professionalism

1. Professionalism

2. What Does
Professionalism
Mean to You?
Take a few minutes
and write down your
thoughts…as a
definition or
description.

3. One Student’s
Perception...
 Professionalism…in a word - it’s
an attitude. Also, the way in
which an individual conducts
oneself in certain situations
…the way you speak, the way
you dress, the way you are
organized, etc.
 It is setting standards and
complying with them.

4. Business Success is a
Matter of Principle
 Values are the most effective
way to differentiate an
individual or organization.
 Professionalism is an attitude.

5. Professionalism is Key to
Career Success
 Professionals agree to organization-
wide shared values
 Teamwork is a mandatory part of
the organizational culture
 Focus on relationship building
 Trust is the glue that holds the
organization together
• Adapted from: David H. Maister (1997) True Professionalism, New York: The Free Press.

6. Investing in
Professionalism...
 Explore new technologies
 Ask for assignments
 Take charge of your own learning
 Enhance your communication skills
 Master people skills
 Use downtime to acquire knowledge
 Pursue work that builds your assets

7. Professionalism in
Teamwork...
 Take responsibility rather than
making excuses or blaming each
other
Source: Adapted from Kathleen Ryan and Daniel Oestreich (1998), Driving Fear Out of the
Workplace, 2nd edition, Jossey-Bass.

8. Professionalism in
Teamwork...
 Openly share information

9. Professionalism in
Teamwork...
 Collaborate on important issues

10. Professionalism in
Teamwork...
 Focus on a common purpose-
don’t get sidetracked by details

11. Professionalism in
Teamwork...
 Value each other’s background

12. Professionalism in
Teamwork...
 Openly and respectfully voice
concerns & criticisms

13. Professionalism in
Teamwork...
 Be positive about the team
members and their work

14. Abrasive and Abusive
Conduct...
 Blaming, discrediting
& discounting
 Threats
 Yelling & shouting
 Angry outbursts or
loss of control
 Silence
 Glaring eye contact:
“the look”
 Abruptness
 Snubbing or
ignoring others
 Insults and put
downs
 Ryan and Oestreich (1998)

15. What is Individual
Professionalism?
 An attitude
 Pride
 Responsibility
 Being a team
player
 Honesty,
trustworthiness,
and loyalty
 Adapted: David H. Maister, True
Professionalism.
 Openness to critique
 Care about people &
goals
 Accountability
 Investment

16. What is Professionalism
as a Student?
 Enjoying the total experience
 Building your entire career
 Developing ‘ownership’ of your
program
 Managing your time
 Accepting responsibility
 Having nonnegotiable values
 Personal enthusiasm & style

17. Individual Professionalism
Values...
 Tolerance
 Passion for excellence
 Team cooperation & leadership
 Competence
 Respect and trust

18. Professionalism Issues
in the Classroom...
 Proper language
 Tardiness &
absenteeism
 Excessive talking
 Working on other
assignments
 Keeping
appointments
 Reading outside
materials in class
 Sleeping in class
 Desiring special
treatment
 Teamwork
concerns

19. Student-Professor
Interaction...
 In teams of three, develop a set
of criteria (for both students
and faculty) for professional
interaction in the classroom,
office, team meetings, and
informal situations.

20. Assignment Questions &
Discussion
 What is the relationship between
professionalism & business success?
 How does professionalism relate to
the culture of an organization?
 What are the long term benefits of
professionalism to you, your team,
and employers?