Beginnings: Professionalism …

Each year, required reading for my team of early childhood teachers and supervisors is an article by M. Parker Anderson entitled, “Professionalism: The Missing Ingredient for Excellence in the Workplace.” It is required because, after years of living on this planet and interacting with thousands, I’m dismayed that I agree with her assessment that, “professionalism is missing and unaccounted for” in so many places of work.

What has happened to our work force, our self-image, our civility to one another, our work ethic? It seems pervasive enough to say that we have lost our way a bit – when working with others, working for others, or simply working.

Somewhere along the road, doing one’s best has taken a hit. There is mediocrity, a doing-just-enough-to-get-by attitude, even a cynicism that is far from the standard of excellence many of us desire for our businesses, our teams, our customers, and even ourselves.

Having said that, there are those who do exemplify the highest work standards, ethics,  and values – and whose achievement and success tells the tale. There are those who are professional in their interactions with others, who do their best in each situation, on each project, and who feel a sense of pride and accomplishment at the end of the day.

So, how is it that some places of work foster professionalism? Who holds the key to setting the tone, creating the climate?

When there is professionalism at work, you feel it! Trust and confidence come through in professional interactions. Long-lasting positive feelings toward staff members, toward the environment, toward the organization, and toward the services provided by the organization are established. Relationships are easily built among all constituencies. People feel taken care of.

What are some of the factors that contribute to professionalism? And, what can be done to move toward creating a more professional climate in your organization? It is certainly more than just the way you speak, act, or behave.

You dress to work. What you wear, and how you present yourself can be comfortable and stylish, but it must communicate that you are ready, focused, and prepared for whatever might come your way during the work day. What message do you send?

Your attitude is positive, courteous, and pleasant. You come to work ready to learn and do, and are motivated by a strong sense of individual and group purpose. You have energy, are interested in what you’re doing, and bring a sense of joy to your work.

You know your own skills and abilities. And, you strive to know as much as you can about your career field and your work within it. There is a thirst for knowledge, and a desire to get better at what you do. And, a never-ending quest to find new information, and then share it with others. You continue to grow and remain energized.

You are also motivated to initiate new ideas, propose new procedures, and find solutions to challenges and problems. The bottom line is that a professional does whatever is needed to get the job done, and to get it done well!

A professional always adds that something extra, goes that additional mile, and exceeds expectations.

And finally, professionalism requires personal responsibility and accountability. Personal responsibility means arriving on time, meeting deadlines, performing complete and accurate work, returning calls and relaying messages in a timely fashion, and following through on required tasks. And, if things don’t go according to plan, the buck stops with you – you fix it! Professionalism means displaying honesty, integrity, respect, and dignity in dealing with all people.

And, yes, ultimately, the professional hears the compliments, receives the accolades, and is known and recognized as possessing that elusive, but oh so important element, professionalism. I believe, an element worth striving for!

I invite you to look at yourself, your team, and your organization, particularly at this beginning of the school year.  What tone are you setting? Is professionalism a “missing ingredient” in your program? Or, is it alive and well, and recognized as soon as someone walks through the front door?

In a later post, I’ll share some other ways that you – the director, the supervisor, the leader, the owner – can foster professionalism in your workplace, for I do believe that true professionalism is something that all can achieve.

This entry was posted in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Leadership, Managing Early Childhood Programs, Training for Early Childhood Directors. Bookmark the permalink.

16 Responses to Beginnings: Professionalism …

  1. Jeff Bennett says:

    Well said Marcia. People are what makes the world go around in business and organizations. We each have a responsibility as people to carry ourselves a certain way. Organizations have to instill, teach and expose their teams to a certain modus operandi as well. It seems the great organizations have a unifying element…not homogeneous …but an ethos around commitment and professionalism. It does not just happen. It is managed.

  2. Anne Smith says:

    Marcia, I loved reading this! You are so inspiring and motivating! Just what I needed today! Thanks!

    • Marcia Hebert says:

      And, Anne, Isn’t that what we, as leaders and managers and supervisors are supposed to do – inspire and motivate! In your new position, you have great opportunity to make a positive difference every day. Let your light shine brightly!!! and create your team of professionals. I pass the torch to you now. Thank you for writing.

  3. Kelley Sullivan says:

    Hi Marcia

    The new post was great to read. You touched on everything! I am so fortunate to have worked with so many professional and passionate teachers and administrators. I miss you and your amazing leadership. So many great memories at the JHCC

    Thanks

    Kelley

    • Marcia Hebert says:

      Kelley, You epitomize what I was writing about. You are a true professional – whose work I admire, respect, and so wish we were still on the same team! Thanks for your comment.

  4. I think your article was actually a great start to a potential series of posts about this topic. Most writers pretend to know what they’re preaching about when it comes to this area and generally, nearly no one actually get it. You seem to understand it though, so I think you ought to start writing more. Thanks a lot!

    • Marcia Hebert says:

      Thank you for your comment! Because of the feedback I have received, to include yours, I will most likely write a bit more on the topic. It is a good sign that so many of us are of the same mind!

  5. fenderbirds says:

    nice article, keep the posts coming

  6. zerodtkjoe says:

    Thanks for the info

  7. Jennifer Bialobrzeski says:

    Great post! And quite timely in my life. Thank you for your insights – lots to reflect on. I look forward to your next installment!

    -Jenn

  8. Karen says:

    Beautifully stated. I am sharing this post with my leadership team; we need a booster shot. More on this subject would be appreciated. Thank you and bless you, Marcia, for generously sharing your wisdom, experience and insights. KC

    • Marcia Hebert says:

      Thank you. It does seem that like-minded people are searching for ways to share their experiences and insight (hopefully, wisdom as well!) Based on the responses and emails I received from the Professionalism post, it seems that something is amiss in this area. Well, let the dialogue continue! For, creating solutions seems to be the next logical step.

  9. Donna LeMoine says:

    Your words are full of inspiration.

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