10 things that define a true professional You may be a brilliant developer, a highly skilled net admin, or a crackerjack DBA -- but if youre unprofessional, your career is likely to fall short. The term professional is thrown around quite a bit these days, perhaps too much. I do it myself. But what exactly does it mean to be a professional? As you read through the items below, consider how you compare with each trait. 1: Put customer satisfaction first Understanding and satisfying your customers needs are the cornerstones of a successful business. Do what is necessary to meet those needs. After all, without the customer, there is no professional. Professionals identify and satisfy their customers needs. 2: Make expertise your specialty The very word professional implies that you are an expert. Technical competence is essential in IT. • Become an expert in the skills and tools necessary to do your job. • Always perform to the best of your abilities. • Keep your knowledge up to date. Professionals know their trade. 3: Do more than expected The reality is that professionals are expected to exceed the standard 40-hour workweek. There are times when you may be asked to work weekends. You may have to forego a vacation or work 12-hour days to complete an important project. All are part of the job description of most professional positions. Professionals are expected to produce results. Strive to complete deliverables before their due dates and under budget. Professionals meet or exceed expectations whenever possible. 4: Do what you say and say what you can do You should engage brain before speaking -- can you really do what you are about to say? If you cant, the wizard behind the curtain will eventually be revealed and hard-earned trust can be lost. Professionals deliver on promises made. 5: Communicate effectively Whether verbal or written, professionals communicate clearly, concisely, thoroughly, and accurately. 6: Follow exceptional guiding principles Practice good manners and proper etiquette. Have high ethical and moral standards. Be honest and fair in all of your dealings with others. Obey the law. These may sound like the attributes of a Boy Scout, but they are basic values that all professionals should follow. Professionals adhere to high values and principles. 7: Praise your peers not yourself Respect and acknowledge the talents of your peers. Professionals are humble and generous in their praise of others. 8: Share your knowledge The harsh reality is that nobody is irreplaceable. Information isnt a limited resource. Contrary to what some might think, your mind wont be emptied by giving away kernels of wisdom or experience. Think of knowledge as an ocean of facts and not a stream of data. It is possible to share what you know and still keep one step ahead of the competition -- simply apply yourself and learn something new daily. Professionals help their peers and are respected for doing so. 9: Say thank you I always tried to find a way to thank others for their help. When their help was above and beyond the call of duty, Professionals thank others in a meaningful way that most benefits the recipient. 10: Keep a smile on your face and the right attitude in your heart This has been the hardest item for me to do consistently over my working years I now realize its not dishonest to be pleasant when you are having one of those lousy days. Share the misery is not the mark of a professional. Professionals are pleasant even during trying times. The final word Working with professionals is a pleasure, There have been a few who liked to be treated as professionals without having to work and act like one.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 14:31:09 +0000
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