Be professional. It’s something most people have heard, whether on their first day at the job or in conversation about their behavior. What does it mean, though? You can learn how to be professional by taking a step back and considering a few simple tips and strategies. Here’s what it takes to be professional.

Know and Follow the Company’s Rules

It’s simple enough, but legal compliance rules, documents covering personal behavior at work, ethics, and other documentation help outline what’s expected. Most organizations have human resource documentation that backs up their expectations. When you learn what is and isn’t acceptable, you can ensure you’re doing the right thing. Often, seek to be the person that others follow when it comes to making the right decisions.

Focus on Professional Behavior

What you say, how you dress, and what you do all relate back to being a professional. For example, do you follow the company’s dress code because you respect their decision on what it should be? Do you follow their code of conduct in terms of how to speak to clients and customers? Do you know the code of ethics for the company, so you know what they believe is not acceptable behavior? 

Show Respect to Others

A big part of the process of being professional is being able to show respect to everyone else in the company, for good and bad situations. The way you interact with stakeholders is important, but it may also be important to deal with bad situations, conflicts, and customers with respect even when the situation isn’t a positive one. This typically includes not bullying others, not using discriminatory language, and avoiding profanities.

Become an Asset to the Company

Professional behavior also falls in line with the way you work and do your job. Are you a team player that helps to support colleagues? Be sure you ready memos and provide support when you can.

Avoid the Gossip

One thing to always avoid when it comes to professional behavior is this – don’t play politics and gossip. Do follow the company’s culture. Ultimately, people respect those that avoid situations that pit one team member against another. It’s also important to be open and transparent in terms of your thoughts and what you observe. Be sure you are consistently demonstrating the business’s core values in the actions you perform on a daily basis.

About Lewis-Price & Associates Inc.

Lewis-Price & Associates, Inc., is a fast-growing mission solutions company supporting federal agencies through premiere training, program management and IT services. Serving federal agencies across the government spectrum, from defense to civilian, we ensure the success of ongoing federal agency operations through effective curriculum development, professional coaching, program management, and administrative and technical services. Lewis-Price is committed to providing high quality, effective and on-time solutions to partners and customers through a team that values integrity, intention and excellence in everything we do. Learn about how we can bring our unique approach to success to your organization today at lewisprice.com, and please follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.