Register now or log in to join your professional community.
Good question Mr. Faheem.
In KSA! it's very very rare. Only some multinational companies are following the professional standards which are according to their company policy or decided by their management.
In short, a systematic, sciencetific, measurable approach / activities to increase the proficiency, productivity and output to reach to an achievable goal is professionalism. The process which can be understood and appraised.
What is professionalism? Is/Are there any criteria/factors set/used for determining an employee as professional?
Dear Muhammad Faheem
It is not something that is measured in any test where you are given scores.
We know that it's essential to be professional if we want to be a success.
But what does "being professional" actually mean?
For some, being professional might mean dressing smartly at work, or doing a good job.
For others, being professional means having advanced degrees or other certifications, framed and hung on the office wall.
Professionalism encompasses all of these definitions. But, it also covers much more.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines professionalism as "the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person"; and it defines a profession as "a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation."
It is there in a very subtle way making a statement about you and others are constantly taking down notes on you. For starters, stick with all the ideas given here under and you should be able to survive any professional situation with great professionalism! Best of luck!
A very general, raw idea of professionalism is a bundle of the following concepts: a focused approach, pride in what one is doing, confident, competent, motivation towards a particular goal, accountability, respect for people irrespective of rank, status and gender, responsibility while on the path to a particular goal, commitment to word and deed, control of emotions - well, you are beginning to get the idea now.
Basically it all boils down to where you leave out emotional upheavals and stay focused on the issue no matter what the issue is or how stressful and trying a situation turns out to be.
Cool as a cucumber, grace under pressure, while keeping the total focus on what one is supposed to be doing and accomplishing.
You will be exhibiting professionalism if you:
· Base business related interactions to facts, figures and purely on the logic and understanding of the situation at hand.
· Do not get carried away by the passion of the moment.
Emotions vary by individual sensibilities and of course, cultures.
The following qualities are essential for any one to be considered a PROFESSIONAL
Specialized Knowledge
First and foremost, professionals are known for their specialized knowledge. They've made a deep personal commitment to develop and improve their skills, and, where appropriate, they have the degrees and certifications that serve as the foundation of this knowledge.
Not all business areas have a stable core of knowledge (and the academic qualifications that go with this); not all areas demand extensive knowledge to practice successfully; and not all professionals have top degrees in their field.
What matters, though, is that these professionals have worked in a serious, thoughtful and sustained way to master the specialized knowledge needed to succeed in their fields; and that they keep this knowledge up-to-date, so that they can continue to deliver the best work possible.
Competency
Professionals get the job done. They're reliable, and they keep their promises. If circumstances arise that prevent them from delivering on their promises, they manage expectations up front, and they do their best to make the situation right. Professionals don't make excuses, but focus on finding solutions.
Honesty and Integrity
Professionals exhibit qualities such as honesty and integrity . They keep their word, and they can be trusted implicitly because of this. They never compromise their values , and will do the right thing, even when it means taking a harder road.
More than this, true professionals are humble – if a project or job falls outside their scope of expertise, they're not afraid to admit this. They immediately ask for help when they need it, and they're willing to learn from others.
Accountability
Professionals hold themselves accountable for their thoughts, words, and actions, especially when they've made a mistake. This personal accountability is closely tied to honesty and integrity, and it's a vital element in professionalism.
Self-Regulation
They also stay professional under pressure. For instance, imagine a customer service employee who's faced with an irate customer. Instead of getting upset or angry in return, the employee exhibits true professionalism by maintaining a calm, business-like demeanor, and by doing everything that he/she can to make the situation right.
Genuine professionals show respect for the people around them, no matter what their role or situation. They exhibit a high degree of emotional intelligence (EI) by considering the emotions and needs of others, and they don't let a bad day impact how they interact with colleagues or clients.
Image
Professionals look the part – they don't show up to work sloppily dressed, with unkempt hair. They're polished, and they dress appropriately for the situation. Because if this, they exude an air of confidence, and they gain respect for this.
How to Exhibit Professionalism
As you can see from these characteristics, professionals are the kind of people that others respect and value. They are a genuine credit to their organizations!
This is why it's so important that we work to earn a professional reputation in the workplace. True professionals are the first to be considered for promotions, they are awarded valuable projects or clients, and they are routinely successful in their careers.
Knowledge, Experience, Skills, being a reference...
