The Importance of Professionalism

I'm stuck at home today, waiting on a locksmith to return...  something in my magic, doubtlessly ultra-expensive condo door handle black box is broken.  Result: my door doesn't lock.  Hence the blogging.

I had a young man come earlier today to look at it.  It really demonstrated to me the importance of acting in a professional fashion.  He showed up in his T-Shirt and jeans, with nothing to identify him.  He carried no tools (though some appeared from his car later) and his work order was a crumpled yellow Post-It note with my phone number (incorrectly copied) and address on it.

He examined the lock without any explanation of what he was doing.  He left several times to retrieve new tools and parts without comments.  And at the end, he merely stated that it was broken and required replacement.  I had to supply a piece of paper for him to write down my correct phone number, the model number of the parts and measurements.  He left without an invoice, a card, or even his name.

He may very well have done a good job at working over the lock.  My problem is that I have no idea.  From this little story I have identified a few elements of professionalism:

• Preparedness.  My young friend appeared without tools or paper.  As a professional worker, I always bring all of the tools that the majority of cases require as well as a way to record information.  If you're coming to a meeting, you should have your calendar, a pen and a notebook at the very least.
• Accountability.  Take responsibility for the quality of your work by putting your name on it.  Introduce yourself.  Bring a business card.  Remember that you're not just the company or organization you work for - you are a pro.
• Transparency.  Your clients may have no expert knowledge of your field, but they're probably intelligent people.  Even if they aren't, you should treat them as such.  Explain what you're doing and why.  Show what decisions you have to make, and justify why you recommend a particular option.  If your client doesn't want to know, he or she will tell you.
• Next Steps.  Make sure you communicate what is going to happen next, and who is responsible for making it happen.  You may be responsible for additional work.  Your client may be responsible for paying an invoice.  Always leave an encounter by previewing the next one.

This list is by no means intended to be exhaustive.  I look forward to hearing what readers have to think!

Comments

[Evan Koronewski]

This article shows how professionalism, or a lack of professionalism, effects your credibility as an employee. The repairmen's credibility and expertise are immediately questionable.

[kristine]

I believe that you should try and maintain professionalism at all times. You never know when you will stumble upon the right person, who has the ability to forward your career. Professionalism makes you look better in present time and in the future. People remember.