The concept of the

Professional

Professionalism in the
construction industry
(Construction professional studies
Session 1 16th October 2011)

Professionals:
Trustworthy
Competent
Respectful
Act with Integrity
Considerate
Empathetic

Professionals:
Courteous
Dependable
Cooperative
Committed

Quality and characteristics of a

professional
1. Take advantage of every opportunity.
learn from successful people by finding out how they achieved their success.

2. Start by asking questions.

Successful people will share their knowledge and experiences with you if you ask good questions
that stimulate their thinking and responses. The quality of the information you receive depends
on the quality of your questions. The key to connecting with others is conversation, and the
secret of conversation is to ask the right questions. A conversation can lead to a relationship, and
a nurtured relationship can produce amazing results.

3. Dedicate yourself.
Two questions you should ask yourself on a fairly regular basis are, "What can I do to contribute
to my profession--to my employer and my professional association?" and "How can I be
professionally accountable?" When you can do this, you'll get so much more than you give.

4. Use stories.

Be inventive in selling yourself and your profession. Learn to network, one on one, by
using memorable stories. People will remember the picture you create in their minds,
rather than your words.

5. Develop your persuasive powers.

Being professionally accountable means knowing how to influence people. You will never say,
'That is not in my job description,' and you will never bring your own problems to work. Are you
persuasive in representing my company, department or association in public?

What is Professionalism?
A specific style of behavior in the
workplace
Values and professional roles
Exhibited in our behavior

Professionalism?

Respect for self and for others

Know - how

Mature responsibility

Problem solving perseverance.

A good role model for others including, their behavior, attitude and relationships.

Good Time Keepers - always in before time, uses time well

Dresses appropriately for the role.

Speaks in a way which is appropriate to each different audience without being patronizing or putting people
down.

Knowledgeable about the job, organization, etc.

Good with people

Communicate effectively, whatever the circumstances - actively listens

Manages their time well

Works well under pressure and fulfills deadlines.

Prioritises effectively - Is prepared to put in the time and effort to get things done, but also manages to have a
reasonable work life balance

Is accountable and takes responsibility for what they do and say, and for what they leave undone.

Professionalism
Characteristics of Professionalism

 Attitude..
Attitude is a key characteristic of professionalism.
A positive attitude not only gives the appearance of being a professional, it also
greatly increases the chances of success.
Coupled with a calm demeanor, the right attitude can get you closer to your business
goals in less time.

Appearance.
Appearance is just one way people rate professionalism.
While there are jobs that do not require a business wardrobe in the traditional sense,
appearance counts.
Clean clothing that reflects the style of the wearer and represents the business in a
positive way is another characteristic of professionalism.

Behavior..
Courteous manners matter.
People who practice courtesy, remain calm in spite of anxious surroundings and use
appropriate language exhibit professional characteristics.
They behave as professionals and are therefore believed to be professional.

 Vocabulary
Level of professionalism is often judged by vocabulary.
It isn't the use of big words, it's the use of the right words.
Professionals can convey their intended message in a way others understand it.

Mind-Set
The ability to focus is a characteristic of professionalism.
For professionals who succeed, it is "all in their head."
Succeeding as a professional requires the right mind-set.
The ability to focus on the task at hand, to see the whole picture as well as the bit
parts, and, most importantly, to see success as an obvious, totally expected
outcome.

Obstacles
Seeing yourself as a professional is the most important characteristic of
professionalism.
While money and education can be obstacles in succeeding as a professional, they
aren't the biggest ones.
The biggest obstacle many people face in reaching professionalism is learning to see
themselves as professionals.
If you do not see yourself as a professional, no one else will either.

Professionalism
How is professionalism judged?

Unwritten Rules
Attitudes
Conflict
Approaches
Values
Communication Styles

How is professionalism judged?

Against expectations or standards
Ones professionalism s personal values and an

understanding of what professionalism means

Situational in nature
Strongly influenced by culture
Your Communication
Your Image
Your Competence
Your Demeanor
Professionalism is in the eye of the beholder

What is expected from a

Professional?
Self Respect
Accept Personal Responsibility
Respect for others
Respect the experience

Individual Responsibility

Respect for others and their rights.

Know your boundaries/limits.
Stay out of others affairs.
NO GOSSIP
Do not handle personal interest at work .
Keep inappropriate language out of workplace.
Regulate personal cell phone usage.

Professional Boundaries
Relationships
Communications
Self disclosure
Exploitation
Breaches of Confidentiality

Why are boundaries important?

Communicate clearly.
All personnel information should be kept
strictly confidential.
Do not discuss co-workers with others
especially about health or health care.
Do not feed into the office gossip.

The most important aspect

Work home balance

Manage your time.

Track how you use your time.
Plan your days.
Embrace small necessary interruptions
Pamper yourself.
Set aside a whole day or evening for fun.
Scheduling your daily activities.
Take a break when you become frustrated.

References
www.fripp.com/art.of_professional.html
Professionalism Matters. Retrieved from

http://www.professionalismmatters.com/services/workplace _professionalism.htm

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5387877_characteristics-professionalism.html

Professionalism - videos