Are You a True Professional? 10 Traits to Strive For
What does it mean to be a true professional? What are the defining characteristics of someone who displays true professionalism in their work? While there isn’t one set of traits that defines what it means to be professional, there are 10 core qualities every true professional should have. Use these tips and strive to incorporate them into your daily life and you’ll be well on your way to being a true professional in everything you do!
1) Respect your clients
A true professional understands that their clients are the foundation of their business, and they should always have their best interest at heart. Showing respect for your clients will help them trust you and feel like they can speak freely. Remember to thank them for their feedback, no matter what it is!
2) Do what you say you will do
A true professional always keeps their word. They show up when they say they will, and if they can’t make it, they’ll let you know as soon as possible. If there are circumstances that change an appointment, for instance, the true professional will reschedule on their own initiative. They take responsibility for their actions, and don’t blame others for something that is within their control.
3) Under promise, over deliver
When it comes to your work, don’t make promises that you can’t keep. Over-promising and under-delivering will quickly get you a bad reputation in the workplace. The old adage under promise, over deliver is an excellent rule of thumb for dealing with clients and colleagues alike.
4) Schedule clear communication and follow through
Clear communication and follow through are important aspects of any professional relationship. If you say something, make sure you do it. If you commit to something, make sure you follow through on your word. Communication is key for this trait, so always be clear and concise in your delivery so that everyone can understand what’s expected of them in the long run.
5) Have boundaries between your personal and business life
Professionalism is an attitude. It’s about how you conduct yourself in the workplace and how you comport yourself with colleagues, clients, and others outside of work.
6) Give back to the industry
Writing is a profession. Professionals want to do their best work, they want to be as efficient as possible, they want to produce quality content and share it with the world. Here are ten traits that define true professionals:
- They know what they’re doing. 2. They’re always looking for ways to improve themselves and their work. 3. They stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in their industry (content marketing for example). 4.
7) Observe professionalism in others
It is hard to define professionalism because it means different things to different people. A professional will be someone who exhibits the qualities of being professional in their work and in their dealings with others.
8) Take care of yourself physically and mentally (sleep, diet etc.)
Sleep is a vital component of health and wellness, but it’s often the first thing to go when we’re stressed, overworked or just too busy. Try going for two nights of 4-6 hours of sleep, then gradually increasing your nightly sleep time by 15 minutes every few days until you get back up to 8 hours per night.
9) Show gratitude
A true professional is someone who is grateful for the opportunity they have been given. They understand that the work they are doing is providing them with opportunities that they might not otherwise have, and that it is through this work that they are able to grow in their profession.
Gratitude makes you feel confident and accomplished, it provides motivation for you, and because of it you will want to continue giving your best effort in everything you do.
10) Enjoy it
Everyone has their own definition of what it means to be a professional, but we can all agree that there are some qualities that mark one as true professional. The following list is not exhaustive, but does provide some ideas on what you need to strive for:
- Be Kind and Respectful – Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
- Be Responsible – Meet your obligations and commitments.
- Be Honest – Don’t lie or mislead people with your words or actions.
