Demystifying Professionalism in 2021
⬇︎ When you google the word “professional” the first google image that pops up is this. ⬇︎
A young, blue- eyed, smiley male with a button-down shirt, pressed suit, and crisp clean blue tie. Plus, what appears to be his three coworkers sitting behind him.
I find this image puzzling because of a number of things.
First, this image resembles nothing what my clients (nor I) look like. Second, typically my clients despise being the center of attention (which does not appear to be an issue in this picture). My clients would rather get the job done than take credit for the job done.
So, of course, it has me thinking…
WHAT EXACTLY DOES PROFESSIONALISM STAND FOR (AND LOOK LIKE) IN 2021?
In the midst of a global pandemic, the GREAT RESIGNATION, and our career ecosystem shifting, what does professionalism look, feel, and sound like today?
Since this is such a hot topic (and apparently controversial), I reached out to a few of my close friends and asked them how they defined professionalism.
Below are their answers:
Dr. Chris Cozzolino, owner of UP TOWN CREATIONS: Professionalism is all about showing up with an energy that matches your audience. The skills of representing yourself in a way that makes those around you comfortable is what being professional means to me.
Jen Cao, owner of KAFFEINE ALLEY: Depends on the context, but I believe it encompasses what you wear, how you look, how you communicate with your clients or customers, and, generally, the interactions you have with people.
Michael Riscica, owner of THE YOUNG ARCHITECT: Professionalism to me isn’t about wearing a suit, having the right academic pedigree, credentials, or the right employers on your resume. Professionalism is about having confidence, your ability to get things done, and being consistently genuine regardless of who are you are interacting with.
Dr. Blair Theilmeir, owner of PHARMAPRENEUR ACADEMY: Professionalism means that you follow a replicable process to get a similar desired result or outcome.
Dr. Mike Gormely, owner of GORMLEY CLINIC OF CHIROPRACTIC: Professionalism means being absolutely passionate in what you do and who you serve, and being relentless in achieving the very best outcome for your clients, customers, or patients. The idea is it’s about something greater than “me”…. Make sure your servants’ towel is bigger than your ego.
Isn’t this shocking how 5 of my very successful friends all categorize and define such an important topic so drastically differently?
AND, IT GETS ME BACK TO MY ORIGINAL POINT: WHO SETS THE STANDARD ON WHAT PROFESSIONALISM IS? WHO DEFINES WHAT PROFESSIONALISM ACTUALLY MEANS?
After a ton of digging, reading, researching, and asking around, my answer to what exactly professionalism is this:
You define professionalism for yourself.
To be a professional, you need to set standards for yourself that resemble and embody:
1) Who you desire to be.
2) What is most important to you.
Similar to how we should define SUCCESS (on your own terms), you get to create, develop, and nurture your own definition of professionalism.
More importantly, for leaders today, it is critical to be aware that the definition of professionalism has really shifted over the last few decades, especially since the March 2020 lockdowns began and since more women are in the workforce than ever.
Here is what my research has shown:
Prior to March 2020 Definition of Professionalism:
Buttoned up suits, speaking only when spoken to, primarily male focused, show up to work in the office between the 9-5 business hours, celebrated for working holidays & weekends, minimal policies for standardization, minimal wellness or work-life balance engagement, and the primary focus & goal of the business is on metrics and less on human connection.
2021 Definition of Professionalism:
Managing your emotions at work, clearly communicating the value you bring to the workplace, authenticity, prioritizing your work-life balance, cultural awareness, showing empathy for coworkers & clients/patients, people over profit, relationships over revenue, human to human connection focused, and, overall, not being an asshole. #notsorry
There are so many different faces of professionalism now - we have kids jumping into Zoom meetings, dogs barking in the background, doorbells ringing from our amazon packages. Or, on the other hand, now more than ever working parents need flexible hours with flexible schedules and specific expectations set on the job. Due to the pandemic, we are having fewer in person meetings and shifting to Zoom calls.
Everything about what professionalism looked like and felt like before social media and the pandemic has shifted.
And, to keep up with today’s progressive and dynamic workplace, leaders need to keep up, step up, and shift their ideas of what professionalism should look like.
Establishing and maintaining a professional reputation is crucial to SUCCESS, so it is important that you put your best foot forward when you are establishing your personal brand, building your executive presence, and learning how to curve your emotions at work.
If you have not done so already, try creating a mission statement for what professionalism means to you.
Look at your mission statement every day before you walk into work.
Remember what is most important to YOU at work, not to anyone else.
If you feel like you need support in developing your professionalism (this is one of my favorite topics!), please reach out to me directly @ HELLO@RXASHLEE.COM.
Let’s get to work on accomplishing and achieving your goals together.
I got you!
XX
Ash
Ready to land your dream job?
Learn about my 4-step process for interview success.