What exactly is being professional?

So many people talk about professionalism as if it is a suit you put on. In fact, professionalism is just shorthand for being a respectful, skilled, and reliable.

*Respectful: It’s not just ‘yes, ma’am’ or ‘no, sir’, but that isn’t a bad thing.

Respect is about:

Listening: Treating co-workers and customers as important humans with valuable things to say. Learn to listen without interrupting.

Dressing properly: The dress code is either spoken or unspoken. Look around to figure it out. Lifehack writer and business analyst, Ben Brumm, suggests dressing slightly above the dress code. If a collared shirt is required, try wearing a tie, too.

Conversing smartly: Stay away from politics and religion, according to Inc. Magazine. You may want to avoid discussing current events, especially if it is against prevailing wisdom.

Answering the phone properly: Greet and state your name. Hello, this is Sandy or Good Morning, Sandy speaking.

Separating work from home: Hello Kitty is swell, but it should not dominate your office space. Decorate modestly and discretely. Don’t bring your hobbies into the office. Be in the office to work, not solve family problems on the telephone. *Reliable Return emails and texts promptly.

Be punctual: Be on time, all the time. No exceptions.

Meet all deadlines: Treat them as sacred. Show up. Always. Lend a hand. Volunteer for special jobs, if you have the time to follow through.

*Skilled: Be great at your job. Be great at recognizing other people’s greatness. Speak formally. No slang and certainly no objectionable words.