Professionalism has long been associated with progress and success in the workplace. It is defined as having or exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally business-like manner in the workplace. In a sense, it is a guiding principle to how we should conduct ourselves in a corporate setting, often demanding an adherence to a set of norms, standards and etiquette.
Unfortunately, there are times when professional standards can become problematic. Many of us have experienced it firsthand, either as victims or observers, and we can all agree that it is an issue worth discussing. This article will delve into when, how and why professionalism can become an issue and provide guidance on how to navigate the workplace in an appropriate, professional manner.
What is Professionalism in the Workplace?
Before we discuss when and why professionalism can become a problem, let’s first define what professionalism is within the workplace. Generally speaking, professionalism is rooted in developing and maintaining a positive attitude, following a proper code of conduct, behaving with integrity, exhibiting good work ethics, respecting colleagues, and generally doing what is necessary in order to represent the company in a positive light.
At its core, it is a set of standards that employees must adhere to in order to be successful and productive at work. All of these standards help to foster an environment that is conducive to productivity and efficient collaboration.
When and Why Can Professionalism Become a Problem?
When taken too far, professional standards can certainly become problematic. If taken to its extreme, people can become overly formal and rigid, forgetting their own sense of identity and losing their ability to be authentic and human. When this happens, colleagues will rarely feel comfortable and encourage each other to be the best they can be.
Another issue can arise when employees adhere too strictly to professional standards, becoming so focused on professionalism that they overlook the human element. This often translates into treating colleagues as subordinates instead of peers, making them uncomfortable and leading to a decrease in healthy communication.
Some may go beyond just following the strict set of professional standards, striving to be the “perfect” professional by following a higher standard. These individuals may avoid any appearance of slacking, or worse, any form of fun in the workplace. This approach can create a culture of fear, crushing any creative and innovative thinking.
Finally, there can be a tendency for some to use professionalism as a way to manage up. Adopting a professional demeanor and using proper language can be a way of getting supervisors’ approval and approval from highers-up – a tactic that can lead to a destructive environment.
How Can We Maintain Professionalism Without Going Too Far?
The key to professionalism without going too far is to recognize that professionalism is just one small element of a larger corporate culture. It is a way of doing business, not a way of life. Therefore, it is important to remember the human element of professionalism: great communication and interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, mutual respect, empathy and genuine interest in others’ success all play a huge role in creating a successful corporate culture.
One way to ensure that professional standards are not taken too far is to create an environment of openness and transparency. Encourage employees to express themselves and share ideas freely, rather than reprimanding them for being too casual.
Another way to maintain professionalism is to set expectations and boundaries. Be clear to everyone what is expected of them and what type of behavior is unacceptable. This will help set the tone for the company and provide guidance for employees to follow.
Finally, professionals should strive to maintain the highest standards of conduct in the workplace without sacrificing their authenticity. They should take pride in ensuring that all interactions are professional, but also remember the importance of being genuine and true to themselves.
The concept of professionalism can be deeply rooted in the workplace, but is not one-size-fits-all. While it is important to maintain professional standards in the workplace, it is also important to remember that progress and success don’t always require conformity. There is a need to balance professional norms with an appreciation of individual authenticity. By doing so, we can foster an environment that is conducive to collaboration, creativity and professional development.
