[SheriP]

I have been assigned a new task, to educate my co-workers on Professionalism. I have been searching the internet to find articles and have come across some great hints. I am taking what I am learning and sending out an email everyday entitled Daily Professionalism. Any hints or help in this area would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,

[mcrouch]

Never put in writing what you wouldn't say in person. I can't tell you how many times I have cringed reading emails that erronously were forwarded to a client and they contained negative comments about the client or work produced.

My2cents,
Michelle

[BMConstance]

(1) Don't dress for the job you currently have. Dress for the job that you WANT.

(2) Exceed expectations everyday.

Bianca

[rrinyai]

Hi,

I actually run a blog on this topic. Please take a look at my articles and I am sure that you will find many "professionalism" type posts.

Thanks,

Richard Rinyai
The Professional Assistant

[jayc]

Check into motivators@officedynamics.com which is authored by Joan Burge. It is a great monday motivator which a friend turned me onto two years ago. jayc

[Keystone]

The first thing clients usually do is call for something. So I would say the most important professional thing is to have the person answering the phone be knowledgeable, (and offer a professional image right from the beginninging) not only your products but who to talk to for what. The most un-proffessional thing I find is calling a new company and the person answering the phone puts you immediatly on hold, dosen't know any thing about the company, or where to send the call to get to someone that does.
This projects a poor image, even if I've heard how good the company is, it just dosen't seem like they are managed properly. This has happened on many occassions, I used to mutter through it, now I just hang up and call the next one.
Years ago there was a study done of why certain businesses thrive and others didn't at different locales accross the country. The one and only reason to my knowledge hasn't changed, when a customer or client walked in they were greated within the first 15 seconds. Whether it be the local deli that is packed with people or a receptionist at IBM. The client is doing their job, they are walking through your door with their money, the least you can do is acknowledge that they are there, and give them what they want or even better what they need to accomplish their goals.

[pamimp]

To me professionalism means putting the requirements of the job and the needs of the company above your personal feelings. Even if someone has wronged you, professionalism dictates taking the high road and finding a way to work together for the greater good. A true professional displays emotional maturity, intelligence, good judgment, determination, and a positive attitude. It's not a matter of doing whatever will make you look good, it's about thinking in terms of how to get the job done the best way possible, and then doing more.

[mford]

There is nothing professional about a poorly written message and emails messages are just as important in that regard as formal letters and memos. I see a lot of emails with incorrect spelling and grammar and very little capitalization or punctuation. If you are always in the habit of writing sloppy emails, one of them is bound to get through to the wrong person.

[mford]

The person who advises dressing for the job you want, not the job you have is correct. My philosphy is to groom and dress every day as though you have a job interview. It's Murphy's Law that when you let the grooming slide and the outfit get a little sloppy that you invariably run into the CEO or an important client! Your appointment calendar can change at the last minute, and you never know when you might be called into an impromptu meeting with someone important or influential.

If your office dress code is "casual," you can still dress a bit above that, even if you work in operations or data processing. Jeans can cost as much as a decent skirt or pants, so don't give me the "too expensive" excuse. Save the denim and sandals for evenings and weekends, or company picnics. If you dress a bit more formally, you will be perceived as professional, be taken more seriously, have more self-confidence, and you will look appropriate for any occasion. Perception is reality.

There are some great web sites with hints for dressing for success.

[LisaOlsen]

Professionalism is an attitude first, then we demonstrate that in our behavior and demeanor and image.

Embracing the attitude of professionalism starts with valuing your position as an administrative professional. Sometimes we put too much emphasis on the administrative aspect (technology, communication, written correspondence, etc., etc.) but not enough emphasis on the word professional. That has to come first. In my seminars on professional image, I actually change the title to "Professional Admin." That sends a clear message that professionalism preceeds any success as an admin today.