Professionalism

Today I would like to speak briefly about professionalism.

I believe one of the biggest downfalls of our modern, American civilization IS a lack of professionalism in every aspect of life, not just business.  Professionalism can also be associated closely, often hand in hand, with common courtesy, another thing that is greatly lacking in today's society.

But this is something we all realize, whether consciously or subconsciously, correct?  Agreed.  So:  how do we remain professional and for how long?

I say, remain professional at all times.  And this does not come overnight.  It is something you have to work at day after day.  I have burned many bridges but have learned from each mistake:  even when things do not go as planned (or even, God forbid, when things are downright mean) maintaining a level of professionalism in every instance will not only better you as a person, but as a business person as well.  And these things are learned through trial and error.

If you can leave without a fight or conflict, do.  Even if it means simply disappearing.  If you can later explain your actions, great.  Sometimes you can't.  But better to leave before the top blows than letting it.  Again, learned from personal experience. 

Do not mix business with pleasure.  That is, go out and celebrate with your associates or coworkers ONLY if you are good (and I mean GOOD) friends. Even this is discouraged against (don't make a habit of it.)  Again, simply by experience.  Engage your down time spent with associates in a positive manner, one where you don't see each other losing control.  It's simply better for business.

Upon meeting new folks:  be professional!  Be polite, be very clear and concise, upbeat and most importantly, be very open and clear in your communications.  Often, this will be with someone who does not conduct themselves the same way(busy people can get rude, that's just the way it is.)  Handle them calmly, despite how they handle you.  In this instance, turning the other cheek works.  If they cross you and you treat them fair, on what ground can they stand?  None.  This one is a VERY hard one to master.

And also, professionalism is GREATLY founded on keeping word.  Or deadlines.  Awhile back, I faded away into oblivion on a pro bono ad simply because I got too caught up in more interesting opportunities.  No one seemed real concerned or followed up, so I simply let it be.  Problem is, down the road, that person may remember that and be in a position where once, a door may have been opened, and now it may not.  Now I am not TOO worried with this individual, because they are quite easy going and have even seemed to have forgotten about it, but I'm sure they haven't.  Would you?  Point is,  even if it's a pro bono deal, it is NOT okay to simply slough it off.  My advice?  What I NOW do is ask myself:  is this SERIOUSLY something I can commit to from beginning to end and see it through?  If there is the SLIGHTEST doubt in my mind, that means I am not prepared and should back away to maintain professional integrity.

Hopefully, this helps.  Because if others can avoid making the same blunders I have (there is quite a list, let me tell you!)  then the experiences weren't for not and can be a blessing for others.  Have a great day and remember:  if you're unsure how to remain or act professional in a situation, simply revert to good old common courtesy:  how would YOU want yourself to act if you were the other person?

See ya'll later.