'true' professional must be proficient in all criteria for the field of work he/she is practicing professionally in. Criteria include the following:

1. The highest academic qualifications - i.e., university college/institute
2. Expert and specialized knowledge in the field being practiced professionally
3. Excellent manual/practical and literary skills in relation to the profession
4. High-quality work in creations, products, services, presentations, consultancy, primary/other research, administrative, marketing, or other work endeavors
5. A high standard of professional ethics, behavior, and work activities while carrying out one's profession (as an employee, self-employed person, career, enterprise, business, company, or partnership/associate/colleague, etc.)

Also taking into consideration natural and harnessed talents integrated and used with qualifications and when doing work in a professional capacity. These talents/skills are just as important in any forms of work, be it paid, unpaid, volunteer, domestic jobs, or any other work.

Regards,
Srini

Hi,

It is more to do with how one:
- conducts oneself
- handles transactions
- attitude
- assumes responsibility or takes ownership
- creates a win-win situation

This has nothing to do with qualifications!

Hi Sujeet,

I think what you mean here by professionalism is - who is a professional? and who can qualify to be a professional? If my understanding of your query is correct, then I would like to share an article by L. Ron Hubbard:

Are You a Professional? - L. Ron Hubbard

A professional learns every aspect of the job. An amateur skips the learning process whenever possible.

A professional carefully discovers what is needed and wanted. An amateur assumes what others need and want.

A professional looks, speaks, and dresses like a professional. An amateur is sloppy in appearance and speech.

A professional keeps his or her work area clean and orderly. An amateur has a messy, confused, or dirty work area.

A professional is focused and clear-headed. An amateur is confused and distracted.

A professional does not let mistakes slide by. An amateur ignores or hides mistakes.

A professional jumps into difficult assignments. An amateur tries to get out of difficult work.

A professional completes projects as soon as possible. An amateur is surrounded by unfinished work piled on unfinished work.

A professional remains level-headed and optimistic. An amateur gets upset and assumes the worst.

A professional handles money and accounts very carefully. An amateur is sloppy with money or accounts.

A professional faces up to other people's upsets and problems. An amateur avoids others' problems.

A professional uses higher emotional tones: Enthusiasm, cheerfulness, interest, contentment. An amateur uses lower emotional tones: anger, hostility, resentment, fear, victim.

A professional persists until the objective is achieved. An amateur gives up at the first opportunity.

A professional produces more than expected. An amateur produces just enough to get by.

A professional produces a high-quality product or service. An amateur produces medium-to-low quality product or service.

A professional earns high pay. An amateur earns low pay and feels it's unfair.

A professional has a promising future. An amateur has an uncertain future.

The first step to making yourself a professional is to decide you ARE a Professional.

Hope this helps you in understanding your query better.

Please keep posting.

Cheers!!!

Baskaran

Hi all.

Well, professional means relating to or belonging to a profession, or being engaged in an activity as a paid job, or being competent enough to perform the activity in a skilled way. Professionalism means the ability or skill expected of a professional, which includes following the code of conduct required to carry out a certain activity.

Regards,
Shweta

Different people must be having different views on this subject and the chances are that all of them are logically correct.

Being professional is a declaration, wherein you mention, how you like to get treated by others? Its about attitude, behavior, self-presentation; self-respect and dignity. It means not just knowing how to do your job, but demonstrating a willingness to learn, cooperating and getting along with others, showing respect, and living up to your commitments. It also means avoiding many kinds of behaviors that cause trouble in the workplace. It doesn't matter, if you work as a clerk or a CEO of the company but if you behave the way people expect a professional to behave, you'll be accepted and treated like one.
A person, be in any profession must demonstrate the following behaviors or habit to be called as a “professional”.
“Knowledge and skills of their profession; pride in a profession; accountability for his/her work; Commitment to self-improvement of skills and knowledge; Conscience and trustworthiness; enjoying your work; being committed to your work and they must be a good team-players.”

Regards,

Nawas

According to me.

Usage of the right skill in the right situation and at the right time is called professionalism, whether it is in the office or at home.

It is an inbuilt quality; wherever you go, it follows you. Just like seniors, if I am wrong, please correct me.

Hutch

:icon6:

Professionalism, to me, means having control over oneself and keeping personal and professional life apart. Don't get disturbed by the negative behavior of others.

Thank you.

Professionalism means using one's knowledge and expertise with common sense in the required job.

Regards,
Runu Gorai

Professionalism encompasses various aspects, with some key considerations including:

Being honest in your profession.

Learning whatever is required to make yourself suitable for that profession.

Utilizing all your knowledge, skills, etc., to excel in your profession.

It's more about attitude and understanding.

Sujeet,

I found the below definition with example quite interesting which I found on the web and thought of sharing with you.

How do you define professionalism?
David Maister states that professionalism is, "...believing passionately in what you do, never compromising your standards and values, and caring about your clients, your people, and your own career."

Small Example:
"The server at my morning coffee shop epitomizes true professionalism for me; he is caring and friendly without being intrusive, seems to love his job, remembers my name and order, and by doing all this ensures I'll keep coming back. According to Maister's definition, he qualifies."

One more addition: When you are working for your profession (during office hours), don't do anything unrelated or unnecessary to it.

Hi All,

The dictionary meaning of 'Professional' would mean - characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession: exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace.

'Professionalism' would mean the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession. What I feel is... the meaning of professional is more related to the profession in which the person is and moreover how it (profession) is managed in a particular set of standards that are expected in the workplace. The above-mentioned dictionary meaning would make it clearer. :)

Regards,
Suvarna Jadhav
HR Executive

If you think that you are a “professional” ask the following questions to yourself:
1.Do you live up to your commitments?
2.How do you behave with others; your sub-ordinates, peers; seniors; friends; internal or external customers?
3.Do your managers see you in the right light?
4.What's your integrity level?
5.Do you truly have all the skills required to be successful at your job?
6.Does people, your co-workers make comments on the way you carry yourself?
7.Does you and your place, work place or house, is properly organized?
True answers to all above mentioned questions would let you know, if you are a “professional” or not.
I hope this will help.
Thanks and Regards
Sanjeev

Being a true professional means more than mastering competencies. It requires acting with confident conviction to translate know-how into how-to.

Professionalism is an intangible quality that emerges from our maturity, carefulness, and dedication.

As per my thoughts, professionalism is:
1) The way we carry ourselves at work.
2) Set examples for others.
3) Commitment towards your work and commitments.
4) Adhere to rules, regulations, and policies of the organization.
5) Being proactive, assertive, confident, and punctual.
6) Should be good in people management.
7) Good communicator and listener.
8) A good team player and leader.
9) Able to handle responsibility and understand the dos and don'ts.
10) Knows limitations and able to draw a line between personal and official life.

Regards,
Nitin Jagdale

Dear Friend,

A very general, raw idea of professionalism includes a bundle of the following concepts: a focused approach, pride in what one is doing, confidence, competence, motivation towards a particular goal, accountability, respect for people irrespective of rank, status, and gender, responsibility while on the path to a particular goal, commitment to word and deed, control of emotions - well, you are beginning to get the idea now. Basically, it all boils down to leaving out emotional upheavals and staying focused on the issue, no matter what the issue is or how stressful and trying a situation turns out to be. Cool as a cucumber, grace under pressure, while keeping the total focus on what one is supposed to be doing and accomplishing. You will be exhibiting professionalism if you:

- Base business-related interactions on facts, figures, and purely on the logic and understanding of the situation at hand.
- Do not get carried away by the passion of the moment.
- Recognize that emotions vary by individual sensibilities and cultures.

So stay focused and gently bring the person back to the issues. Otherwise, you will lose complete control over yourself and the situation. A business interaction has a purpose and a goal. An excessive amount of jocularity or "kidding around" will be seen as flippant. That does not mean that you should lose your natural sense of humor. Be mindful of when you are crossing the line. There is a tasteful limit to everything. The ideal is a combination of light humor, where and when appropriate, with complete seriousness in moving towards the goal demanded by the interaction. Understand your "corporate culture" and function within its parameters.

Every business must not only develop its own identity but also ensure that it is understood and translated into behavior by the employees. All corporate policies, otherwise, will remain just that: policies on paper. Understand how to treat superiors, peers, and subordinates with the utmost courtesy and within the accepted norms. This will differentiate you from the rest and give you a cutting-edge advantage. More than your technical expertise and academic accomplishments, you will be remembered and admired for your strict codes of conduct in your interactions. Accept the fact that you are there to accomplish a definite task and that should be done with complete integrity, commitment, and pride in your job. This is just the raw data to get you started. The whole concept of professionalism can be very confusing with so many ideas going into it. It is not something that is measured in any test where you are given scores. It is there in a very subtle way, making a statement about you, and others are constantly taking notes on you. For starters, stick with all the ideas given here and you should be able to survive any professional situation with great pride in your job.

Dear Sujeet,

Somewhere I found - A general view of professionalism is, "a focused, accountable, confident, competent motivation toward a particular goal, with respect for hierarchy and humanity minus the emotion." This means that you leave out the outbursts and emotional thralls that accompany stressful situations and success. You maintain focus, with a sense of urgency, and accept responsibility on a path toward a specific goal. In the process, you maintain respect for your superiors, peers, and subordinates as well as respect them as human beings.

Thanks,
A.K. Raihan

In my view, delivering the end results following all rules of the land - ethical, legal, moral, and social - to the best enrichment of all stakeholders in an unbiased, compassionate way.

Professionalism encompasses several key characteristics:

- Extensive study and research
- High levels of intellect and emotional intelligence
- The execution of services
- Comprehensive training and preparation
- Sound judgment
- Adherence to a code of ethics, including obligations to society

SMH

Professionalism is a little too early a word for me, as I am still not in the corporate world. It's difficult to say. But after going through all these months of hectic and tedious life of MBA, I can sum it up in one line - "It is all about doing things with utmost dedication and hard work even though at times you don't feel like doing."

Regards,
Anju

Sujeet,

After reading your mail, I also thought, "Yes, it is true that I too am not that well aware of what professionalism entails." Just adding my thoughts to yours.

Professionalism means being professional, especially at your workplace. When you enter the premises of your office, forget about your home, and when you leave your office for the day, forget about your office.

The rules of professionalism are:
1. Forgetting about your home during office hours (with exceptions for lunchtime).
2. Not discussing your personal life.
3. Not sharing your career plans with colleagues.
4. Avoid making friends at the workplace.
5. Avoid drinking excessively at parties.

These are all aspects that I believe can help me become a better professional.

Above all, do not let your colleagues, other than the HR, know about your CTC. I will not say "can," but I will say "will" add you to the list of enemies in the office. Don't be surprised if you discover hidden adversaries.

Regards,
Pallavi.

Dear Sujeet S Rajawat,

To reply to your question in one line: Professionalism means talking business, only business.

Regards,
Dev

PROFESSIONALISM, one of the most common words we use in the current scenario, but still, I am not able to get a clear definition for this word. I have asked many people, but unfortunately, no one was able to give a satisfactory answer. People say that receiving a salary in a check or bank, working on the latest technologies, or sitting in a hi-tech office is professionalism, but I am not satisfied. I request all CiteHR Members to give your comments on this or let me know what the right definition of Professionalism is.

Hi,

To add to the above responses, objectivity in approach/thinking is something I believe professionals must have.

Regards,
Tina Thomas

Hi Sujeet,

It's surely an alarming question for all of us as we all try to attempt replying to it. I am sure each of us would have thought about how professional we are in reality. This realization itself has added momentum to become much more professional. So, thanks for such a query.

In fact, some time back, I had a similar query, and this is how I got it resolved. About professionalism, attached is an interesting PowerPoint presentation which may address your query.

Thanks to the CiteHR professionals who helped me find this information.

Regards,
Nisha

Professionalism is nothing but setting an example. It cannot be expressed 100%, but to be felt by others. What we are speaking has to be followed by the person. Never find fault with others, be a good leader, good communicator, good motivator, and observe only good points. Having good behavior, good manners, educating and elevating the people (not firing and hiring) are all examples of professionalism. It also varies from time to time and situation to situation.

R. Palaniswamy

Dear Sujeet,

You received so many responses for your question, and everybody is right as per their thought. As for me, the word "Professionalism" has a different meaning depending on the situation.

For example:

1) In a company, following the rules and regulations created for better growth and discipline without supervision is called "Professionalism."

2) Being a manager, understanding the subordinates' views and working towards the ultimate goal of the team/department is also considered professionalism.

3) Every profession has its own ethical values and ways. Understanding that way and acting accordingly may also be called professionalism. However, the ultimate goal of professionalism is to lead us in a way accepted by the majority.

Manjunath 🌟

A profession is an occupation, vocation, or career where specialized knowledge of a subject, field, or science is applied.

Professionalism is the expertise characteristic of a professional.

Interesting question and a number of interesting answers. While I do agree with almost everything that is written about professionalism, I would like to stress here again that PROFESSIONALISM surely is not limited to high academic qualifications. Anyone who does a thorough job from start to finish, taking care of every aspect, is a PROFESSIONAL—essentially the trait of ATTENTION TO DETAILS. Another widespread misconception, in my opinion, is the norm that a professional has to be ruthless and lacks warmth and kindness, which are considered weaknesses of human nature. A true professional is a leader who not just leads his team upfront but has the sensitivity to take them along.

Best cheers,
Kalpana Gopinath.

When I saw your post, I started thinking about what should be the simplest meaning, and I came up with this answer from my mind. I hope you like it.

Pro means proactiveness.
Professionalism means being a fashion follower. It may sound funny, but that's my way of thinking. In a nutshell, professionalism means following the fashion of proactiveness, whether in your personal or professional life. Professionalism is not just about professional dressing; it is shown by your way of talking, walking, and most importantly, your way of thinking and behaving with colleagues, friends, and family.

For example, you may be punctual, have good time management skills, managerial skills, or any other skill, but if you can't communicate politely with your subordinates, then what's the use of having those skills for professionalism?

First, you need behavioral skills. If you only have good managerial skills, you are professional. But if you have good behavior along with managerial skills, then you are a true professional.

Regards,
Bhawna

Professionalism is extremely difficult to quantify in terms of a standard definition. It definitely does not mean sitting in a high-tech office or simply earning a salary! Professionalism is an attribute concerned with an efficient individual. It firstly means a truly good knowledge of one's job and obviously the ability to implement the knowledge to the max efficiency. Another important aspect of professionalism is the ability to make timely and correct decisions. The best decision, if not delivered in time, would be disastrous, whereas a not so deeply considered decision, but delivered in time, would do the job. A timely decision can save lives! That's professionalism! It would be pertinent to point out here that professionalism does not mean ruthless efficiency alone. Humaneness and appropriate compassion are a part of being professional. All aspects of professionalism are not imbibable as training. Some of the attributes are inborn, some imbibed by training, and some come with experience only.

Hi everybody,

That's great stuff. Some points from my end.

The word "profession" is linked to specialized work, and "professionalism" means expertise in that work with certain standards of performance such as quality, time, accuracy, gentleness, and the art of doing it. A professional provides services for pay. Professionalism is the art of doing things greatly with the least effort. A task completed by a professional would meet the highest quality standards with minimal effort. The work could be counseling, drafting, playing cricket, performing surgery, acting on the stage, etc.

To become a professional, one needs to master the skills, maintain emotional balance, and develop an art or style of doing it.

Santhosh

In very simple words - if you think you can stand in front of the mirror and question yourself - Have I earned my today's salary? And if the answer to this question is YES, then I am sure you have earned it. This earning, of course, has to involve being humble, being able to put yourself in others' shoes, evaluate the situation, and, yes, you must have common sense to deal with almost every situation. Summing up, this will lead you to be a professional. I do agree with one of the writers who has mentioned that higher educational degrees and known institutes do not necessarily make you a professional - at times, they do make one arrogant though. Cordially, Preet

Professionalism to me means:

1. Being on/before time or being punctual as a matter of daily routine and not just for special occasions.

2. Returning a Call as committed. Always replying/acknowledging to a mail.

3. Getting back when committed that “I'll get back”.

4. Believes in the dictum “Anything not checked is not done”. So is thorough in any work entrusted to him. That means not allowing any line to remain unchecked. Not leaning all the time on “I thought you checked?”

5. Paying respect to:
a) Other's time more than probably to your own.
b) Other's money / material more than probably to your own.
c) Other's views, without a flinch.
d) Other's road space, not nudging away cyclists, scooterists away.

6. Wearing right clothes for the right occasion. (Wearing cargos/jeans with sneakers during business casual days is not done)

7. Wearing well ironed clothes to work, polishing their shoes everyday.

8. Shaving everyday, if sporting a moustache / beard giving it a trim every 48 hrs at least.

9. Taking a haircut more often than Id.

10. If a pen is borrowed, remembering to return it.

11. Not cracking ludicrous jokes, for cheap popularity.

12. Able to discern between a humor and frivolity and therefore able to maintain gracious of work environment without burdening.

13. Feet firm on ground, not a one to be swept away by seasonal waves. Does not let personal skirmishes affect professional decisions/relations. For Eg: Lets say Anil and Mukesh fight for stocks and shares in open but back home dine on the same table. Howzatt?

14. Endeavors hard to stay updated/upgraded, does not bow down to peer pressure, takes his well informed decisions and accepts good suggestions from juniors too if it benefits all, without letting ego coming in between.


There is more.... but I guess... you must have got the idea!

Pardon me for there might be grammatical errors.

Regards
Ajay

** Professionals are prepared; Period.**

Professionalism means it's not important what types of work you are doing, but it is important how you are doing it.

Sacheein

It has a lot to do with qualifications; an architect is professional, but a draftsman is not. Similarly, a doctor is a professional, whereas a nurse is not. Professionalism requires an obligation to society/community and high standards of performance.

edc236

What is Professionalism?

A general, raw view of professionalism is "a focused, accountable, confident, competent motivation toward a particular goal, with respect for hierarchy and humanity, less the emotion." This means that you leave out the outbursts and emotional thralls that accompany stressful situations and success. You maintain focus, with a sense of urgency, and accept responsibility on a path toward a specific goal. In the process, you maintain respect for your superiors, peers, and subordinates as well as respect them as human beings.

Professionalism means being well-learned in your field, keeping abreast of advances in that field or those related to it, performing with the utmost accuracy in that field, and promoting it to others. There are many factors that, combined with study, foresight, and a little elbow grease, expand and expound on professionalism in the healthcare field.

Qualities Required to Achieve a Particular Goal

- Alertness
- Competence
- Confidence
- Consistency
- Inspiration
- Respect for others
- Responsibility
- Unemotional

Be well-learned in your field,
Keep abreast of advances in that field,
Perform with the utmost accuracy in that field,
Promote it to others.

Understanding Professionalism

A general, raw view of professionalism is, "a focused, accountable, confident, competent motivation toward a particular goal, with respect for hierarchy and humanity, minus the emotion." This means excluding outbursts and emotional reactions that often accompany stressful situations and achievements. It involves maintaining focus, a sense of urgency, and taking responsibility on the path toward a specific goal while showing respect for superiors, peers, and subordinates as human beings.

Professionalism entails being well-versed in your field, staying updated on advancements within the field and related areas, executing tasks with precision, and advocating for the field to others. Various elements, combined with study, foresight, and effort, contribute to enhancing professionalism in the healthcare sector.

Essential Qualities to Achieve Professional Goals

To achieve a specific goal, certain qualities are essential:

- Alertness
- Competence
- Confidence
- Consistency
- Inspiration
- Respect for others
- Responsibility
- Emotional control

In Essence

- Acquire expertise in your field
- Stay informed about developments in your field
- Execute tasks with utmost precision
- Advocate for your field

Regards,
Sujiths Consultancy Services

Understanding Professionalism

Okay, I read a lot about professionalism from others' points of view. Still, I'm not able to understand what professionalism is. Come on, not everyone is as smart as those who are sharing their thoughts in these sections. Call me dumb, but what is professionalism? Is it the way we present ourselves, talk, behave, or how well we know our work... or something else? Please let me know.

Regards,

What is Professionalism?

In the modern world, there seems to be a lack of succinct understanding of the concept of "professionalism." There is also a misconception that anyone who is in a profession (a doctor or a lawyer) is a professional. A clarification here is that just because one is in a profession, it does not automatically mean they 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 at 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.
- Ensure a business interaction has a purpose, an identity, and a goal. Make sure these are understood and translated into behavior by the employees. Otherwise, all policies will remain on 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, admired, or felt by all concerned if you practice real professionalism.

Regards,
AVS

Hello friend,

A very relevant question! It will stir many minds. To me, "being honest and true to one's profession" can be called PROFESSIONALISM.

What it will include is:

1. A commitment to develop oneself in the profession continuously.
2. Apply the knowledge/skills gained for solving the problems and issues and add value to internal/external customers as the case may be.
3. Follow a strict code of conduct and ethical standards [meaning you will not use the profession to serve your narrow selfish interests but use your knowledge for the benefit of society/people].
4. You will follow the basic principles of the profession and not get influenced by emotions - that is management by facts and logic to come to a conclusion of what is the right way of handling a problem.
5. Contribute with a sense of responsibility towards society.
6. Showing respect to all people irrespective of their gender, rank, age while discharging the responsibility as a professional.

Regards,

Nishikant

Understanding Professionalism

Even I am also working on the same "HOW TO BE A COMPLETE PROFESSIONAL" as often people tend to get confused over what being professional means—being selfish or somehow becoming part of office politics.

But I personally believe that being professional means adhering to one's own responsibilities in the organization, fulfilling the requirements of your work, and also following the basic ethical guiding principles and values that define professionalism. Nowadays, people have a tendency to pry into others' matters and work, which is completely unprofessional.

To be a professional, one must be acutely conscious about maintaining one's dignity along with others' at work.

Thank you,
Ratika Chawla