Tag Archives: professionalism

The Pro’s Code: Be Selfless, Not Selfish

Posted on by

Part 4 in a series on professionalism.

Criteria 4: Selfless, Not Selfish: Puts the other person’s needs first.

Happiness-doesn’t-come-through-selfishness-but-through-selflessness.-Everything-you-do-comes-back-around-300x300How different would the world be today if more business leaders thought about other people’s needs when making important decisions rather than just thinking of their own? You know the answer. The world would be a far better place.

The most impressive professionals that I have either worked with directly or whom I have admired from afar are those who consider everyone’s needs, not just their own. Their world view is broader and more inclusive.

This past week was a busy one for blockbuster news stories, many of which encouraged us as Americans to broaden our national conscience, to be more selfless, not selfish.

Marriage Equality: The Constitution supports equality, all types of equality, for all people. The pursuit of happiness is one example. With the Supreme Court’s ruling that same-sex marriage is now legal in every state nationwide, people who were previously denied the right to be married simply because of their sexual orientation are now able to make a legal commitment to their partner. Many American companies welcome – and extend benefits to – the partners of their gay employees. Those companies have it right.

Immigrant Equality: Donald Trump was “trumped” by NBCUniversal because of his overgeneralized, derogatory comments about Mexican immigrants. As a result, NBCUniversal announced that the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants (partnerships between Trump and NBCUniversal) will no longer be televised by that network; also, NBC is seeking a new host of the popular program, The Apprentice, which Trump has hosted since its inception. How do you – and your company – treat immigrant workers (not just from Mexico…from every country)? Do you welcome them or treat them like second class citizens?

Race Equality: The issue of racism is very much alive in America and has been for centuries. For anyone who says that racism does not exist, encourage that person to sit and have a conversation with any person of color – African-American, Latin-American, Asian or Native American – and ask if it exists. It just may change their perspective. An excellent series of interviews entitled Racism in America: How Did We Get Here? appeared on the popular PBS-TV programs, Bill Moyers Journal and Moyers & Company. Many companies today offer diversity programs or committees to tackle these issues in the workplace. How well is your diversity initiative working? What suggestions for improvement could you make?

Overtime Equality: Expected sometime this week, President Obama hopes to present a new rule that raises the current cap for overtime pay (current cap is based on a salary of up to $23,660/year; proposed cap would be up to $50,440/year). This rule secures overtime pay to employees working more than a 40-hour work week. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal (remember that from civics class?) guaranteed Americans who worked more than 40 hours per week overtime or time-and-a-half pay. Rules have been relaxed in recent decades mostly in the retail and restaurant industries where adding the title of “supervisor” often doesn’t increase the pay to workers who work on average 50-60 hours per week. Do you value the additional time your employees put in? Do you extend appropriate compensation to those who have earned it?

To demonstrate professionalism requires confidence, compassion and grace. To move your thinking, your company’s thinking, and the national conscience forward requires acts of kindness, inclusion and selflessness.

The Pro’s Code: High Standards and Ethics

Posted on by

Part 3 in a series on professionalism.

Criteria 3: High business standards and ethics. Maintains high standards and quality in all work.

Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert

Professionals who have the greatest influence are those who aspire to high business standards and make ethical choices and decisions. They hold themselves and others accountable to the same level. Consistent behavior and actions through honesty, authenticity and trust guide the professional to become a person of integrity.

It’s not just the excellent quality of work that people do; it’s how they conduct themselves with others that sets them apart. How would you answer the question, “What standards do you operate by?” What would make it to the top of your list?

Lack of ethics or low standards have been an ongoing topic of conversation for more than two decades, with the likes of Enron, Bernie Madoff and countless others making the headlines through bad behavior. Now, former House Speaker Dennis Hastert is in the hot seat. He faces allegations of making false statements to the FBI and being in violation of federal banking rules. His actions hid the real reason for making $1.7 million in payments of a total promised $3.5 million (now known as “hush money” to an unnamed source to cover up an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student while he was a high school coach and teacher more than 25 years ago). When given an opportunity to tell the truth, then tell the truth. The more that is fabricated, the bigger the lies become and the greater the severity of punishment or charge.

Here is a man who reached one of the highest offices in the country and appeared to operate by a solid code of ethics. The sexual abuse case isn’t even under investigation; rather, the financial case is being scrutinized by federal courts…it’s how he paid the money that set off red flags. The irony? Hastert helped to put the Patriot Act rules into place. Clearly, this case is creating thought-provoking conversations in business and law schools  across the country, as students ponder the all important topic of ethics.

All too often, people who get caught in a web of deceit and lies forget that ethics has no double standard. You can’t be unethical in your private life and ethical in your business life. It doesn’t work that way. You are either ethical or you are not. When you try to play the double standard, it eventually catches up with you.

Consider your own ethical beliefs and practices. Are you a person of integrity? How do you practice ethical behavior each day? Who among your colleagues are you holding accountable to higher standards?

The Pro’s Code: Credibility

Posted on by

Part 2 in a series on professionalism.

Criteria 2: Credible. Has integrity and follows through on what has been promised.

CredibilityBookCoverAs a professional, you work hard to establish and maintain a certain level of credibility in the work you do. If you have no credibility, you have nothing at all. Why, then, do people who call themselves “professional” keep ending up in the headlines doing stupid stuff that dismantles their credibility? The answer: They aren’t really professional.

On the topic of credibility, I rely on the wisdom of James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, authors of the book, Credibility: How Leaders Gain and Lose It, Why People Demand It. Kouzes and Posner have conducted longitudinal studies on the topic of leadership for more than 30 years. My dog-eared copy of the book was added to my business library since it first hit the market in 2003. If you haven’t read this seminal book, then visit Kouze & Posner’s website, The Leadership Challenge, and order a copy of the 2011 Second Edition, along with the companion Strengthening Credibility: A Leader’s Workbook.

Kouzes & Posner asked people what specific behaviors they appreciated in leaders they most admired. Four key traits were revealed:

1. Honest

2. Forward looking

3. Competent

4. Inspiring

Combining the three traits of honest, competent and inspiring leads to what Kouze & Posner call source credibility, meaning that people believe you. This is the true essence of credibility. Each of these behaviors reflects an emotional connection. They represent how admired leaders make people feel.

dolezalSpeaking of honesty…in the news recently, Rachel Dolezal, (now resigned) president of the NAACP chapter in Spokane, Washington, lost all credibility as her true race, Caucasian, was revealed. She used a few props to portray herself as an African-American woman: An assortment of hairstyles and wigs, adjusting her skin tone to appear “black-ish” as some news commentators quipped, and posing with an older African-American man who she claimed was her father. When asked by an interviewer if she was African-American, she paused and responded, “I don’t understand the question.” What’s not to understand? You either are or you are not. She never admitted the mistake she made, nor did she apologize for lying to and misleading NAACP Spokane chapter members, the national NAACP organization and the general public. Remember, too, that the NAACP, both the Spokane office and the national office, have also lost credibility. Vetting someone takes a few seconds; in the click of a mouse, you can learn just about everything you need to know about that person. The NAACP selection committee would have understood her background better and known she was not qualified as a person of color to lead or represent the organization.

In Matt Laur’s interview of Rachel Dolezal on The Today Show, when asked about how differently things might have turned out if she had been more transparent, Dolezal said, “Overall, my life has been one of survival and the decisions that I have made along the way, including my identification, have been to survive and to um, you know, carry on in my journey and life continuum.” It got me thinking about two things: 1. Wouldn’t it have been neat to have Al Roker as the interviewer? I love you, Matt, but… 2. Dolezal’s motives became more apparent to me when she used the word “survival.” Ponder that one.

Back to Kouze and Posner’s book on credibility. In a section entitled “Scandals, Betrayals, and Disillusionment,” they say, “The most common reasons for the decline of credibility are the most visible.” In Dolezal’s case, her own visibility – both physical and professional – is the pivotal reason for the decline of her credibility. The truth simply caught up with her. Had she been transparent from the beginning, about her identification with (rather than her portrayal) as a member of) the African-American race and culture, her future may have looked a little different.

Credibility is one of those intangibles in life that can change from moment to moment. The credibility that you enjoy today has taken years to build. Why risk throwing it all way? Protect your credibility; it is one of your greatest assets. It is built on the foundation of your personal/professional character, and your competence as a professional. Never compromise your credibility.

 

The Pro’s Code: Respect

Posted on by

RespectWelcome to Summer School. It’s the time of year when you either get caught up or you go above and beyond. This Summer, I am sharing my Professional’s Code of Ethics, which contains 14 criteria – topics – of what it takes to be a professional. Where appropriate, I will reference positive or negative examples from the media of these criteria “in action.” Pass the information on to people who can benefit from the wisdom. Share the topics or spark a dialogue with your boss, team or co-workers. Throughout the series, challenge your level of professionalism and help others to elevate their own.

Criteria 1: Respectful of others and oneself. Respect is on the top of the list for a reason. When you respect yourself first, then you can respect others.

How differently would people behave if they first thought “I respect you” or “I respect myself” before they took action? The workplace – and the world – would be significantly improved if we took a little time to think that. Our culture teaches us to be more inclusive and respectful.

In their study, What Is Your Quality of Life at Work? researchers Tony Schwartz and Christine Porath, with the Harvard Business Review, surveyed about 20,000 employees worldwide. They measured four basic needs in the workplace: renewal (physical), value (emotional), focus (mental) and purpose (spiritual). Of those surveyed, more than half (54%) indicated that they did not get respect on a regular basis from their leaders. When employees felt respected on the job, they were 55% more engaged in their work. When you show respect to the people you work with, it makes a difference in engagement, performance, satisfaction and retention.

Whether or not you support Caitlyn Jenner’s recent decision to become transgender, you can still respect her for making that important, life-changing decision. You may work with, live next door to, or meet a transgender or an LGBT person. What consideration are you showing? Respect that person for who he is or who she is. When the internet exploded with comments about how Caitlyn Jenner resembled Jessica Lange, Lange commented, “That’s so wonderful.” What a class act. She showed respect.

The true professional is that person who respects others and oneself.

How do you communicate respect to others?

How do you demonstrate inclusion of others?

 

You Are What You Meet

Posted on by
Aurelien Rigart

Aurelien Rigart, Saint Flo

As a professional, you attend many public events, community functions and business trade shows. How do you show up to those events? Are you investing the time to make a favorable first impression with other professionals or are you there just for the freebies? Whatever you choose, it shows.

Last week I attended a popular annual business expo in my area. Being fully present in every encounter, I was more mindful of my actions. I enjoyed meeting  business owners and company representatives. I exchanged several business cards, registered for a few giveaways, received a few free items and enjoyed a few snacks along the way. The key word here is few. I also reconnected with some colleagues I hadn’t seen in a while. Throughout it all, I shared meaningful conversations. When I reflected on my time at the business expo, I realized that I had truly enjoyed myself because I brought purpose and mindfulness to each encounter. I wasn’t just exchanging small talk and business cards with vendors just to load my free bag with free stuff. I was selective about who I spent time with. As a result, I can remember every face, every name and every conversation.

If you attend public functions just to load up on free goodies, you’re missing one crucial point: People are observing your behavior and watching you as you approach them. They are examining your body language and listening to your words. They are gauging your level of interest in them, their product or service. They know that there are many prospects and new contacts that they can begin building relationships with in that first minute of the conversation. All they want is an opportunity to make a connection with you.

How do you “show up” at public events? Are you engaging, dignified and professional while talking with people or specific vendors who you want to meet? OR Do you walk around the event with a bulging bag of free stuff and spaghetti sauce on your chin? What first impression are you making? Choose wisely.

Maximize the One-on-One Meeting

Posted on by

thinkingIf you want to get the most out of a one-on-one meeting, be prepared with a “mental” agenda that keeps you focused. Here are some ground rules for getting the most out of your time with others:

Confirm how much time the other person has.

Understand their flexibility; learn if they have a meeting before or after yours.

Tell the person up front what information you need or would like to share.

Come prepared to either ask specific questions or share specific information.

Chat for only a few minutes at the beginning to get acquainted on a more personal level.

Discuss important items first, and leave any spare time at the end of your meeting to talk about any less important items.

I learned the hard way about maximizing the one-on-one meeting. I had invited a colleague to meet me for morning coffee to get “caught up” and also to talk about a specific area of her expertise. We spent the first 45 minutes of our conversation talking about our personal lives, issues, dilemmas, etc. She looked at her watch with a surprised look and said that she had just 10 minutes left before she had to leave and be back at her office for a conference call with a client. Now I found myself in the awkward position of cramming all of my questions into the last 10 minutes. I walked away from the get-together promising myself that I would never again let that happen. I learned an important lesson that day: Better preparation delivers better results.

When meeting with someone one-on-one, remind yourself that you have a limited amount of time to spend with that person, whether your intent is to collect or to share important information. Set up your meeting with clear objectives. If you don’t, the other person may be suspicious, because you are waiting until the last minute to discuss something important, or s/he may think that you have no reason for getting together, other than chatting and catching up on things. The last thing you want people thinking as they leave a meeting with you is “That was a waste of my time.” Professionals today are extremely busy people who work even harder at efficiency. Casual get-togethers with no agenda are fine too if it’s clear up front that’s how you intend to use the time.

As you prepare for important meetings, ask yourself a few questions:

What is the purpose of the meeting?

What is the main topic of conversation?

What information do I need to share or obtain from the other person?

How much time will I need?

What specific questions do I need to ask?

What are the next steps? Any follow-up needed?

When you invest the time in preparing for the one-on-one meeting, you will remain focused on your purpose and efficiency. People will appreciate your consideration.

Don’t Be a Networking Nemesis

Posted on by

selfish-578x295You have done your fair share of networking over the years. You have no doubt encountered someone who is loud, obnoxious, self-centered and dominates the conversation. I call her my networking nemesis, Natalie Networker. Have you met someone like this?

People like Natalie give networking a bad name because they only talk about themselves, don’t listen and don’t care who you are or what you have to say. Natalie only cares about one thing: the card, specifically, giving you her business card and collecting yours so she can enter it into her precious database when she returns to the office. She possesses no emotional intelligence or any form of self-awareness. She only wants to tell you how great and wonderful she is and remind you that you need to buy her product or service starting today. She doesn’t care about developing a relationship with you. She only cares about your data. She breaks all the networking rules.

Time for a reality check. You may find, if you’re not careful, that you have a little bit of Natalie Networker in you. It’s easy to fall into the trap of quantity (Have a goal of collecting 10 business cards at an event) rather than taking the preferred route of quality (Begin building one new relationship today). Here are a few tips to help you avoid being like Natalie Networker:

  • Invite the person into your space with engaging eye contact and a smile.
  • Treat people like they are more important than you are. Remember, it’s not just about you.
  • Look at the person’s business card. Read it. Too often this simple courtesy is ignored.
  • When you shake hands, shake like you are genuinely interested in meeting this person. No limp wrist or passive shakes, please. No bone crushing either. Find a comfortable medium.
  • Discover common ground (common interest, profession, background). You have a better chance of establishing rapport when you can find something in common to discuss.
  • Don’t overstay your welcome. Move easily throughout the room, from conversation to conversation. Having a half-full beverage in your hand that needs refreshing provides the perfect breakaway if and when you need it.

When you make connections with grace, people will run toward you rather than away from you when they see you at the next event.

Think about how you interact with people when you are networking. Is the conversation only about you, or are you genuinely interested in learning about the other person? Do you invade the other person’s space, or are you respectful and keep a comfortable distance?

Once you become more aware of your personal networking style, you will connect with greater confidence, make lasting impressions and build a solid network.

Invite an Outsider In

Posted on by

openhand“Get outside your comfort zone.” “Push the envelope.” “Be more.”

You have been in conversations or meetings where statements like these were made, reminding you to shake off any complacency. When you apply these commands to your interaction with people, your mindset (hopefully) shifts.

In her book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, author Susan Cain reminds us that not every person is socially outgoing. She points out that introverts, while quiet and contemplative, have a lot to contribute. They just may need to be invited into the conversation.

Introverts can often feel like outsiders, especially in a room full of extraverts. Whether you are an introvert or an extravert, take a moment to observe the behavior of your co-workers and clients. Does that person need encouragement or a nudge to share their thoughts and opinions? It could be you who invites that outsider into the conversation. The result could be uncovering some brilliant ideas. It begins with some simple questions:

What are your thoughts about…?

I would like to hear your opinions about…?

Your comments are valuable to me. What information can you share about…?

Initiate a conversation with the other person. If you would like to hear more about a certain topic, simply say, “Tell me more about that” or “Could you explain that to me a little further?”

As you scan the room at an event or a meeting, look for the person who sits on the sidelines, against a wall rather than at the table. Extend an invitation to sit at the table. Open up the space for that person to share her/his voice. Sometimes you need to gently pull someone along with you.

If you are that introvert, challenge yourself to make small changes in your interactions with other people. Those small changes over time will give you the confidence to be more open with your ideas, thoughts and opinions. An example: If you have an idea that is worth sharing, write it on your To Do List to bring it up at the next meeting. Once you get into the habit, you will feel more comfortable with other people and yes, even the extraverts.

Baby Boomers: Remain Current and In Style

Posted on by
DavidByrneSuit

David Byrne’s Big Suit Circa 1980s

As a Baby Boomer, I am becoming increasingly aware of how other people perceive my age group. Seventy-six million strong, Baby Boomers have reshaped the workplace, providing greater opportunities for the generations that follow us. If you are a Baby Boomer and choose to remain in the workplace in the coming years rather than retire, ask yourself: Are you remaining current in your look as a professional? Or are you stuck in the 1980s, still wearing suits with shoulder pads twice the size of your body? If you are, burn them now. Don’t bother donating them to charity because they don’t want them either. It’s time to clean out your closet and update your look. When you remain current and in style, you elevate your level of professionalism.

I recently attended a fun afternoon at a friend’s home, enjoying an image consultant’s presentation. All attendees were asked to bring a favorite jacket or accessory. I chose my favorite robin’s egg blue suit jacket. The little voice inside my head had told me many times that it was outdated, yet, it remained in my closet. Sure enough, I tried it on in front of eight other women and their reaction was clear. “It makes you look old.” Ugh! I then modeled a suit jacket with a more tailored body and shorter cut and voila!…the reaction “WOW! You look fabulous!” resonated throughout the room. I heard the message loud and clear. It’s time to replace the old with the new.

I have seen many Baby Boomers like me in the workplace, wearing clothing that is either outdated or tired looking. The result: The people themselves look outdated. Suits today range in price from affordable $50-$100 new, on sale or at quality resale shops, up to several thousand dollars, depending on your taste (and budget). You can still look like a million dollars with limited funds.

How current are you? Take an afternoon to try on your professional wardrobe in front of a mirror. How does your wardrobe make you look? Youthful? Vibrant? Out of touch? By adding a few fashion forward pieces to your wardrobe each year, including scarves and jewelry for women and new shirts and ties for men, you can take off years from your life.

Now look at your hair style.

Men: If you want to look younger and more attractive, ditch the bad comb-over and shave your head. Yul Brynner started it – shaving his head – in 1951 for the lead role in The King and I and look where it took his acting career. He maintained that look for the rest of his life.

Women: If your hair is big in any way, then it’s stuck in the 80s. Ask your stylist to give you a more current hair cut and style. Do the same with your makeup. What are the current colors? Remember, powder blue eye shadow looked good on Twiggy back in the 1960s (and bright turquoise eye shadow looked good on Mimi on the Drew Carey Show for comic effect only). Ask a professional what make-up complements your coloring.

People will notice the difference in the “new and improved” you. They will most likely ask if you lost weight.

Your outward appearance is one way to demonstrate your level of professionalism. As you mature, remain current in your wardrobe choices so that you look vibrant, vital and stylish. Two questions: What are you doing to enhance your professional look? What simple, inexpensive changes are you making that will help you look more current and in style?

All due respect to David Byrne of the Talking Heads: Nobody wore the “big suit” better than you! I remain a huge fan.

Note: Baby Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964.

 

Be an Experience Creator

Posted on by

BlondeGirlExcitedOf the many roles that you play in your life, did you know that you can also play the role of Experience Creator? What is an Experience Creator, you ask? Let me create two scenarios for you. Imagine this:

Scenario One: You arrive at the office with your espresso latte in one hand and briefcase in the other. You want to get to your desk quickly so you can check to see if the meeting time you requested with the Regional Vice President is a go. You have worked really hard on this project and are eager to share your thoughts with the RVP. All you can think about is your ideas. You are focused on those ideas, almost obsessed about them. You can’t get them out of your head. As you breeze into the office, so focused, and so determined to get to your desk, you don’t hear it, you don’t see it and you don’t experience it: The cheerful “Good morning!” from your department assistant. In fact, every morning you are so focused on what you are thinking that you miss her hellos. That simple “Good morning” that she shares with you every day is her way of being an Experience Creator. An Experience Creator creates a positive, even memorable, experience for other people.

What is the result of your not acknowledging the assistant’s greeting every morning? She thinks you don’t like her. In fact, she shares with one of your co-workers that she thinks you don’t like her. “She adores you,” your co-worker replies. Your co-worker decides to share this important piece of information with you because she thinks it’s something you need to know. She’s right. You are so appreciative that she shared this information with you that you vow to make a change the next day.

Scenario Two: You arrive at the office with your usual espresso latte in one hand and briefcase in the other. You pause before you enter the building. You take a deep breath and consciously feel the air entering your body. As you walk, you are aware of everything around you. As you enter your department, you make it a point to stop at your department administrative assistant’s desk, smile and say, “Good morning, Haley!” Now you are the Experience Creator.

Think about the many people who you come in contact with on a daily basis. Customers. Co-workers. Friends. What kind of experience you are creating for them? Is it positive or negative? Are you friendly or guarded? When you remind yourself that you are an Experience Creator, it will completely change how you see others and ultimately how you see yourself. When you create a positive experience for others, it positions you as a professional who cares.

Practice saying this new mantra each day: “I am an Experience Creator!”