Professionalism part I

I am strongly committed to constant education and broadening my own horizons so I may become a better person both at work and in life.

I am really passionate about hospitality industry (including tourism and entertainment fields). Since we're all humans it also happens that I'm having worse days and don't do my best (what turns out unprofessional). That's life. As I look at the last 12 months I have drown some conclusions. I have had a great mentor and example to follow (actually two, one in London and one in Amsterdam) at my current working place. Unfortunately, he is gone now but I will never forget his passion for excellence and professionalism at work. 

I would like to share with You some of the thoughts that have been coming to mind, what I have learnt from my mentors and what have discovered myself.

Good manners is the art of making those people easy with whom we converse (...).

Professionalism is all about setting people at ease. It applies both towards colleagues, workmates, supervisors and guests. It is so easy to work and be with people that we like, that have as same values and approaches in life as we have, but our professional attitude is challenged when it comes to being around those who are difficult for us: unfriendly colleagues, rude guests, bossy manager etcetera.

Professionalism is not a behaviour, it is a lifestyle. 

You carry it everywhere, it is like Your skin. If Your not professional at home, You won't be professional at work. It is very important what You read, what You watch, what kind of social circles you belong to. Who keeps company with the wolves will learn how to howl. To be more professional, You must surround Yourself by professional people, professional media, professional books, etiquette, ethics, high standards, good manners and so on.


Professionalism is:

* manners - that is the safest way to deal with people. When You are good-mannered, You cannot offend anyone

* responsibility - in the end of the day You own it, whether it is good or bad. The biggest mistake in life is not taking full responsibilities for Your own actions.

* composedness - there is nothing worse than panicking and stressing out Yourself and by the way others. The art is to keep it cool no matter how bad it is - You are not loosing Your mind in such situations.

A host is like a general: calamities often reveal his genius.

* equal treatment - it is so easy being kind and nice towards those who are above You in the structure, but Your character shows up in how You treat those who are below. Employees in higher positions and often guests look down at members of the housekeeping crew or waiting staff, thinking that those people are stupid enough to do such a job. Do not be one of those ignorants. Being kind and friendly to everyone will make You win everybody. You never know where You might need having networks.

* educating Yourself - knowing more than You are required will make You shine among others. Try to find out and learn what responsibilities Your colleagues from other departments and/ or positions have. That is one of the ways to get into the promotion list. We live in a constantly changing world and cannot take our jobs for granted any-more. It is crucial to be up to date. 

Your personal life impacts Your professional life.

Since the social media is a new invention we must all learn how to use it wisely. A thorough article about online etiquette is available here.

Be careful what You say at work and do not get Yourself involved into gossiping. It may all turn against You and may affect Your image that will be hard or even impossible to restore.


Business etiquette

Just because we live in a digital world it doesn't mean that manners and etiquette fade away. Especially young professionals forget how crucial those rules are and how they may affect their future. One cannot be overdressed, overeducated and too kind. Starting from using high-tech devices, by the way we dress to treating others; knowing (or not) business etiquette will create Your future.

* telephones - always introduce Yourself and the name of the company

* voice-mails - leave information when You are available or when You will call back

* e-mails - those are eternal, so keep it very clear and professional; always use signature lines (even when responding several times to the same person); point out when You are going to e-mail back and stick to those dates.

* smartphones and tablets - keep them away when on a meeting

* dress for success - always try to dress an inch above the average. That is how You make Yourself memorable.

Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.

* be prepared -always bring extra copies with You because somebody might come unprepared, so to make him/ her at ease always have those copies with You

* meetings - try to finish meetings before time, so attendees may have a (longer) break. We're all busy and having some spare minutes in between will make people love You.

Start on time and never punish those who are punctual by waiting for those who are late.