Professionalism

What Does
Professionalism
Mean to You?
Take a few minutes
and write down your
thoughtsas a
definition or
description.

One Students
Perception...
Professionalismin a word - its
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.

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

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.

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

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.

Professionalism in
Teamwork...

Openly share information

Professionalism in
Teamwork...

Collaborate on important issues

Professionalism in
Teamwork...

Focus on a common purposedont get sidetracked by details

Professionalism in
Teamwork...

Value each others background

Professionalism in
Teamwork...

Openly and respectfully voice

concerns & criticisms

Professionalism in
Teamwork...

Be positive about the team

members and their work

Abrasive and Abusive

Conduct...

Silence
Glaring eye contact:
the look
Abruptness
Snubbing or ignoring
others
Insults and put downs

Ryan and Oestreich (1998)

Blaming, discrediting
& discounting
Threats
Yelling & shouting
Angry outbursts or
loss of control

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

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

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

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

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.

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?