Enhancing Your Professionalism

5 Ways to Develop your Professional Presence

2

Goals

Discuss the concept of professionalism

List the attributes of a professional

Define how to exhibit your professionalism

Determine what YOU can do to enhance your professional presence

3

KARMA – the joy of watching someone get what they deserve.

PROFESSIONALISM – the ability to sit back, enjoy the show and keep your mouth shut!

jareflections.wordpress.com

What is Professionalism?

4

“the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person”

Professional Attributes

5

Specialized Knowledge

Competency

Honesty and Integrity

Accountability

Self-Regulation

Image

Specialized Knowledge

Skills

Degrees

Certifications

Masters of knowledge

Up-to-date information

6

Competency

Reliable

Keep their promises

Manage expectations

Don’t make excuses

Solution driven

7

Honesty and Integrity

Keep their word

Never compromise their core values

Humble

Willing to learn from others

8

Accountability

9

Words

ThoughtsA

ctions

Mistakes

Accountable

Self-Regulation

Remain calm in a crisis

Stay professional under pressure

Show respect

High EI

10

Image

Polished

Dress appropriately

Confident

Gain respect

11

12

How do I exhibit professionalism?

1. Build Your Career Capitalism2. Increase your visibility3. Be emotionally intelligent4. Refine your communication style5. Polish your image

5 Ways to Develop Your Professional Presence

13

Career capitalism

Future proof your career• Find an “academy” company

• Get and remain tech savvy

• Develop your competencies and experience

• Think “global”

• Build and maintain a professional network

14

Career capitalism

Future proof your career• Create a success journal

• Scan the environment

• Develop resilience

15

Develop career expertise

Proactively engage your leader about your career goals

Investigate long-term and short-term skill requirements

Volunteer for challenging projects and assignments

Get a mentor!

Be a mentor!16

17

Increase Your Visibility

Volunteer for Special Projects

Share information with people outside of your normal network

Attend those “optional” meetings and events

Ask for bigger and better assignments

Start a group

18

Increase Your Visibility

Toot your own horn!

Self-Awarenes

s

Self-Manageme

nt

Social Awareness

Relationship

Management

Personal

Social

19

Be Emotionally Intelligent

Self-Awareness Strategies

Ask yourself:• What am I feeling?

• Why am I feeling it?

Keep a journal or log

Reflect on your behaviors

Know your triggers

Seek feedback

20

Self-Management Strategies

The ABC’s of Life

A – Activating event

B – Belief about the activating event

C – Consequential emotional response

21

22

Self-Awareness

Your feelings follow

your beliefs

Beliefs

“My director believes in me”

“My director is trying to ruin my life!”

23

Self-Defeating Beliefs

Add D

• Dispute our thinking

• Replace self-defeating, irrational beliefs with rational logical beliefs

24

Self-Management Strategies

Choose your battles

Mix pleasantness with anger

Realign your expectations

Speak to someone that is not emotionally invested

Recognize the irrationality of worry

25

Self-Management Strategies

Ask anxiety inventory questions• What is going on here?

• What’s the worst thing that could happen?

• How likely is that?

• Is it in or out of my control?

• Is there anything I can do?

26

Social Awareness Strategies

Greet people by name

Notice things about people

Watch body language and tone

Listen

Step into their shoes

Seek the whole picture

Pay attention to the mood in the room27

Relationship Strategies

Be open and curious

Acknowledge other people’s feelings

Have an “open door” policy

Explain your decisions

Tackle a tough conversation

Take feedback & give constructive criticism

28

29

Refine Your Communication Style

Listen more, talk less!

Be aware of other people’s emotions

Empathize

Encourage

30

Refine Your Communication Style

Remember humor

Treat people equally

Attempt to resolve conflict

Maintain a positive attitude and smile

31

Refine Your Communication Style

Minimize stress

Only complain when absolutely necessary

32

Polish Your Image

Keep a neat and clean appearance

Update your wardrobe

Dress for the occasion

Think about your staff

33

In Summary

True professionals exhibit expertise, honesty, integrity and emotional intelligence

There are five strategies to build your professional presence

Which strategy will you start with? Make a commitment today!