Professionalism in the workplace refers to the conduct, behavior, and attitudes expected of individuals while on the job. It encompasses qualities such as reliability, integrity, respect, accountability, and ethical behavior. Professionalism involves adhering to company policies, meeting deadlines, communicating effectively, and maintaining a positive attitude. It also includes dressing appropriately, demonstrating competence in one's role, and treating colleagues, clients, and customers with courtesy and respect. Overall, professionalism contributes to a productive work environment, fosters trust and credibility, and enhances the reputation of individuals and organizations.

1. PROFESSIONALISM
INTHEWORKPLACE
10KEYPOINTS
BY MOHAMMAD AZAM KHAN (PMP )
®
10 SUB POINTS

2. WHATIS
PROFESSIONALISM ?
Professionalismrefersto thequality, behavior, andattitude expectedfrom
individuals within aparticular professionorworkplacesetting. Itencompasses
characteristicssuchas reliability,integrity,ethicalbehavior, competence,
respectfulness,and adherenceto professionalstandards.
The holy Quranemphasizes professionalwork values that can guide formulation of
effective humancapital policies to meet employees' needs as well asattain
desired work outcomes. Firstly, the holyQuranemphasizes importance ofvalue of
work.For starters, Godcommanded Adam towork.

3. 1PUNCTUALITY
Arrivingon time for work, meetings, and appointments demonstrates
respect for other's time and commitment to responsibilities.
WhatQuransays aboutpunctuality?
Being late is essentially breaking a promise.
Being on time shows others thatyouare a man of yourword.
Allah called upon the believers, O youwho believe!
Fulfil yourpromises (Quran,5:1).
1.Arriving atwork on time eachday,readyto start workat thedesignated start time.
2.Being prompt for meetings, conferences,and appointments without keeping others waiting.
3.Submitting projects, reports, or assignments bytheir deadlines.
4.Attending training sessions,workshops, or seminars atthe scheduled times.
5.Responding promptly to emails, messages,and requestswithin areasonable timeframe.
6.Finishing taskswithin theallocated timeframeor informing relevant partiesifdeadlines cannot bemetinadvance.
7.Being punctual forclient meetings or calls,demonstrating reliability and respectfortheir time.
8.Arriving atwork after breaksor lunch withinthe specifiedtime limits.
9.Making necessary arrangements to ensure timely arrival,suchasplanning routes, setting alarms,and organizing work materialsinadvance.
10.Notifying supervisors or team members inadvanceifthere areunforeseen circumstances causing potential delaysinarrivalor completion of tasks.

4. 2APPEARANCE
WhatQuransays aboutappearance?
Man is created as the mostbeautiful creature on earth.
"He Who created all things in the best way and He began the creation of
man fromclay" (al-Sajdah 32:7).
1.Dressing according to thecompany's dress code or guidelines,whether it's business casual, formal, or specificuniformrequirements.
2.Ensuring clothing isclean,pressed, and ingood condition, without wrinkles,stains, or tears.
3.Choosing attire that isappropriate forthe natureof thework and the expectations of clients or customers.
4.Avoiding overly revealing or inappropriate clothing that maydetract fromaprofessional image.
5.Maintaining awell-kempt appearance,whether it's styled conservatively or according to personal preferencewithincompany guidelines.
6.Keeping accessoriesminimal and tasteful,suchaswearing subtle jewelryand avoiding excessivepiercings or flashyitems.
7.Maintaining good personal hygiene,including regular bathing, brushing teeth, and using deodorant or fragranceinmoderation.
8.Paying attention to footwear choices, ensuring theyareclean,polished, and suitable fortheworkplace environment.
9.Adhering to anyspecificsafetyrequirements regarding attire,suchaswearing protective gear or footwear incertain industries.
10.Considering thecultural or professional norms of the workplace and adjusting appearanceaccordingly to reflectrespectand professionalism.
Maintaininga professional appearancethrough appropriate attireand grooming
sets a positiveimpression and reflectsrespect for the workplace environment.

5. 3COMMUNICATION
WhatQuransays aboutcommunication?
“Allah gave man the capacity tocommunicate ashis fundamental
function. He has been educated to communicate (and comprehend),"
Allah declares in the Qur'an(55:4).
1.Clearlyarticulating ideas,instructions, and expectations during meetings or presentations.
2.Active listening during conversations, meetings,or discussions to understand others' perspectives and respond appropriately.
3.Providing constructive feedbackto colleagues or team members inarespectful and professional manner.
4.Using appropriate tone and language inwritten communication, suchasemails, reports,and memos, to convey professionalism and clarity.
5.Asking clarifyingquestions to ensure understanding and avoid misunderstandings.
6.Using non-verbal communication cues,suchasmaintaining eyecontact and open body language, to convey attentiveness and engagement.
7.Adapting technical language for non-experts or using formal language for professional correspondence.
8.Resolving conflicts or addressing concerns through open and honest dialogue, focusing on finding solutions ratherthanplacing blame.
9.Communicating progress updateson projects or tasks to supervisors or team members to maintain transparencyand accountability.
10.Following up on communication to ensure that messagesarereceived and understood, and addressing any outstanding questions or issuespromptly.
Effectivecommunication, both verbal and written, is essential.Thisincludesclarity,
professionalism, and respect in interactionswith colleagues,clients,and supervisors.

6. 4WORKETHIC
1.Completing tasksthoroughly and efficiently,meeting or exceeding quality standards.
2.Taking initiative to identify and tackle additional responsibilities beyond assigned duties.
3.Showing dedication byconsistently putting inthenecessaryeffort to achievegoals and objectives.
4.Maintaining focus and productivity evenwhen facedwith distractions or challenges.
5.Respecting company policies and procedures,adhering to deadlines, and following through on commitments.
6.Demonstrating dependability byconsistently showing up for work on time and being present whenexpected.
7.Being proactive inseeking opportunities forlearning and professional development to enhance skillsand knowledge.
8.Respecting company resourcesand minimizing wasteor misuseof materials, time,and equipment.
9.Collaborating effectivelywith teammembers, offeringsupport, sharing expertise,and contributing to apositive work environment.
10.Upholding honesty and integrity inall interactions, including being transparent about mistakesand taking responsibility for actions.
Demonstratingdedication, initiative,and diligencein completing tasks efficiently
and effectivelycontributesto a professional reputation.
WhatIslam saysabout ethics?
Islamicworkethics hingeupondignity oflabor.Alltypes ofworkaretobe respected
andtaken pride in,bytheoneperformingitandby thosepayingandbenefiting from
it.Noworkistobe lookeddown upon.

7. 5RESPECT
WhatQuransays aboutrespect?
Everyone'sGod-givenhumandignity mustbe respected, regardless ofhisorher
faith,race,ethnicorigin,gender, orsocialstatus ( Qur'an,17:70).
1.Listening actively to colleagues during meetings or discussions without interrupting.
2.Using inclusive language and addressing colleagues bytheir preferrednamesor titles.
3.Valuing diverseperspectives and contributions, and treating all team members with fairnessand equity.
4.Respecting personal boundaries and refraining fromintrusiveor inappropriate behavior.
5.Acknowledging and appreciating the expertiseand skills of colleagues, regardless of their position or seniority.
6.Giving creditwhereitisduebyrecognizing and praising theachievements and contributions of others.
7.Respecting confidentiality bymaintaining discretion regarding sensitive information shared intheworkplace.
8.Being mindful of cultural differencesand customs, and avoiding behaviors or comments that maycause offense.
9.Respecting others' time bybeing punctual formeetings and appointments and managing interruptions appropriately.
10.Handling disagreements or conflicts withprofessionalism and empathy, seeking resolution through constructive dialogue and compromise.
Treatingcolleagues,clients,and superiors with courtesy, empathy, and
professionalismfosters a positive work environment and productive relationships.

8. 6INTEGRITY
1.Honesty: Providing truthful information and not engaging indeception or manipulation.
2.Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's actions, decisions, and their consequences.
3.Confidentiality: Respecting and safeguarding sensitive or proprietary information entrusted to you.
4.Adherence to Policies and Regulations: Following company policies, industry regulations, and legal requirements, evenwhenunsupervised.
5.Ethical Decision-Making: Considering the moral implications of choices and actions and choosing what isrightover whatisexpedient.
6.Transparency:Being open and forthcoming incommunication, especially regarding matters that may affectothers.
7.Fair Treatment:Treating all individuals with fairness,impartiality, and respect,regardless of personal biasesor preferences.
8.Conflict of Interest Management: Disclosing and addressing anypotential conflicts of interest that may compromise objectivity or impartiality.
9.Consistency: Demonstrating consistency inbehavior and actions, aligning words withdeeds.
10.Courage: Speaking up against unethical behavior or practices,even whendoing so maybedifficult or unpopular.
Upholding honesty, transparency, and ethicalbehavior in all actionsbuildstrust and
credibilitywithinthe workplace.
WhatQuransays aboutintegrity?
"Indeed, Allahcommandsyoutorender trusts towhomtheyaredueandwhen
youjudge between people tojudgewith justice." (Qur’an,AlNisa58)
Thisverse emphasizes theimportanceofbeing fairandjustinalldealings,
includingthoseintheworkplace.

9. 7ACCOUNTABILITY
Takingownership of one's actions, acknowledgingmistakes,and
working to rectify them demonstrates accountabilityand reliability.
1.Taking ownership of mistakesor errors and actively working to rectify them.
2.Meeting deadlines and fulfilling commitments madeto colleagues, clients, or supervisors.
3.Accepting feedbackgracefullyand using itconstructively to improve performance.
4.Being transparentabout progress on tasksor projects and communicating proactively ifdelaysoccur.
5.Following through on assigned tasksor responsibilities without needing constant reminders.
6.Admitting whenhelp isneeded and seeking assistance or guidance fromappropriate sources.
7.Documenting workprocesses and decisions to ensure clarityand accountability.
8.Holding oneself to highstandards of performance and striving for continuous improvement.
9.Honoring agreements and contracts made withstakeholders, vendors, or partners.
10.Demonstrating reliability and consistency inattendance, punctuality, and work ethic.
WhatQuransays aboutaccountability?
"Nobearer ofburdens will bear the burden ofanother"(Quran
2:286).
Each person is responsible fortheir own actions and cannotbe
held accountable forthe sins ofothers.

10. 8ADABTABILITY
Being open to change, learningnew skills,and embracing challengesshowcases
flexibilityand a willingnessto grow professionally.
1.Embracing changesintechnology or processesand quickly learning how to usenew tools or systems.
2.Being open to feedbackand adjusting your approach or behavior based on constructive criticism.
3.Flexibility inwork hours or location, suchasbeing willing to work remotely whennecessary or accommodating differenttime zones for meetings.
4.Handling unexpected challenges or setbacks withresilienceand finding creative solutions to overcome them.
5.Taking on new roles or responsibilities outside of your usual scope when thesituation demandsit.
6.Collaborating effectivelywith diverseteams and adjusting communication styles to work well with differentpersonalities.
7.Adapting to changesinorganizational structureor leadership and maintaining productivity during transitions.
8.Being receptiveto new ideas and perspectives, evenif theydifferfrom your own, and incorporating them into your work when appropriate.
9.Balancing multiple priorities and shifting focusas needed to address urgenttasks or changing priorities.
10.Continuously seeking opportunities forlearning and growth to stay relevantand adaptable inarapidly evolving work environment.
WhatQuransays aboutadaptability?
"Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people
until they change whatis in themselves" (Quran,13:11).

11. 9
COLLABORATION
Working collaborativelywith team members, sharingknowledge, and supporting
others' successfosters a cohesive and productive work environment.
1.Brainstorming sessions whereteammembers share ideasand build upon eachother's contributions to solve problems or generate new initiatives.
2.Working together on cross-functional projects or teams,pooling expertiseand resourcesfromdifferentdepartments or areasof specialization.
3.Peerreviewing eachother's work to provide constructive feedbackand improve thequality of deliverables.
4.Sharing knowledge and bestpracticesthrough formal training sessions, informal mentoring, or knowledge-sharing platforms.
5.Dividing tasksamong team members based on individual strengthsand skillsto maximize efficiencyand effectiveness.
6.Holding regular team meetings to discuss progress,address challenges, and coordinate efforts toward common goals.
7.Using collaboration tools and technology platforms to facilitate communication, document sharing,and project tracking among team members.
8.Participating injoint problem-solving sessions to addressissuesor conflicts that ariseinthe workplace.
9.Supporting and encouraging eachother's professional development byproviding opportunities for skill-building and careeradvancement.
10.Celebrating team successes and milestones together, reinforcing asenseof camaraderie and unity among team members.
WhatQuransays aboutcollaboration?
In the Quran,collaboration is equivalent to Taavon, and
Muslims arerequested tocollaborate in their affairsand
never collaboratewith each other forillegal affairs.Islam
asserts that everyone requires social relationship in their life.

12. 10CONTINOUSIMPROVEMENT
Strivingfor personal and professional developmentthrough ongoing learning,skillenhancement,
and feedbackintegrationhelps maintainrelevanceand effectivenessin one's role.
1.Implementing regular feedbackmechanisms, suchasemployee surveysor performancereviews, to gather inputfor identifying areasof improvement.
2.Conducting regular training sessions or workshops to enhanceemployees' skillsand knowledge in their respective roles.
3.Encouraging employees to pursuefurthereducation or professional development opportunities to stay currentintheir field.
4.Establishing aculture of experimentation and innovation, whereemployees areencouraged to propose and testnew ideas.
5.Analyzing data and metricsto identify trends and patterns that caninform strategiesfor improvement.
6.Conducting post-mortem reviewsafter projects or initiatives to identify successes,challenges, and areasfor improvement infutureendeavors.
7.Encouraging cross-departmental collaboration to leveragediverseperspectives and expertise inproblem-solving and innovation.
8.Implementing lean or agile methodologies to streamline workflows and eliminate inefficiencies.
9.Setting clear and achievable goals forcontinuous improvement initiatives and tracking progress over time.
10.Recognizing and rewarding employees who contribute to the success of continuous improvement efforts.
WhatQuransays aboutcontinuous improvement?
AllahsaysinQuran:“Say:My Lord,increasemeinknowledge” (Qur’an,
20:114)