Enhancing Your Professionalism
5 Ways to Develop your Professional Presence
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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
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KARMA – the joy of watching someone get what they deserve.
PROFESSIONALISM – the ability to sit back, enjoy the show and keep your mouth shut!
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What is Professionalism?
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“the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person”
Professional Attributes
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Specialized Knowledge
Competency
Honesty and Integrity
Accountability
Self-Regulation
Image
Specialized Knowledge
Skills
Degrees
Certifications
Masters of knowledge
Up-to-date information
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Competency
Reliable
Keep their promises
Manage expectations
Don’t make excuses
Solution driven
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Honesty and Integrity
Keep their word
Never compromise their core values
Humble
Willing to learn from others
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Accountability
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Words
ThoughtsA
ctions
Mistakes
Accountable
Self-Regulation
Remain calm in a crisis
Stay professional under pressure
Show respect
High EI
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Image
Polished
Dress appropriately
Confident
Gain respect
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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
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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
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Career capitalism
Future proof your career• Create a success journal
• Scan the environment
• Develop resilience
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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
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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
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Increase Your Visibility
Toot your own horn!
Self-Awarenes
s
Self-Manageme
nt
Social Awareness
Relationship
Management
Personal
Social
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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
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Self-Management Strategies
The ABC’s of Life
A – Activating event
B – Belief about the activating event
C – Consequential emotional response
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Self-Awareness
Your feelings follow
your beliefs
Beliefs
“My director believes in me”
“My director is trying to ruin my life!”
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Self-Defeating Beliefs
Add D
• Dispute our thinking
• Replace self-defeating, irrational beliefs with rational logical beliefs
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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
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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?
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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
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Refine Your Communication Style
Listen more, talk less!
Be aware of other people’s emotions
Empathize
Encourage
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Refine Your Communication Style
Remember humor
Treat people equally
Attempt to resolve conflict
Maintain a positive attitude and smile
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Refine Your Communication Style
Minimize stress
Only complain when absolutely necessary
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Polish Your Image
Keep a neat and clean appearance
Update your wardrobe
Dress for the occasion
Think about your staff
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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!