This document discusses the concept of professionalism from multiple perspectives. It provides definitions and descriptions of professionalism, including that it is an attitude defined by how one conducts oneself through speech, dress, organization, and adherence to standards. Values are important to professionalism and differentiate individuals and organizations. Teamwork, responsibility, communication skills, and investing in ongoing learning are key aspects of professionalism. Maintaining professionalism requires avoiding abusive behaviors and focusing on shared goals with open information sharing and respect among team members.

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. 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?