Management Tips for the Everyday Working Professional

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The truth about professionalism is not just about the way you look or speak but also about the way you conduct yourself in your day-to-day life. It’s about showing up on time and with a positive attitude; it’s about being well-groomed, keeping personal drama out of the workplace, and using proper etiquette. It can be challenging to remain professional in a world that thrives on competition and catty remarks. But by following these tips for professionalism at work, you’ll prove to be an exemplary employee. After all, these skills will serve you for years to come!

Be on time – always

Start your work ethic from the beginning by being on time for every meeting and every work-related activity. If you’re expected to arrive at 9 a.m., then arrive at 9 a.m. Being late to work shows a lack of respect and professionalism. In addition, being late to appointments and meetings can lead to stress, frustration, and other negative outcomes. If you’re expected to arrive at 9 a.m. and are not there till 10 a.m., you’re letting everyone know that your time isn’t as valuable as it should be. Being late also gives the impression that you can’t manage your time, which is another sign of a lack of respect.

Don’t gossip

Gossip is the sign of a lazy person and the sign of someone who lacks respect for others. If you’re gossiping about a co-worker, you’re letting your supervisor know that you have no respect for that person and you’re not serious about your work. Gossip is the sign of lazy people, and you don’t want anyone to think you’re not taking your job seriously. Gossip can spread quickly and come back to haunt you often. Doing gossip is one of the worst things you can do at work. Not only does it show that you have a lack of respect for the people you’re talking about, but it can also have a negative effect on your career if a supervisor finds out that you’ve been gossiping about them or someone else on the team, they’re not likely to promote you or help you advance your career.

Practice good manners

Being respectful towards your colleagues and supervisors is a must in any work setting. Many people overlook this point or assume that manners are no longer necessary in the workplace. This isn’t true. Manners are still needed in the workplace to show that you value your co-workers as well as your supervisors. Punctuality is key when it comes to being polite in the workplace. If you’re expected to be at work at 9 a.m., then be there at 9 a.m. Being 15 minutes late is still being late. Being late is a sign of a lack of respect. Manners also include how you treat others while at work. If you’re on the phone with a customer and someone else walks by and coughs, you should excuse yourself and cough into your arm. Manners are needed whenever you’re around other people, even if it’s just at work.

Dress professionally – always

Wear formal and adequate clothing that is appropriate for the work setting. If you’re working at a bank, you’ll have to wear a suit, tie, and polished shoes. If you’re working at a technology company, you should wear a business casual outfit. If you’re unsure what to wear to a particular place of employment, ask your supervisor. They may have a dress code for employees posted on the wall near the break room or in their office. Dressing professionally shows that you respect the company you work for and the customers that you serve. It also shows that you’re serious about your career and wants to be taken seriously.

Bottom line - Stay professional because you’re building your reputation.

Being professional in the workplace shows your co-workers, supervisors, and customers that you value their time and you’re serious about your career. If your work is ever questioned, you want to be able to stand by what you’ve done. You don’t want to say, “Actually, I wasn’t supposed to do that.” You want to be able to say, “I was supposed to do this, and I did.” If you’re ever in doubt about how to handle a situation, ask your supervisor or another colleague for their advice. You can also ask to speak with your supervisor one-on-one to get advice on how to proceed with a specific task or meeting.