What constitutes Professional Behavior?
In many instances, people are quick to define what unprofessional behaviors are. It is difficult to define professional behavior but most people leave satisfied with an experience when that experience has been handled professionally.
Professional behavior is grounded in respect. Treating others with respect is the hallmark of professionalism. Principles of respect involve being courteous and exhibiting good manners; being punctual and respectful of others’ time; keeping things that require confidentiality confidential; being fair in all dealings; taking responsibility for actions or job requirements and not leaving your tasks for others to complete; being able to accept and utilize constructive criticism; being fair in actions and decisions; dealing with sensitive issues privately and with respect; listening to others’ viewpoints and ideas; taking accountability for any errors or misunderstandings; speaking clearly and in a manner that others can understand; exhibiting responsibility and integrity; and presenting yourself well groomed and in appropriate attire.
Being a consummate professional requires that you take care of yourself and present yourself in a manner that will gain the trust and respect of others. It also requires that you take responsibility for your actions and when implementing ideas or projects, you consider the consequences and impact on others.
Being viewed as a professional is all about trust; even the smallest of lies can break trust that can never be restored. People need to trust what you say as well as trust that you can and will complete tasks assigned to you at all costs; make sure people can depend on you and know that you are reliable. Communication is a key element in this as well. If something comes up that delays a project or hinders it, you must communicate that to the people who depend on you. Ensure that you are properly prepared for all meetings and presentations. You must take the time to gather all necessary information, or complete all required investigation prior to sitting down to formally discuss an issue or deal with a problem. The way you present yourself is also crucial to a strong sense of professionalism. Ensure you are impartial when handling issues, especially those that have two strong sides. Avoid arguments at all costs. You will be placed in many situations with angry parents, students and other stakeholders and you have to act carefully to keep your own emotions in check. When someone tries to engage you in an argument, remain calm and diffuse the situation. Never resort to arguing back.
As an ethical professional, you must always maintain a commitment to quality. Always give 100% to any project you undertake. Never present a plan or procedure that you are not comfortable to have your name behind. Anything you put out should be of the highest quality and something you are proud to stand behind. One bad decision or one hastily released project could haunt you forever. Always aim to exceed the expectations of those that work with and for you. Ensure that you embody that philosophy and challenge others to adopt it. We’re only as good as the weakest member of our team.
As a professional, you need to maintain a commitment to your school and District that goes beyond yourself. Share your ideas and successes. You would not be where you are if someone had not taken the time to share their successes and ideas with you. Take the time to train your staff and provide them with opportunities to grow; model what you expect. Letting others know you are committed to their own professional growth and development will build and foster relationships as well as trust.
Essentially, being professional is about seeing beyond the present and thinking about the long term perceptions and needs of your school, it’s students, parents and partners.
