essay on professionalism

How it works

For Business

Join Mind Tools

Article • 11 min read

Professionalism

Meeting the standards that matter.

By the Mind Tools Content Team

Professionalism is a powerful quality. It allows you to fulfilll your role to the best of your ability. It helps you to impress and inspire others. And it gives you a deep sense of satisfaction and self-worth.

What's more, professionalism is something that everyone can aspire to from day one of their career.

In this article, we explain what professionalism means today, and show you how to act and feel like a professional – wherever you work.

What Is Professionalism?

As the saying goes, " Professionalism is not the job you do, it's how you do the job. "

Professionalism involves consistently achieving high standards, both visibly and "behind the scenes" – whatever your role or profession.

Some sectors, workplaces or roles have particular "rules" of professionalism. These may be explicit, such as an agreed dress code, or a policy for using social media. Other rules and expectations may not be written down, but they can be just as important – such as what is regarded as professional behavior at meetings, or even how people personalize their desks.

It pays to be observant, and to ask for clarification if necessary. "Fitting in" is a big part of professionalism, as it's a way to show respect, attention to detail, and a commitment to upholding agreed practices and values.

However, "being true to yourself" is just as important. True professionals don't follow rules mindlessly, and they know when and how to challenge norms. They're also flexible, and they find their own ways to do things – while still maintaining high standards.

8 Characteristics of Professionalism

What are the attributes that will mark you out as a professional? Let's look at eight key characteristics:

1. Competence

As a professional, you get the job done – and done well. Your abilities match the requirements of your role, and you often produce results that exceed expectations.

But you never plow on simply for the sake of appearances. Instead, your professionalism allows you to manage your own and others' expectations, and to ask for support when necessary.

2. Knowledge

Professionalism involves developing detailed, up-to-date knowledge, which is often highly specialized . At every stage of your career you can strive to master your role – and keep adding to what you know.

It's also important to put your knowledge into action. Being professional means feeling confident to show what you know – not for self-promotion, but to help yourself and others to succeed.

3. Conscientiousness

Professionalism involves being reliable, setting your own high standards, and showing that you care about every aspect of your job. It's about being industrious and organized, and holding yourself accountable for your thoughts, words and actions.

But don't confuse conscientiousness with working longer hours than everyone else, or obsessing about details. True professionals plan and prioritize their work to keep it under control, and they don't let perfectionism hold them back .

4. Integrity

Integrity is what keeps professional people true to their word. It also stops them compromising their values, even if that means taking a harder road.

Integrity is bound up with being honest – to yourself, and to the people you meet. Your beliefs and behaviors are aligned, and everyone can see that you're genuine.

Professionalism means being a role model for politeness and good manners – to everyone, not just those you need to impress.

What's more, you show that you truly respect other people by taking their needs into account, and by helping to uphold their rights.

6. Emotional Intelligence

To be a true professional you need to stay professional even under pressure. This takes strategies for managing your emotions, plus a clear awareness of other people's feelings. In short, emotional intelligence is essential .

Sometimes, professionalism means keeping your emotions in check. But at other times it's important to express your feelings, in order to have meaningful conversations or to stand up for what you believe in.

7. Appropriateness

A big part of being professional is knowing what's appropriate in different situations. It avoids awkwardness or upset, boosts your credibility, and helps you to feel secure in your role.

Appropriateness relates to outward appearances, such as dress, personal grooming and body language.

But it also covers the way you speak and write, the topics you choose to discuss, and how you behave with others.

8. Confidence

Well-founded confidence reassures and motivates other people, boosting your ability to influence and lead . It also pushes you to take on new challenges, because you don't fear damaging your professional reputation if things go wrong.

Professionalism makes you confident about what you’re doing now, but always eager to do it better and achieve more.

How to Exhibit Professionalism

Now that we've seen the qualities that set professionals apart, let's explore ways to improve in each of these eight areas.

Improve Your Competence

Carry out a Personal SWOT Analysis to identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Then set SMART goals to plan your improvement.

Our article, 8 Ways to Prioritize Your Professional Development , shows how to lead your own learning and growth. It also explains how to work with others to boost the competence of your whole team.

Increase Your Knowledge

Don't let your knowledge and skills get outdated. Make a commitment to build expertise and to stay up-to-date with your industry.

As well as carrying out research, consider on-the-job training to maintain and develop detailed and relevant knowledge.

Use all the networking you do to stay well-informed about your industry as a whole. And see our Bite-Sized Training session, Building Expert Power , for ways to strengthen and apply your knowledge at every stage of your career.

Be Conscientious

Conscientiousness requires organization, so make regular use of To-Do Lists and Action Programs . You can also learn to be more conscientious by improving your concentration , to complete work more efficiently and accurately.

Resolve to honor your commitments and to learn from your mistakes, in order to develop strong personal accountability .

Our article, How to Be Conscientious , has a range of additional ideas for boosting this key aspect of professionalism.

Role-Model Integrity

Start by defining your own values , then spot any gaps between them and the way you actually behave. Our guide to authenticity explains why this is a lifelong process, involving self-knowledge, willingness to reassess your priorities, and the ability to change your behavior.

Ensure that you're clear about the laws that apply to your work, as well as any policies that your organization has in place to support ethical practices. These might include guidelines for fair procurement processes, or rules about accepting gifts from clients.

Whenever possible, explain your decisions and choices carefully. And do everything you can to make it easy for others to act with integrity, too.

Promote Mutual Respect

Make it a habit to be polite and kind to everyone you come into contact with. Notice what respectful behavior looks like in any given situation.

Sometimes you might need to develop your cultural understanding – and perhaps do some specific research before an overseas trip or an international meeting online.

You should also learn about any differences among your own people, so that you know how to help everyone feel safe, included and respected. A professional approach like this can help to create a culture of mutual respect .

Develop Your Emotional Intelligence

Start by increasing your awareness of your own emotions .

Then work on your ability to sense other people's emotions and needs. Active Listening is crucial here. You can also practice seeing things from other people's point of view, so that you empathize with them, and see how best to support them.

Emotional Intelligence can be learned like any other professional skill. There's a range of practical strategies for this in our article, Emotional Intelligence .

Always Behave Appropriately

This takes " Cultural Intelligence ," driven by a commitment to respect cultural norms and thrive within different settings – which might be countries, organizations, or even different teams within one company.

It also requires understanding. Avoid making assumptions, do your research, be observant, and ask for advice if necessary. After that, it's about consistently making the effort to get your appearance, communication and behavior spot-on.

Remember that professionalism extends to social media, where inappropriate behavior is likely to be indelible. Social events, both on- and off-line, can also be challenging. See our article, When Work Involves Socializing , for tips on having fun and staying professional.

Boost Your Confidence

If you put the advice from this article into action, you can be confident that your professionalism will shine through.

However, if confidence is one of your weaknesses, use techniques for boosting self-confidence . Many professionals also have to manage Impostor Syndrome, so you may need to keep reminding yourself that you really are worthy of your role.

Professionalism When Working From Home

When you're working from home, many professional behaviors are as important as ever. You'll likely need to be punctual with virtual meetings, for example. And you'll still have to handle information securely.

But other "rules" may need to change, such as dress codes, working hours, and tolerance of unexpected interruptions! More than ever, clarity around expectations – for everyone – is key.

Our article, Working From Home , has practical advice about staying productive and professional while also looking after your personal needs.

Professionalism involves consistently achieving high standards, both in the work you do and the way you behave.

Being professional helps you to achieve high-quality results, while impressing and inspiring others – and feeling good about yourself.

The eight core characteristics of professionalism are: Competence, Knowledge, Conscientiousness, Integrity, Respect, Emotional Intelligence, Appropriateness, and Confidence.

By finding ways to strengthen each of these attributes, you can become confident to act professionally wherever you find yourself working.

These qualities are particularly important when the normal "rules" of professionalism are blurred, such as when you’re working from home.

You've accessed 1 of your 2 free resources.

Get unlimited access

Discover more content

Infographic

How to Write Effective Emails Infographic

Infographic Transcript

Encouraging Attention to Detail

How to Maintain High Standards

Add comment

Comments (0)

Be the first to comment!

Get 20% off your first year of Mind Tools

Our on-demand e-learning resources let you learn at your own pace, fitting seamlessly into your busy workday. Join today and save with our limited time offer!

Sign-up to our newsletter

Subscribing to the Mind Tools newsletter will keep you up-to-date with our latest updates and newest resources.

Subscribe now

Business Skills

Personal Development

Leadership and Management

Most Popular

Newest Releases

Team Management Skills

5 Phrases That Kill Collaboration

Mind Tools Store

About Mind Tools Content

Discover something new today

How do i manage a hybrid team.

Adjusting your management style to a hybrid world

The Life Career Rainbow

Finding a Work-Life Balance That Suits You

How Emotionally Intelligent Are You?

Boosting Your People Skills

Self-Assessment

What's Your Leadership Style?

Learn About the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Way You Like to Lead

Recommended for you

Blue ocean leadership.

How Do Your Team Members Experience Your Leadership?

Business Operations and Process Management

Strategy Tools

Customer Service

Business Ethics and Values

Handling Information and Data

Project Management

Knowledge Management

Self-Development and Goal Setting

Time Management

Presentation Skills

Learning Skills

Career Skills

Communication Skills

Negotiation, Persuasion and Influence

Working With Others

Difficult Conversations

Creativity Tools

Self-Management

Work-Life Balance

Stress Management and Wellbeing

Coaching and Mentoring

Change Management

Team Management

Managing Conflict

Delegation and Empowerment

Performance Management

Leadership Skills

Developing Your Team

Talent Management

Problem Solving

Decision Making

Pain Points

• Environment
• Information Science
• Social Issues
• Argumentative
• Cause and Effect
• Classification
• Compare and Contrast
• Descriptive
• Exemplification
• Informative
• Controversial
• Exploratory
• What Is an Essay
• Length of an Essay
• Generate Ideas
• Types of Essays
• Structuring an Essay
• Outline For Essay
• Essay Introduction
• Thesis Statement
• Body of an Essay
• Writing a Conclusion
• Essay Writing Tips
• Drafting an Essay
• Revision Process
• Fix a Broken Essay
• Format of an Essay
• Essay Examples
• Essay Checklist
• Essay Writing Service
• Pay for Research Paper
• Write My Research Paper
• Write My Essay
• Custom Essay Writing Service
• Admission Essay Writing Service
• Pay for Essay
• Academic Ghostwriting
• Write My Book Report
• Case Study Writing Service
• Dissertation Writing Service
• Coursework Writing Service
• Lab Report Writing Service
• Do My Assignment
• Buy College Papers
• Capstone Project Writing Service
• Buy Research Paper
• Custom Essays for Sale

Can’t find a perfect paper?

• Free Essay Samples
• Professionalism

Essays on Professionalism

Nowadays the concept of professionalism and its main components have not been sufficiently explored, which is why your professionalism essay is a great idea. In many essays on professionalism, it is defined as a high and stable level of skills and abilities, which allows a person to achieve the best efficiency in the professional field. According to other professionalism essay writers, professionalism is a person’s ability to be successful in his field of work and display professionally important qualities. Professionalism does not only imply having good professional skills but also being able to effectively separate work relationships from personal ones. Professionalism essay samples, listed on this page, are bound to offer some advice on writing your essays about professionalism – look through our best essay samples.

Professional educators are supposed to dress up appropriately and should always pay attention to their appearances. This is because this reflects their educator’s positive attitude towards work and life. An educator looking scruffy could give students a negative impression, and this should not be the case. Professional educators should act...

Words: 1074

The Importance of Highly Trained Teachers The effective and efficient learning process is vital in any learning institution. There is a fundamental need for highly trained teachers and assessors. The quality of education goes in tandem with the quality of teachers in the system. The learning professionals in the learning system...

As a Marine Corps veteran with a long career, one of my responsibilities at work involves becoming a psychologist, which has always intrigued me. I frequently come across individuals who need my assistance, and those in particular require psychological support. I've been making an effort to assist in the best...

Ethics Ethics are the moral principles that underpin people's behavior and direct them to act morally upright and professionally. No exceptions to the obligation to lie, in Kant's view, are possible. Immanuel believes that there are no exceptions to the rule that it is always necessary to deceive for a variety...

To enable hearings to continue, investigation officers are tasked with gathering all pertinent facts in an alleged breach of conduct. Determining "how good the evidence is," especially after speaking with witnesses or victims, is one of the challenges that federal investigative officers must overcome. The majority of the time, communicators give...

Words: 1106

Police broke into Mapp's home after being refused entry and began looking for a wanted person and some homemade weapons. The focus was instead shifted to something else based on her combative behavior after their fruitless hunt. Without a warrant, they decided to conduct a comprehensive search of her home...

Words: 2695

Found a perfect essay sample but want a unique one?

Request writing help from expert writer in you feed!

Each job has distinct requirements and obligations. For instance, because it involves law enforcement, a police position requires higher ethical and responsibility standards. According to the law, police officers must behave honorably, with respect for others, and with integrity in order to protect the public. (Macleod & Schneiderman, 2008). Therefore,...

Police Subculture and Its Impact on the Divide between Law Enforcement and the Community Norms, beliefs, goals, career patterns, and functional structure that are somewhat distinct from those of the rest of society are all components of the police subculture. The police subculture is the reason why the daily experiences of...

Words: 1188

The goal of professional military is to create skilled soldiers through military education, which entails the growth, instruction, and schooling of combatants. The specialized training of troops is essential because it shapes the military's actions by supplying paradigms to understand battle and other conflicts. (Jacobs, 2014). The origin and make-up...

Abby, as an APRN, will become a dependable professional caregiver. APRNs assist their patients and families with the assessment and treatment of various health problems, as well as advising them through challenging health-related life decisions. But, on her way to become an advanced practice nurse, Abby will face a number...

As a registered nurse, I should contribute to my patients' well-being by restoring excellent health and providing both physical and psychosocial support. I am a firm believer in treating my patients with the utmost professionalism, dignity, and integrity. It is also in my feelings that the patients' health should always...

Words: 3487

Conflict in Nursing: A Case Study Conflict occurs at some point in every context where people interact, regardless of the individuals connection, education level, race, or professionalism. Nursing is a career that necessitates the teamwork of nurses working in the same ward, which necessitates a great deal of interaction, information...

Words: 1622

Related topic to Professionalism

You might also like.

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

What Does Professionalism Look Like?

• Gretchen Gavett

It may depend on where you’re from.

When we talk about “professionalism,” it’s easy to fall back into the “I know it when I see it” argument.

• Gretchen Gavett is a senior editor at Harvard Business Review.

Partner Center

Table of Contents

Collaboration, information literacy, writing process, professionalism & work ethic.

• Understand the importance of professionalism and work ethic to success in professional contexts.
• Learn to work and compose smarter.

Professionalism and Work Ethic refers to a cluster of traits that people use to describe a person’s character and behavior.

• a cluster of competencies that experts possess. For instance, a mathematician can work with mathematical formulae to solve real-world problems while a tennis pro can hit the ball from anywhere on the court.
• a cluster of general competencies needed to achieve in the workforce. The Department of Labor defines Professionalism as “conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability, and excellence. It means communicating effectively and appropriately and always finding a way to be productive.”
• a moral code or code of ethics. These codes may include explicit rules of conduct codified by a community or professional society. For instance, the American Medical Association or the American Bar Association have ethical codes that doctors and lawyers are expected to follow when working with clients.
• Work Ethic refers to a person’s commitment to self-discipline and commitment to the daily grind. Examples of Work Ethic traits are attributes like showing up for work, being punctual, meeting deadlines, focusing on the process while also being aware of the end goal (winning a sports championship, getting a client’s business, evolving as a person).

Professionalism and Work Ethic are obviously tied to success in the workplace. They also play leading roles in our personal lives and sports. In the psychological literature, Professionalism and Work Ethic are associated with the personality construct called Conscientiousness , a cluster of traits related to competence, order, dutifulness, achievement striving, self-discipline, and deliberation.

Standards of Professionalism and Work Ethic are constantly evolving as a result of changes in society, globalization, and technology. For instance, in the U.S. there has been a general move toward more informal attire in business settings. Now it’s common place for a business to allow for casual dress unless you are seeing clients regularly.

Yet there are a few behaviors that are persistently tied to success in the workplace. Promptness is a big one. Employers expect you to show up on time. And of course they expect you to have good hygiene, to listen, and to be respectful to colleagues. Employers also value people who assume responsibility, people who do what it takes to get the task completed. 

Having a strong work ethic–in personality life, sports, and work settings–doesn’t necessarily equate with incessant hard work. While every culture needs worker bees, ideally Worth Ethic involves more than effort, dedication, and a focus on hard work. Rather, a sound work ethic invokes worker smarter and not necessarily harder.

Professionalism & Work Ethic in the Work Place

Not surprisingly, perhaps, intrapersonal competencies, which employers often call “soft skills,” are crucial to professional success in work contexts.

Each year, NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) conducts a survey of its members to explore what prospective employers are looking for from recent college graduates. In its annual survey of the most prized workforce readiness competencies, NACE found U.S. employers rank Professionalism/Work Ethic as the third most important workforce competency (after Critical Thinking and Collaboration) for years 2015 through 2018.

While employers clearly prize Intrapersonal skills, in 2019 they gave college graduates low scores (3.49) for their mastery of professionalism/work ethic (NACE 2019):

While employers clearly prize Intrapersonal skills, in 2009 they gave college graduates low scores (3.49) for their mastery of professionalism/work ethic (NACE 2019):

Professionalism,Work Ethic & Writing Processes

Like other highly demanding cognitive tasks, writing well requires deep declarative knowledge regarding communication and writing processes . Professionalism requires knowledge of Collaboration , Genre , Information Literacy , Invention , Mindset , Organization , Research , Rhetoric , Style , and Editing .

Beyond understanding the values, practices, and aesthetics of successful writers, aspiring writers need loads and loads of practice : Procedural (Tacit) Knowledge.

Ultimately, other people cannot make you a better writer. Rather, you need to invest in yourself. This requires a strong work ethic and professionalism. In a word, conscientiousness . Particularly when the document is important, you may need to write dozens and dozens of drafts.

At Writing Commons , we are eager to publish research and theory as well as pedagogical exercises that help students better develop their professionalism and work ethic. Please see Contribute to learn about how you can collaborate with us and help students along the way.

Department of Labor. Professionalism. https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/youth/softskills/Professionalism.pdf.  12/5/19.

Brevity - Say More with Less

Clarity (in Speech and Writing)

Coherence - How to Achieve Coherence in Writing

Flow - How to Create Flow in Writing

Inclusivity - Inclusive Language

The Elements of Style - The DNA of Powerful Writing

Suggested Edits

• Please select the purpose of your message. * - Corrections, Typos, or Edits Technical Support/Problems using the site Advertising with Writing Commons Copyright Issues I am contacting you about something else
• Your full name
• Your email address *
• Page URL needing edits *
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Other Topics:

Citation - Definition - Introduction to Citation in Academic & Professional Writing

• Joseph M. Moxley

Explore the different ways to cite sources in academic and professional writing, including in-text (Parenthetical), numerical, and note citations.

Collaboration - What is the Role of Collaboration in Academic & Professional Writing?

Collaboration refers to the act of working with others or AI to solve problems, coauthor texts, and develop products and services. Collaboration is a highly prized workplace competency in academic...

Genre may reference a type of writing, art, or musical composition; socially-agreed upon expectations about how writers and speakers should respond to particular rhetorical situations; the cultural values; the epistemological assumptions...

Grammar refers to the rules that inform how people and discourse communities use language (e.g., written or spoken English, body language, or visual language) to communicate. Learn about the rhetorical...

Information Literacy - Discerning Quality Information from Noise

Information Literacy refers to the competencies associated with locating, evaluating, using, and archiving information. In order to thrive, much less survive in a global information economy — an economy where information functions as a...

Mindset refers to a person or community’s way of feeling, thinking, and acting about a topic. The mindsets you hold, consciously or subconsciously, shape how you feel, think, and act–and...

Rhetoric: Exploring Its Definition and Impact on Modern Communication

Learn about rhetoric and rhetorical practices (e.g., rhetorical analysis, rhetorical reasoning,  rhetorical situation, and rhetorical stance) so that you can strategically manage how you compose and subsequently produce a text...

Style, most simply, refers to how you say something as opposed to what you say. The style of your writing matters because audiences are unlikely to read your work or...

The Writing Process - Research on Composing

The writing process refers to everything you do in order to complete a writing project. Over the last six decades, researchers have studied and theorized about how writers go about...

Writing Studies

Writing studies refers to an interdisciplinary community of scholars and researchers who study writing. Writing studies also refers to an academic, interdisciplinary discipline – a subject of study. Students in...

Featured Articles

Academic Writing – How to Write for the Academic Community

Professional Writing – How to Write for the Professional World

Authority – How to Establish Credibility in Speech & Writing

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.

• What is coaching?

Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.

Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.

Types of Coaching

Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.

Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.

Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

• BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

Redefining professionalism in the workplace

Thrive in your workplace

Connect with our Coaches to build stronger workplace relationships and cultivate a culture that drives success.

For Julius Erving, a basketball legend, professionalism in the workplace is simple.

“Being a professional is doing the things you love to do, on the days you don't feel like doing them.”  Julius Erving, basketball player 

In many ways, this quote still holds true in a fast-changing world . Pre-pandemic, our work and personal lives were more separate and divided. For the most part, we left work at work.  

But change has hit the world pretty hard, especially in the last few years. In-person meetings have switched to Zoom or virtual conference rooms. Slacks, button-down shirts, and nice dress shoes have been swapped for sweatpants and slippers.

But now, many of us are working remotely or in a hybrid workforce . The line between personal and work life is blurrier than ever. While the most visible changes might be our outfits on Zoom , the notion of professionalism in the workplace is shifting. 

After all, cats and kids are scattering across keyboards and computer screens. Some workers might be juggling getting their teenagers out the door for soccer practice while also presenting during a team meeting.

Partners, roommates, family members, and loved ones have all “entered” our office space, whether we like it or not. Employees are showing up as their whole selves at work. So when it comes to professionalism in the workplace, it’s evolving quickly. 

So, what does professionalism in the workplace look like today? What does it mean to be a professional in the workplace? 

In this article, we’ll explore: 

• What professionalism means, and how it’s changed over recent years
• How leaders can inspire greater professionalism in their teams  
• How companies can encourage employees to reach for higher levels of professionalism at work 

What is professionalism in the workplace? 

First, let’s define what we mean by professionalism.

What is professionalism in the workplace?

Professionalism in the workplace is when an employee: 

• Excels in the knowledge, skills, and behaviors required by their role;
• Delivers their work to the best of their abilities, even on tough days; 
• Goes above and beyond their job description; 
• Constantly looks for opportunities to grow and improve the organization – and themselves.

You’ll notice we don’t mention outfits or hairstyles. We don’t talk about appearance or physical ways of showing up at work. At BetterUp, we believe that every employee deserves to show up as their whole self. In order to do so, a deep sense of belonging and psychological safety must be established. And while professionalism might’ve once signaled high heels and pressed shirts, that’s no longer the case. For most companies, it boils down to these core principles. 

In fact, a viral social media campaign on LinkedIn has recently challenged what professionalism looks like in the workplace. Thousands of workers uploaded posts with #IAmProfessional to the career networking site. The content? Posts about who they are as people, not just employees. 

4 key indicators of professionalism

1. consistently exceeding expectations.

When we think of professionalism, we tend to think of the employee who goes way above the call of duty. For example, a colleague could hop on a Zoom call last minute to help solve a problem with another teammate. Or a leader could go above and beyond to make sure their employee is onboarded and up-to-speed in their role. Oftentimes, exceeding expectations comes with a healthy dose of learning as you go. 

To maintain a high level of professionalism, you need to be keen to learn and improve. True professionals don’t rest on their laurels. They seek ways to be better at their job or to make their organization a better place to work, every day. 

2. Creating an inclusive environment

True professionals don’t only stand out for their own excellence – they make it easier for those around them to excel too. 

To quote Lorie Corcuera, the head of Human Resources for DNEG : 

“Workplace professionalism is about creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for everyone. It's about creating a culture of belonging where people feel they matter and belong. This includes creating a respectful workplace experience as an effective team member, having clear communication , ensuring people feel included, engaging and participating, and taking the time to know our fellow team members.” 

We’ve studied the impact of inclusive leadership on teams . In fact, we’ve found that employees are 50% more productive, 90% more innovative, and 150% more engaged. Inclusive leadership also results in 54% lower employee turnover.

3. Communicating effectively with teammates, customers, managers, and other stakeholders 

Professionalism involves making sure that everyone involved in your work has the information they need to succeed. Great professionals are also great communicators . 

For instance, true professionals don’t shy away from having difficult conversations . They will prioritize the good of the organization over their own discomfort. 

4. Demonstrating integrity and honesty 

Professionalism is more than a question of workplace performance–it also comes down to integrity in the workplace . True professionals don’t dabble in office politics , and they uphold the values of the organization they work for. 

For Tim Reitsma, the General Manager of People Managing People , professionalism comes down to how you behave, not how you look: 

“A professional workplace isn’t one where we are all dressed up in suits and ties (if that is still even a thing!) That’s merely the facade of professionalism. If there’s a culture of gossip, backstabbing, and constant distraction, I'd say there is a lack of professionalism, no matter what everyone’s wearing.”

How professionalism has changed over the years

Today’s employees are renegotiating what professionalism should mean, and abandoning some outdated thinking about what it means to “be professional.”

For instance, professionalism in the workplace is not: 

Conforming to traditional standards of appearance 

While many definitions of professionalism still refer to “neatness” and “dress code”, our ideas about what makes a professional has moved away from what people look like to how well they work.

Today, an unconventional appearance is more likely to be seen as a mark of success than as a sign of unprofessionalism, reports the BBC : think Steve Jobs’ black turtlenecks or General Motors CEO Mary Barra’s leather jackets. 

These days, despite what all our parents told us, tattoos don’t seem to have any negative effect on our ability to find a "good job." In fact, it can lead employees in creative roles to be seen as more professional, rather than less. 

Separating your “work self” and your “home self”

According to Professor Nadia Ibrahim-Taney , whose research focuses on workplace professionalism, “COVID has challenged our belief system about what ‘professionalism’ is and how it works in the modern workforce…[The pandemic has] empowered people to think about how they show up–in general, and for other people–and to speak their own truths as employees.” 

In fact, BetterUp data shows that professionals who bring their whole selves to work are more likely to thrive and excel in the workplace.

Hiding your emotions 

In that vein, being emotionally reserved is no longer a must for professionals in the workplace. While many employees (especially female employees) used to feel under pressure to keep emotions out of the office, a 2018 survey found that nearly half of CEOs saw no issue in occasional tears at work . 

Of course, there are limits to how much emotion is permitted at work. It comes down to empathy . Sharing emotions, such as vulnerability or overwhelm, can be helpful, as they alert our colleagues that we may need additional support.  But allowing our emotions to become invasive or distracting is not professional. 

Consultant and author Simon Sinek calls this “ emotional professionalism. ”  

 “If you’re having a bad day, you can say, ‘Listen, I’m sorry, I’m a little off my game today but you can’t sit in a meeting with your arms folded and be grumpy and give one-word answers. You can have hard feelings, but you can’t go around screaming and yelling at people.”  Simon Sinek, consultant and author  

In fact, it would seem that our ability to express, but also regulate our emotions and those of the people around us is a key component of professionalism in the workplace. 

Instead of suppressing their emotions, researchers at the Yale School of Management propose that leaders should aim to “ reassess the emotional situation ” for themselves and their teams. For example, exploring a stressful event could also offer opportunities for growth and improvement. 

Perfectionism 

Being a professional means holding yourself to high standards at work. However, when that spills over into perfectionism , it can actually hinder your performance . Research published in the Harvard Business Review found that while perfectionism is on the rise, being a perfectionist at work can make you unengaged , stressed, and worse at your job.    

Instead, to be a true professional, you should aim for top performance, of course. But temper your ambitions with vulnerability and a willingness to learn. To quote research professor Brené Brown : 

“The greatest barrier to daring leadership is …armor, or how we self-protect when we’re in fear.” Brené Brown, author, research professor

The importance of encouraging professionalism at work

Well, 87% of employers say professionalism is very important . This is hardly surprising. Given that today’s definition of professionalism encompasses qualities like dedication, initiative, and high standards at work, teams with high levels of professionalism will consistently outperform those without the same professional attitude. 

In fact, if we look at contemporary definitions of workplace professionalism, we can see substantial overlaps with employee engagement.

Engaged employees are more likely to seek opportunities to improve their performance . They are more likely to deliver a consistently strong performance at work . And they are more likely to show initiative and creativity at work . 

In other words, engaged employees are more likely to demonstrate high levels of professionalism. And this professional attitude directly impacts overall organizational performance , increasing everything from profitability to customer satisfaction rates. 

Encouraging professionalism in their teams is therefore one of the key responsibilities of today’s managers. 

How leaders can encourage professionalism in the workplace

To increase the level of professionalism in your team, there are a few simple steps that can have a dramatic impact: 

Foster a culture of inclusivity 

To quote Lorie Corcuera, “ Inclusion and belonging is the new version of professionalism.” A more inclusive organizational culture creates the space for every employee to do their best work. 

For Corcuera, leaders can increase the level of workplace professionalism by creating an inclusive culture where everyone on the team feels they matter and belong. For example, she says leaders can take care to invite everyone in a meeting to contribute: 

“Recently, I attended a meeting and one of the senior leaders shared at the start of the call that it's important to hear everyone's voices. He encouraged everyone to share their ideas, questions, and thoughts. He then paused and waited for people to start sharing.”

By encouraging greater assertiveness in your team, you will also encourage them to push themselves to reach a higher standard – the very core of true professionalism. 

Set a strong example 

It should go without saying, but if you want to promote professionalism in your team, you need to start by demonstrating it yourself. Leading by example means avoiding office politics and favoritism, keeping the communication channels open, demonstrating honesty, and holding yourself to the highest possible standard at work. 

But it also means showing vulnerability, asking for help when you need it, and demonstrating humility . Never be afraid to say, “I don’t know!” 

To quote Tim Reitsma, 

“ Managers set the tone. If the manager is the one who is acting in a way that isn’t professional, the team may follow along. As a manager, you need to level up your ability to communicate, know where to draw the line, hold people accountable , and remember to give feedback.” 

Encourage a sense of accountability and responsibility 

As a leader, you need to promote both accountability and responsibility in your team. You may be ultimately accountable for the success or failure of a particular project, but you should also make sure that every team member feels a clear sense of responsibility for their part in the task. To encourage employees to go above and beyond, you’ll have to start by giving them a sense of ownership over their tasks, and clearly communicating your expectations.  

Promote cultural alignment and culture add  

If you want to see more professionalism in your team, they need to have a clear grasp of the values and behaviors that you want to see. It’s a question of reinforcing the company's mission and culture . 

You can also make sure you recognize and acknowledge employees when they demonstrate those values, by making a direct link between the behavior and the value in question: ‘It’s great to see you taking initiative like that. At this company, we really look for employees who step up when it’s needed.’

How to develop employee professionalism

When it comes to improving your employees’ professionalism, it’s not only a question of modeling the behavior you want to see. You should also encourage your employees to develop the skills and behaviors most closely associated with professionalism: 

1. Hone your communication skills 

Great professionals excel at sharing their ideas and keeping everyone on the same page. To develop this skill in your team, consider directing them towards communication skills training. For instance, public speaking coaching can help employees build their ability to simplify their messages and become more confident in the spotlight. 

2. Invest in diversity and inclusion 

Professionalism in the workplace depends on every employee feel that they matter, that their perspectives are valuable, and that their performance will be recognized. However, unconscious bias and other pervasive challenges to diversity can be hard to tackle. Diversity and inclusivity training for both employees and managers can have a significant impact on the professionalism of your workplace. 

3. Build emotional regulation skills

Workplace professionalism depends on our ability to regulate and manage our emotions , rather than letting them dictate our behavior. For employees that struggle with self-control, coaching can be highly beneficial. A coach can provide external guidance to help employees identify and overcome the challenges that could otherwise hold them back from excelling as a professional. 

Being a true professional starts with self-knowledge 

For Lorie Corcuera, the secret to encouraging greater professionalism at work begins with understanding yourself, both as a professional and as a leader. To help your team become the professionals they have the potential to be, she advises managers to do this.

“S tart by leading yourself, which means learning more about yourself so you can grow and develop as a leader, and inspire your team to do the same.” Lorie Corcuera

BetterUp can help. Our coaches can provide objective guidance and help you develop the skills you need to develop greater professionalism in the workplace and within your team. At its heart, it’s about creating an environment where employees feel safe to show up as their whole selves.

Madeline Miles

Madeline is a writer, communicator, and storyteller who is passionate about using words to help drive positive change. She holds a bachelor's in English Creative Writing and Communication Studies and lives in Denver, Colorado. In her spare time, she's usually somewhere outside (preferably in the mountains) — and enjoys poetry and fiction.

30 leadership feedback examples for managers

15 of the best leadership podcasts for professional growth, the connection crisis: infographic, ramps, not switches: a new vision for parental leave and retirement, trends in the federal workforce: a review of the 2021 fevs, supporting working parents: making the “impossible” possible, has social conditioning been holding women back from leadership roles, beyond the election: 5 tips for leadership through discord, why psychological safety at work matters and how to create it, similar articles, developing leaders and the surprising whole-company benefits, 7 ways you can lead by example (and why it matters), what does “dominant culture” mean in the workplace, how to foster belonging and inclusion in the workplace, what’s the halo effect 4 examples in the workplace, nonverbal communication in the workplace: the secret to team trust, the hidden benefits of fun at work, a complete guide to dealing with insubordination in the workplace, adaptability in the workplace: defining and improving this key skill, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform Overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care™
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case Studies
• Why BetterUp?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Life Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Labs
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences

Question and Answer forum for K12 Students

Professionalism Essay | Importance and Essay on Professionalism for Students and Children in English

Professionalism Essay: Professionalism is the behavior of someone in a work or business environment.  Professionalism is not just wearing a coat and tie or possessing a title. Professionalism is how you present yourself during your business affairs.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

True professionals possess a number of important characteristics some of them are:

Follow a Dress Code: Professionals need to be decent in appearance. Be sure to follow the requirements of your company’s dress code. Pay special attention to your appearance during meetings with prospects or clients. Personality is the main source of attracting the clients

Be Confident and Polite: You should handle your superiors with confidence but at the same time be polite and well-spoken with your customers or co-workers. You should handle any situation calmly. Your body language and facial expressions must convey the message you want others to hear successfully

Keep Your Word: Providing an instant response to people promptly and following through on promises is also important. Value time and be at work on time, start meetings on time and follow through on all your commitments

Keep Upgrading

Professionals need to keep on upgrading themselves to strive in the market. They need to get the expertise in their field, to attract customers. Continue to upgrade yourself by taking various courses, attending seminars and attaining any related professional workshops. Always be productive

Utilize your time productively at work. Focus on your job responsibilities.  Avoid using social media, web browsing and phone activity while at work

Be Organized

A professional should keep the work area neat and organized, so that they can quickly and easily find what is needed. Moreover, your briefcase should contain only what is needed for your meetings, appointment or presentation. Being organized reflects your dedication to your work

Accept your Mistakes

As a professional, if you make a mistake, accept it and try to fix it if possible. Don’t place the blame on your juniors or someone else. If your company made a mistake, take responsibility and try to resolve the issue

Have Good Conversation

Your phonic conversation is an important part of professional behavior. Be sure not to dominate the conversation and listen to the other party carefully. Call back and follow up on any actions you agree to during a conversation

During the written conversation, keep your letters brief and to the point. Your tone should be polite and formal This also applies to email correspondence

Keep a Positive Attitude

A professional must always carry a positive attitude. Never have senseless gossip among colleagues. Don’t complain publicly, talk badly about your customers or the company in any way. Leave personal issues at home and don’t waste your time with idle chit-chat. Communicate all business-related matters in a professional manner at all times

Professional behavior demands honesty and ethical behavior. This includes always representing yourself and your company accurately. Never lie or mislead customers

Always try to meet the customer requirements and complete the commitments as agreed upon and any promises that are delayed. Provide notices periodically if not fulfilled

Practicing proper professionalism in the workplace can get you success to a much greater extent. If you value your work. your commitments and remain dedicated, and productive, you would build up a respectable reputation within your organization

Short Essay on Professionalism

Rightly said, “Professionalism is not the job you do, it’s how you do the job.” Professionalism is defined as the way in which business people interact with colleagues, clients and customers. Professionalism is a powerful quality to impress and inspire others.

Here are some definite ways to develop and practice professionalism:

• Be productive: Always try to use your time productively at work.  Concentrate on your work responsibilities and avoid using social media, web browsing and phone activity while on work
• Carry a professional image: Appearance and personality are very important aspects of professionalism. Choose to dress appropriately for your industry and organization.  Always be decent at work
• Take the initiative: Always be ready to take on new projects and challenges that are helpful in the growth of your company. Think of new ideas that will meet your organization’s goals.
• Be sorted: Prioritize, plan and manage your work, assignments and projects.  Keep in touch with your head and team members. Always be organised at your work
• Manage your time efficiently: Set your goals and create plans to meet deadlines. Utilize your time for the betterment of the organisation
• Provide excellence: Produce best results that reflect a sense of pride. Excellence is always be rewarded
• Be a problem-solver: When you are facing any problems and obstacles, take the time to find solutions and alternatives before you contact your supervisor. This will keep your image at the highest.
• Communicate effectively: Be polite while communicating with your customers, colleagues and supervisors. Respond to the problems effectively. Instant service attracts customers
• Develop self-awareness: Accept and reflect on feedback to learn and grow
• Build relationships: Communicate with colleagues, customers and clients to build professional relationships. Work in teams and collaborate effectively

FAQ’s on Professionalism Essay

Question 1. What is the importance of Professionalism?

Answer: Your customers are not your mates or your siblings. These are the people that provide the income to your business, which pays your salary. So it is very important to respect professionalism no matter how small or large you are

Professionalism encompasses the way you present yourself, your attitude and the ways you communicate with others. Professionalism can create a positive impact on the consumer, successful interpersonal relationships and a lasting reputation within your organization and industry

Question 2. What is the role of punctuality in professionalism?

Answer: Punctuality plays a very important role in professionalism. Punctuality is more than just getting the work done on time. It includes being at your work on time, completing your deadlines, being on time for client and staff meetings. People who are punctual are respected by clients more than those who are always late

Question 3. Is dress code an important aspect of professionalism?

Answer: Yes, professionalism far more is defined by appearance and personality. Your dressing sense says a lot about your professionalism. While everyone has their own personal style, there are dress codes at most workplaces. If a uniform is required, it should be neat and clean. Grooming is another aspect of professionalism.

Essay on Professionalism

Professionalism can be explained as the behavior or attitude of a particular person in a workplace. Being a professional only in specific things or your career does not make you a professional it also involves how you behave and act with others and how you handle situations in your business environment. Professionalism is not about what job you do it is about how you do it.

For professional environment some rules and some regulations should be set in order to avoid unprofessional behavior of any person. Professionalism is very essential for the worker’s self-confidence and wellness and whoever take this lightly then he / she should be punished for not maintaining professional environment and causing disturbance for others.

Professionalism is expected from you no matter what field you are in, whether you are in nursing, education or any other career they all requires interactions and dealing with the clients and you must be capable of such skills putting out all your positive experience.  Showing friendly behavior and warmness to your clients will make them trust you and as how it goes they will treat you the same as how you treat them.

Making your clients feel comfortable around you with your honesty, respect, and kindness and do not let them feel left out or be disrespectful to them as it will become more difficult for you to handle that situation. Being a professional also includes how you appear in front of them, people will judge you the way you look and expect such things accordingly for instance if you are dealing a client in nursing field they will expect you to be careful of cleanliness from and around you.

Your appearance shows how professional and serious a person is regarding his / her career hence choosing the right outfit for a workplace is necessary for making clients willing to work with you. Apart from perfect attire for a workplace, professionalism moreover involves skills that requires how you prioritize your tasks, responsibilities, how you communicate with your clients and your computer skills as the world is now mainly depends on the computerized environment.

You should also have basic knowledge of computer for database being utilized for billings and so on. Furthermore, your communication skills should be excellent and fluent as after your appearance it is the second most significant thing that leaves the impression to the clients which is totally up to you how you give your impression but remember that what impression you are giving to your clients is also reflecting your organization’s impression as well.

To sum up everything, professionalism is not just about your clothing, skills, advance degrees and so on although professionalism, morals, rules and responsibilities of a person, all these qualities are combined together for professional exercise. Professionalism does not mean you need to wear the perfect clothing or suite. Professionalism is about being respectful and confident, it is about when you know you have to give your best even when you do not feel like doing it.

Share this Post to Help Fellow Students

Useful Posts For Students

20 Best Laptops For Students

How I Won Eiffel Scholarship to Study For Free

16 Online Degree Programs From Top Universities

Should I Consolidate My Federal Student Loan?

8 Best Tablets For Students

Post navigation

Previous post.

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Essay on Work Ethics and Professionalism

Students are often asked to write an essay on Work Ethics and Professionalism in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Work Ethics and Professionalism

Introduction.

Work ethics and professionalism are essential in any job. They help maintain a positive environment and ensure success.

Work Ethics

Work ethics refer to the moral principles that guide our actions at work. They include honesty, responsibility, and respect.

Professionalism

Professionalism means conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, and competence. It’s about doing your job effectively and respectfully.

Good work ethics and professionalism lead to job satisfaction and success. They build trust and respect among colleagues.

In conclusion, work ethics and professionalism are vital for a successful career. They ensure a positive and productive work environment.

Also check:

• 10 Lines on Work Ethics and Professionalism

250 Words Essay on Work Ethics and Professionalism

Introduction to work ethics and professionalism.

Work ethics and professionalism are fundamental principles that govern the conduct of individuals in a professional setting. These principles are quintessential in defining an individual’s character, commitment, and integrity within the workplace.

Understanding Work Ethics

Work ethics encompass a set of values based on hard work and diligence. It involves a belief in the moral benefit and importance of work and its inherent ability to strengthen character. A strong work ethic emanates from an individual’s inner drive and perseverance to achieve success. It includes attributes like reliability, responsibility, quality, discipline, and teamwork.

Professionalism: A Vital Component

Professionalism, on the other hand, is the conduct, behavior, and attitude of an individual in a work or business environment. It involves maintaining a level of etiquette, exhibiting a positive attitude, showing respect to others, and demonstrating a high level of competence and efficiency. Professionalism is about conducting oneself in a manner that enhances one’s image and the image of the organization one represents.

The Intersection of Work Ethics and Professionalism

Work ethics and professionalism are intertwined. A professional with strong work ethics is likely to be more successful because they are dependable, respectful, and competent. They value their work, respect their obligations, and strive for excellence.

In conclusion, the importance of work ethics and professionalism cannot be overstated. They are the bedrock of any successful career and organization. Cultivating these qualities is vital for personal growth and professional advancement.

500 Words Essay on Work Ethics and Professionalism

Work ethics and professionalism are two integral elements that define the caliber and value of an individual in a professional setting. Work ethics refer to a set of moral principles that guide a person’s actions in the workplace, while professionalism is the conduct, behavior, and attitude of someone in a work or business environment.

Work ethics are a set of values centered on the notions of hard work and diligence. It involves a belief in the moral benefit of work and its ability to enhance character. An individual with a robust work ethic exhibits qualities such as integrity, responsibility, quality, and discipline. These values are not inherent; they are cultivated through experiences and societal interactions.

Work ethics play a crucial role in determining the efficiency and quality of work. It influences an individual’s productivity and commitment, which in turn affects the overall performance of the organization. Moreover, it fosters a sense of respect and trust among colleagues, creating a conducive environment for collaboration and teamwork.

The Essence of Professionalism

Professionalism, on the other hand, is the practical application of work ethics. It is reflected in an individual’s conduct, behavior, and attitude in the workplace. Professionalism involves maintaining an appropriate level of etiquette, demonstrating a high degree of competence, and showing respect for others in the workplace.

Professionalism is not just about following a set of rules; it’s about embodying a professional identity. This includes being reliable, respectful, and accountable. It also means being able to handle criticism constructively, communicate effectively, and maintain a positive attitude, even in challenging situations.

The Interplay between Work Ethics and Professionalism

Work ethics and professionalism are intertwined. A strong work ethic fuels professionalism, and a high degree of professionalism reflects a solid work ethic. While work ethics is the moral compass guiding an individual’s actions, professionalism is the manifestation of these ethical considerations in a work setting.

The presence of work ethics and professionalism in an individual can significantly enhance their career growth. Employers value these traits as they contribute to a positive work culture, improved productivity, and a better reputation for the company.

In conclusion, work ethics and professionalism are not just desirable traits but essential for anyone seeking to excel in their professional life. They are the pillars upon which successful careers and organizations are built. By fostering these values, individuals can not only enrich their professional journey but also contribute to creating a healthy and productive work environment. The cultivation of work ethics and professionalism is a continuous process, one that demands conscious effort and commitment. But the rewards, both personal and professional, are well worth the effort.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Work and Leisure
• Essay on Women’s Rights
• Essay on We Can Change the World

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

One Comment

Wow it real good

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• RUSSO-UKRAINIAN WAR
• BECOME A MEMBER

Professionalism is the Foundation of the Army and We Will Strengthen It

Post title post title post title post title.

In my nearly 37 years of service, I’ve seen the strength of the Army profession in action — in the courage and dedication of our soldiers, leaders, and army civilian professionals on the battlefield and in garrison. I observed that strength watching a company commander display his professional competence and leadership while driving conversation during a National Training Center after action review. I experienced it while shaking the hand of Staff Sgt. Ashley Buhl , the embodiment of the character and soul of our profession and the 2023 drill sergeant of the year. And I felt it, just a few weeks ago, watching Pvt. Jamavius Curry (pictured above) lead his formation in reciting the “ Soldiers Creed ” at his basic training graduation. Our profession allows us to maintain trust; construct cohesive and disciplined teams; train our soldiers, leaders, and civilians; and build climates that don’t tolerate harmful behaviors. In a changing world, our profession undergirds all our strengths; but it must be continuously tended, or it will atrophy.

The Army is a part of American society at large and will always reflect its attributes — we cannot assume that the dynamics operating in America won’t affect our profession. Changes in generational preferences and worldviews impact the way our profession manifests across our ranks, but that diversity in thought can also lead to novel ideas . While social and sensationalized media put a spotlight on every misstep and sometimes overlook efforts to improve, it also presents an opportunity to highlight the value of service. Perhaps most importantly, our adversaries grow stronger every day and seek any seam to erode our advantages, but also provide us with a renewed sense of purpose. As we work to transform our Army, we will rely on our people to keep us ahead of potential adversaries. Our profession will continue to produce unparalleled soldiers and leaders who serve as the foundation of America’s relative strength.

Indeed, it is our people that give us our greatest advantage. No other army can boast the U.S. Army’s disciplined, trained, and fit soldiers capable of operating independently, making difficult decisions, and working as part of cohesive teams. All of that — all our advantages — stem from our unique version of professionalism.

Over the years, generations of Army leaders have stewarded that strength. Our professionals have always taken lessons from ongoing wars and conflicts to improve the way we educate and train, adjusting our culture and systems to reflect a changing society. In the mid-20th century, sociologists like Samuel Huntington and Morris Janowitz considered how a democracy could maintain a large, standing army and established the foundational concepts of the profession that we still use today. In subsequent decades, Army leaders such as Gens. William DePuy and Donn Starry , and the newly formed Training and Doctrine Command and Forces Command, worked to deal with the effects of the Vietnam War and build professionalism and discipline in the nascent all-volunteer force.

Today, it is our duty — our professional obligation — to account for the impacts of a generation of war, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and other hotspots around the globe, current recruiting challenges , and various societal factors to determine how our profession may need to adapt to maintain its vitality in a tumultuous world where many advantages we once took for granted seem illusory, the time is ripe to focus on our Army profession. In this article, I intend to stoke such a discussion. As I discussed in a recent episode of the War on the Rocks podcast , it is our obligation as Army leaders to refine and update our understanding of what it is, take stock of what we’re already doing to steward and strengthen it, streamline and rationalize those existing programs, and determine where to go from here. However, senior leaders cannot do it alone. This is our profession, and we need soldiers across the entire Army —active, guard, and reserve— to generate ideas and move it forward.

The Army Profession and the Professional

Before we can determine how to strengthen our profession, we need to agree on what it is. This is well-trod territory, and I can’t claim to have some new, visionary definition that will fundamentally alter our trajectory. However, this topic is a personal one and we all have a viewpoint. A common understanding and some accepted lexicon will go a long way to advancing the conversation.

Army doctrine defines the profession as “a trusted vocation of soldiers and army civilians whose collective expertise is the ethical design, generation, support, and application of landpower; serving under civilian authority; and entrusted to defend the constitution and the rights and interests of the American people.” That’s probably a good enough starting point, but it is especially important that our current understanding of the profession has two primary components : the profession itself and the professional it produces. These two components are heavily interrelated, feeding off one another to sustain and improve themselves. The split may seem unnecessary, but I find that it enables us to zero in on specific aspects of each and tailor potential solutions to where they will make the biggest impact.

Our profession is more than the competence, character, and commitment of individual soldiers, non-commissioned officers, warrant officers, officers, and Army civilian professionals in our ranks. It must also encompass the systems with which we develop expertise, accountability, and responsibility. It is a complex system that builds professional warriors who fight and win our nation’s wars within the legal, moral, and ethical bounds of our profession.

The objective expertise that we provide to our nation, that no one else can, is in warfighting. The Army is obligated to have well-trained soldiers and competent leaders to meet this requirement — and the systems that our profession uses to generate that competence are vital. These systems should start with encouraging and moderating diverse discourse on war and its related fields through writing and publication, research, experimentation, and conferences among our professionals and associated parties (think tanks, academia, industry, etc.) However, this is not simply an intellectual exercise. Our purpose is to produce expert warfighters and competent professionals. As such, our system of knowledge generation ought to go further, to turn that discourse into knowledge (doctrine, programs of instruction, training scenarios, etc.) and then transmit that knowledge to developing professionals through training and leader development.

Our profession also requires a system of self-policing that qualifies who we access, retain, and promote. We are trusted with the survival of our nation and the lives of its youth. We are rightly held accountable for that trust. Grounded in our oaths , the “ Warrior Ethos ,” and the “ Army Values ,” our profession produces soldiers and leaders of character through well-established systems of selection, promotion, retention, training, and leader development. Through these accountability mechanisms, we build individual character to produce better soldiers and citizens.

Trust, combined with quality training and leader development, is vital to ensuring that we are a ready and professional army. That trust is built from the responsibility that our profession shows to its members and the commitment that our professionals show to their profession. By caring for soldiers’ needs, providing them the skills and resources to live full and healthy lives, and setting them on the path to a better future, we demonstrate that responsibility and earn their commitment. Ongoing programs steered by the Army People Strategy — prevention, quality of life, life skills development, etc. — are great displays of this responsibility and must be continuously improved to enable our commanders at echelon.

The Army’s systems of expertise, accountability, and responsibility build competent and committed professionals of character. However, it is not these systems that together build a culture. Rather, our profession is a complete entity that enables the Army’s commanders to build positive cultures, which I define as climates and environments that do not tolerate eroding factors such as sexual harassment and assault, or any form of discrimination, while fostering cohesion, dignity, and respect for all that raised their hand and took an oath.

What Are We Doing About It?

I remain an optimist. The Army profession isn’t broken; it simply needs to be stewarded more thoroughly. While it is important to note shortfalls such as soldier and leader misconduct, lack of fitness, harmful behaviors, and more, we — as a total team — are obligated to embrace the profession to build soldiers and leaders of character, competence, and commitment, and to foster positive organizational cultures. To do so, we will continuously improve and refine our professional systems to ensure focus, prioritization, and accountability.

The Sergeant Major of the Army — supported by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Forces Command, and the total Army — has undertaken efforts to reestablish the primacy of the sergeant in this area through a revised Blue Book and the revitalization of common task training and testing at echelon. But unless leaders at every echelon prioritize the effort, we will continue to be challenged. We must also combine this effort with leader development — delivered through “brick and mortar” schoolhouses and further honed at the unit level — at all echelons to reinforce the basic competence of our profession.

To build our expertise, we are working to improve our professional discourse , which will encourage our leaders to think and write about what we do. We have simultaneously sought to expand the understanding of our soldiers and leaders through direct means. Finally, we are investing to streamline our systems of doctrine and program of instruction development to ensure rapid incorporation of lessons and new ideas.

Even the character of our individual soldiers and leaders should be considered as outputs of our professional systems. It is true that our problems with misconduct and indiscipline are, in part, inevitable, just as they are in any other organized group of human beings. But we cannot and will not simply blame soldier indiscipline on generational values or junior leader unwillingness to enforce standards, nor can we blame continued senior leader misconduct on a “few bad apples.” As we continuously transform, we have the opportunity to examine how we bring people into the Army, acculturate them at initial entry and pre-commissioning sources, train them in our values and culture (across a career, not just at institutional training), assess and evaluate them for their adherence to our norms and responsible behavior, and select them for promotion and positions of increased responsibility. We have begun these processes through more effective acculturation at basic training and by enhancing professional military education, assessing future battalion and brigade leaders, and reinforcing the importance of our oath .

Lastly, we often look at the commitment of our soldiers and leaders to their profession as a one-way street. Individuals should remain committed to our values and to their mission; however, we also have professional responsibilities to care for our people, provide for their and their families’ needs, offer safe and healthy environments for them to work and live in, and set them up for a future in or out of uniform. Continued efforts to improve foundational soldier and leader skills, the provision of resources to commanders to build healthy command climates and reduce harmful behaviors, and increased investment in quality-of-life initiatives are demonstrations of our commitment to these responsibilities.

What Can You Do? A Call to Action

The first, and most important thing, we can all do is exactly what we’re trying to do here: acknowledge that our profession is not a constant. While it is certain that our profession undergirds all our strengths, I again remind you that it must be continuously tended, or it will atrophy. This simple acknowledgement — and the commensurate requirement for each and every professional to think deeply about his or her profession, discuss it with their peers, come up with solutions, and drive them into existence — is the most important thing we can do. Our professionals are obligated to increase their engagement on relevant topics in daily interactions, as well as by writing for expanding outlets to spread lessons learned and generate dialogue. If that is all this article achieves, that will be enough.

Each of us must also work to rebuild pride in service. Wearing the uniform of the U.S. Army is a big deal. That honor and responsibility ought to be reflected in each and every one of us. After a long term of service, especially following multiple deployments, it’s easy to get jaded and cynical — to forget why we joined in the first place. But I challenge each of you to go to a basic training, Basic Officer Leader Course, or Officer Candidate School graduation (or at least think back to your own) and look at the sense of accomplishment in every new soldier’s eyes and the pride of every family member. Attaining membership in our profession is hard — as it should be — and pride in service must be reinforced in every unit, school, department, and section.

We all know that our profession is huge. It is made up of countless units, teams, offices, and departments that are manned with people from all walks of life. I encourage every solider and Army civilian to take responsibility for their piece of the profession. Each of us — no matter our rank, mission occupational specialty, or assignment — can strengthen the whole by strengthening its parts.

This we’ll defend.

Gen. Gary Brito is the commanding general of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. He is responsible for strengthening the Army profession, building the next generation of soldiers and leaders, and delivering holistic solutions to the future force. He previously served as the deputy chief of staff G-1 at Headquarters Department of the Army and in a variety of command and staff assignments, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Organizing to Deter or Prevail in Space Warfare

Everything, everywhere, all at once cyberspace operations and chinese strategy, book reviews, the icarus trap: arrogance, misperception, and the u.s. invasion of iraq.

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Professionalism — The Importance of Professionalism in the Workplace

The Importance of Professionalism in The Workplace

• Categories: Professionalism Workplace

About this sample

Words: 555 |

Published: Nov 8, 2019

Words: 555 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr Jacklynne

Verified writer

• Expert in: Life

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 555 words

5 pages / 2080 words

1 pages / 533 words

5 pages / 2232 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Professionalism

“About the Other Services (except Public Administration) sector.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 7 Feb. 2020, www.bls.gov/iag/tgs/iag81.htm.Claridge, Tristan. “Structural, Cognitive, Relational [...]

Professionalism is a cornerstone of pharmacy practice, encompassing a set of values, behaviors, and attitudes that ensure the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centered care. The role of pharmacists extends beyond [...]

Nursing is a profession that requires a high level of professionalism. Professionalism in nursing encompasses a range of attributes and behaviors that are essential for delivering high-quality patient care. These attributes [...]

The concept of being stewards of the profession holds a profound significance in today's rapidly evolving landscape. As professionals in various fields, individuals bear the responsibility of not only excelling in their roles [...]

Professionalism is something that is extremely important for any job a person may have, yet it comes into play even more so with the military. War is something that requires a large amount of discipline, respect, and commitment. [...]

In a professional setting, priority always tends to be towards doing the right thing over doing things right. This state of mind can sometimes lead an employee down the wrong road – if you do the right thing, but you do not do [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

• Free Paper Writer >
• Free Essay Examples >
• Good Essay Topics

Professionalism Essay Examples for Free Use by College Students

Professionalism is a vastly broad concept. For instance, when the brakes in your car stop working, you want it fixed by a professional, as your safety and life depend on it. Or when there's something wrong with your body, you'd be looking for a doctor with a proven record of physical therapy professionalism. The point is, almost in any area, not only in healthcare or auto repairs, we'd prefer to deal with real masters of their craft. This creates a huge field of available topics for an essay about professionalism.

To help you navigate in this variety, WePapers.com compiled a free database of academic sample papers. A separate section of this database includes free essays on professionalism in all of its aspects. Not only do they offer a lot of topic ideas you could use but also showcase the best writing techniques and content structuring peculiarities. Overall, drawing actionable insights should help you develop your paper's concept and craft the text faster and with less effort.

However, if this approach doesn't prove effective for you, there is one more thing we can do for you. WePapers.com experts are ready to custom-write a unique piece according to the specific requirements you send us. The professionalism our staff writers demonstrate in the workplace on a daily basis guarantees that you will get the best value for every dollar spent.

• Professionalism Case Studies
• Professionalism Essays
• Professionalism Literature Reviews
• Professionalism Reports
• Professionalism Research Papers
• Professionalism Term Papers

We use cookies to improve your experience with our site. Please accept before continuing or read our cookie policy here .

Wait, have you seen our prices?

Professionalism in Education Essay

Introduction, professionalism in education, essentials of professionalism in education, professionalisation of education, how to professionalise education, factors influencing professionalisation, works cited.

For any field of knowledge to be functional and meaningful it has to have practitioners in that area that must follow specific ethics and values specific to their areas of specializations. It is important to note that, although different professions have commonalities among their ethics, each of the professions has a class of unique ethics and values that identifies practitioners in that specific field.

In addition, it is good to note that, practitioners in these fields not only work to gain good remuneration packages, but also they are involved in extensive researches; a practice aimed at improving and enhancing knowledge in their fields.

Generally, professionals regardless of their areas of specialization must have cognitive and academic competence and a set of principles not only defined by their areas of specialization, but also intrinsically driven (Clark and Kasar pp.5-7).

When individuals decide to be professionals in a specific field, then it means they are ready to sacrifice all that is at their disposal to make sure their professions shine, hence a factor necessitating one at all times to perform work with integrity and dedication.

In addition, to self-interest and personal achievement, professionally individuals should create lasting relationships with not only those they work with, but also those they are serving. This is because, in case conflicting issues exists among a cohort of workers, then resulting conflicts can impair the quality and quantity of work output.

Hence, if professional cannot fight to ensure they maximise their work output and competencies, then what is the essence of individuals calling themselves professionals? On the other hand, it is necessary to note that, all professional services’ main aim is to aid community development and peaceful coexistence, a factor that will improve the nature of relationships that will exist among community members.

Hence, in trying to maintain this “contract” with the community, it is important for all professionals to ensure whatever principles, moral ethics, or values they embrace fit societal wants and needs (Cunningham pp.6-9).

Educators play several roles dictated either by professional ethics or by societal needs. For example in an elementary school, although teachers’ main role is to deliver knowledge, they also have other duties that include acting as a surrogate parents, disciplinarians, motivators, and many other roles that depend on specific societies. This is because, students take more time with teachers than they do with their parents.

Therefore, this makes it important for teachers to try and formulate mechanisms of balancing students’ needs and their professionalism. It is important to note here that, as compared to other professions, this profession entails many ethical concerns because to students teachers are a representation of the society; hence, students will always follow what teachers do.

As professionalism dictates all practitioners in any fields must have the competence required for effective work performance, a factor that education embraces. Depending on one’s area of jurisdiction, requirements for one to function effectively as a teacher vary.

These requirements include postgraduate diplomas, degrees (masters or PhDs’), diplomas, certificate and other qualifications in education. Although this is the case, teaching ethics of different areas or countries do not vary very much primarily because, the profession aims to mould learners who can work in any social-economic conditions.

In addition to these varying qualifications, because of the changing nature of lifestyles and technology, it is important for teachers to have additional trainings in other fields for example, information technology. The trainings not only are they of purpose to teachers in terms of knowledge development or improvement, but also are important aids of enhancing quality content and value delivery.

On the other hand, because learning has no end, this profession involves the attending of other training sessions that ensure teachers stay up to date with current information, an important prerequisite for dealing with learners’ problems.

For example, in the field of medicine presently, due to emerging complex health complications globally, it is important for teachers in this field to update themselves with new knowledge, for them to be able to mould students who meet current health needs (Robson pp. 7-14).

In addition, it is important to note that, competency is not all being well educated and having professional certificates, but rather the whole process involves the ability to deliver whatever content the core curriculum specifies. Different professionals have the power to deliver their services according to their best means, where education is not an exception.

However, although this is the case, educators must bear in mind that, whatever they do learners will copy direct and include the same in their real professional jobs, hence the need to use their best means. This adopted strategy should ensure content delivery occurs within preferred and standard conditions, which can help learners of different capabilities to cope up; hence effective and meaningful learning experiences (Whitty p.1).

Professional behaviour is another important aspect of this field. Practically, it is a little bit hard to clearly define a set of conduct that educators must follow. In addition, before defining this set of conduct, it is important for all educators to note that, learners always copy whatever they do in any scenario.

This ranges from the mode of one’s conduct either in class or out of class, language characteristics, and general behaviour in terms of temperament, attitude, morals, and principles. Honestly speaking, following professional conduct is one of the most difficult tasks because of the differences in learners’ backgrounds; where learners have different ways of interpreting occurrences in their immediate environments.

Although this is the case, it is important for practitioners in this field to correctly depict and predict learners’ demographics; hence, formulate mechanisms of dealing with these differences among different learners.

In addition to ensuring, they maintain professional behaviours in presence of learners; educators must always ensure that whatever aspect of behaviour they adopt should fit the values of the society to which they are offering their services.

This is because, considering most societal settings, educators are always on the sport light, owing to the fact that, the society treats them as role models.

Due to multiple roles that educators must perform, there is need for them to be dedicated and responsible in their duties.

Responsibility not only entails following or performing as per set goals and standards, but rather it means that, educators must be ready to deliver or perform beyond set goals. This is only achievable if individuals handle duties managements have assigned them obeying their intrinsic motivators rather than extrinsic motivators.

In addition, dedication entails the performing of duties in a way individuals could attend to their personal issues. The greatest motivator of this profession is that, whatever the competence an educator imparts in learners not only benefits them solely, but also it contributes to the overall development of the society.

On the other hand, it is essential for practitioners in this field to note that, responsibility does not only guarantee achievement of educational goals, but also it contributes to individuals self growth and image enhancement, which translates to a good professional image.

In addition to competence, behavioural orientation, responsibility and dedication professionally, all educators must ensure their life both inside and outside the class is organized. For example, in qualifying graduates in all institutions, administrations must use all performance records.

However, in case of carelessness by some tutor and these records are not present then the teaching profession is at stake. This is because whatever happens after this like a scenario will not only taint the name of the teacher and the learning institution, but also will taint the name of the teaching profession; something that all individuals should aim to eliminate in their daily undertakings.

Although a challenging task to meet many qualities associated with the teaching profession, it is important for all individuals in this profession to delicate their efforts to the profession; hence formulate mechanisms of meeting societal needs through imparting correct skills in learners. This is because; education is the fundamental prerequisite for any societal development and success achievement.

Considering the nature of changes that have occurred in present education systems, it is important for governments to professionalize education, in the sense that, it is the primary determinant of a societies well being. In addition, considering the roles education plays in our contemporary society, it is important for it to have bodies that should manage its affairs and ensure all practitioners in the field meet specific standards.

This is important in that, not only does it ensure the law protects practitioners in this field, but also it will act as a motivator towards goal achievement; hence, the bettering of educational experiences and knowledge.

For education to be practical and utilitarian there is need to include meaningful learning experiences, a factor that will make the profession to be of good integrity and competence.

The professionalisation process primarily encompasses the setting and implementation of good standards, principles and qualifications that all teachers must meet, for them to maintain the competence that the profession dictates. In addition, the process involves the formation of both internal and external working bodies that will manage all activities of the profession.

These activities include setting of working standards and ethics, rules and procedures that practitioners in this field must follow. The professionalisation process is very crucial in that, it helps to differentiate between amateurs in the education profession and qualified individuals who are ready to work using all that is at their disposal to achieve academic competence (Siriwardena pp.235-245).

On the other hand, the professionalisation process has many associated advantages namely: increased benefits, proper management of conflicting issues, education quality improvement, and improved self-esteem of members of the professional class. This is because these bodies will protect their autonomy and protect their well-being.

One main factor that makes professionalisation a necessity is the changing trends in forms of educational orientation. In the past, the overall role of education delivery rested solely on parents and elders, a factor that has undergone transformation with globalisation.

Currently, many education developments have introduced new concepts in education; hence, making it necessary for establishment of concrete standards and bodies that take the overall responsibility of ensuring educational experiences remains meaningful.

In addition, centralisation of education management in many governments has made the process of professionalizing education a hard task because governments solely formulate policies without consulting educators.

In addition, due to the enormous contribution made by educators to the social, economic, and political conditions of societies, there is need for increased teacher preparation for them to work effectively and professionally in their distinct areas, something that is achievable via professionalizing education.

Educational professionalization should commence from the nature of trainings offered to teachers. In the present changing times, there exist great variations among different learner needs, considering that learners grow in different and unique environments.

Therefore, this makes it important for integration of professionalization in training centres, where trainers should emphasise the need of meeting all learners’ needs. This will make learning meaningful and of value not only to learners, but also the entire community. For governments to achieve this, then they must accord all scholars their rightful positions as concerns reforms.

It is important to note that, by giving educators the right to participate in reforms, likelihoods of success of formulated programs are high. This is because when educators themselves give decisions on radical changes that education policy makers must include in the curriculum, implementation such curriculum is easy.

To ensure that original skills learnt by teachers receive continuous upgrading to meet current global economic, social, and political standards, government should come up with correct strategies of formulating building capacities for example, the application of communication technologies.

This will aid the extension of teacher education, hence guaranteeing that all practitioners in the education field are qualified and meet specific standards, something that clearly defines professionalisation.

Trainings and continuous upgrading of skills cannot act on their own without extensive researches in this profession. This is because there is a clear shift from the tradition rote learning method to more advanced learning methods, which dictate constant and renewed skill development.

Therefore, this calls for need of extensive researches in this profession, something that will contribute to its upgrading and advancement; hence meet all learner needs and aspirations (Whitehead and Hartley pp. 147-157).

For example, the use of the Reggio Emilia technique of teaching is a practical example of a research got technique that not only ensures learning is meaningful, but also ensures there exist good connections between learning environments, classroom settings and surrounding communities.

To ensure that practitioners in education deliver the required standards, governments have to establish ways of creating teacher bodies and councils, which will undertake the overall role of ensuring educators perform to their uttermost potentials.

Depending on the level of learning, it is important for governments to include not only education stakeholders’ views, but also their membership in this overseeing leadership groups (Mawhinney pp. 36-47).

Although the concept of education professionalization sounds an easy task, in reality it has many associated concepts that make it a subject of debate among many scholars. For example, majority of educational concepts are theoretical, hence creating a broad difference between theory and real practise as concerns professional development.

From research findings, there exist dismal participation of professionals in this field a fact that majority of them attribute to the un-worthiness of such programmes. This makes it hard to professionalise education because for it to fit in the class of other professions, it must have certain qualities, where career development is a primary need.

Another major factor influencing teacher professionalism is the organisational cultures of majority of schools. Depending on an institutions’ culture and educational orientation, some schools may have enhancement opportunities where as some may lack completely.

This is many ways hinders the professional development of educators. For schools that offer advancements opportunities such as trainings, and career enhancement packages their performance is high in terms of educational delivery.

This is because majority of such educators acquire extensive and better competencies that are necessary for an ever-changing society. Majority of schools with such professional development opportunities have well defined leadership roles; hence, guaranteeing educators freedom to express their concerns and needs, a factor that encourages professional advancement.

Politics is another major influencing factor to professionalisation. This is because politics primarily determine the amount of resources that a country allocates educational development. In addition, politics many other influences on educational unions running, a factor that hinders teachers for expressing their ideas when it comes to policy development and implementation.

Another common factor affecting professionalisation of education is the imbalances that exist between the ratios of students to teachers. As Smith (pp.74-80) argues, in most current schools, teachers have to work extra hard to meet all learners’ needs, something that has burdened teachers.

This is because, currently there is an influx of students in many elementary and middle level schools; hence the small number of teachers cannot meet their demands effectively or as dictated by professional ethics.

In addition, the fact that majority of these classrooms have mixed learners in terms of capabilities and handicaps compounds the factor, hence making professional development a harder task for most educators. on the other hand, considering the fact that most elementary schools have many integrated subject hipped in one curriculum makes specialisation a harder task; hence, a great impediment to professionalisation.

Primarily, specialisation involves the division of work when it comes to teaching duties and attending to specific learner needs, which currently is hard to achieve in many school settings.

The problem of specialisation results due to poor administrative systems, a factor that denies educators freedoms of formulating workable plans that will suit learners’ needs as specific times and needs. This is a problem that governments can avoid by giving teachers their required autonomy and freedoms as pertains policy development and implementation.

In addition to the wide gap that exists between the number of students and teachers, the economic condition of a government or society also acts as another major influence on professionalisation of education.

Majority of nation states allocate very dismal funds to their educational programs, or in some cases, although the resource allocations are sufficient to meet educational needs, little goes to educational professional development.

Hence, because the professionalisation process requires sufficient funds; that are scarce, most of the initiatives to professionalise education fail; hence, the influence of economic viability and status of a country on professionalisation of education.

On the other hand, education is worthless if it cannot meet the society needs. Hence, due to varying societal needs (that are un-satiable), professinalising education has become a hard task due to influences societies have on the organisation of educational programmes, policy formulation and their implementation.

In conclusion, to ensure education continues meeting the ever changing societal needs, there is need to professionalise it. This is because it will give teachers the autonomy to decide on meaningful experiences that policy makers must include in the process of curriculum development and implementation.

In addition to giving teachers autonomy, it is necessary for governments to allow teachers to form independent bodies that will handle their discrepancies whenever they arise. For these bodies to function properly, they must be free from any governmental influences, something that has made education professionalisation a hard thing.

Clark, Nelson and Kasar, Jack. Developing professional behaviour . New Jersey: Slack Incorporated, 2000. Web.

Cunningham, Brian. Exploring professionalism . London: Institute of education, 2008. Print.

Mawhinney, Hanne. School wars or school transformation: professionalizing Teaching and involving communities . Peabody journal of education, 73(1) (1998). 34-55. Web.

Robson, Jocelyn. Teacher professionalism in further and higher education: challenges to Culture and practice . Oxon: Routledge Taylor and Francis group, 2006. Web.

Siriwardena, Rashid. The professionalization of education and educators in Postgraduate Medicine. Education for Primary Care, 16(3) (2005): pp.235-245.

Print Smith, Selby. Some factors affecting the education of teachers in the state of Victoria, Australia. International Review of Education, 15 (1). (2005): 74-83. Print.

Whitehead, Maurice and Hartley, David. Teacher education: professionalism and Teacher education . New York: Routledge; Taylor and Francis group,2006, Web.

Whitty, Geoff. Teacher professionalism in a new era. 2006. Web.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2022, April 19). Professionalism in Education. https://ivypanda.com/essays/concepts-of-professionalism-essay/

"Professionalism in Education." IvyPanda , 19 Apr. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/concepts-of-professionalism-essay/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Professionalism in Education'. 19 April.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Professionalism in Education." April 19, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/concepts-of-professionalism-essay/.

1. IvyPanda . "Professionalism in Education." April 19, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/concepts-of-professionalism-essay/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Professionalism in Education." April 19, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/concepts-of-professionalism-essay/.

• The Essence of Professionalism
• Professionalism in the Teaching Profession
• Professionalism: A Pharmacist Perspective
• The Concept of Professionalism
• Professionalism in the Health Care Industry
• Lack of Professionalism in the Workplace and the Detrimental Effects on Clients
• Professionalism in Nursing and Role of Education
• Becoming a Professional Educator
• Nursing Professionalism and Professionalization
• Ethics and Professionalism Concepts in Healthcare
• Common Elements in Education Systems
• Pros and Cons of Tracking in Our Education System
• Education and Its Grading Issue
• Maori and Tibetan Education systems from 1945 to present
• Differences between the America and Chinese Education Systems

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Guest Essay

Tired of Sucking It Up as a Climber, I’ve Embraced a Softer Strength

By Beth Rodden

Ms. Rodden is a professional climber and the author of the forthcoming memoir, “A Light Through the Cracks.”

I don’t know what time it was when my husband at the time, the rock climber Tommy Caldwell, finally scrambled over the summit. The sun had risen sometime during the first part of the climb and had set again hours later. I squinted up at him, tired eyes burning as I watched his shadow moving in the beam of my headlight. He had just completed the second free ascent of the Direct Route on the northwest face of Half Dome, a 2,000-foot climb in Yosemite National Park.

We were elite professional climbers, and this was what we did best. Sometimes we made history together; other times I supported him in his feats, belaying and carrying all the gear. Either way, the days were long and hard.

The climber Todd Skinner spent 61 days in 1993 working to establish the Direct Route, then considered the most difficult big wall climb in the world, before reaching the top. On our climb in 2007, our 2 a.m. wake-up, more than 24 hours earlier, hadn’t even felt all that early to me. Sleeping in past midnight? That meant what I was getting up for wasn’t that rad, that hard core. Tommy made it to the top in a day, adding a move that made the climb more difficult than the one Mr. Skinner had pioneered. It felt routine.

Hanging in the middle of Half Dome was an ordinary thing. Ascending ropes with bloody knuckles and a heavy pack thousands of feet off the ground was as conventional to me as grabbing the bananas and apples in the produce section: just part of my day. Climbers pride themselves on being better than normal people. Not just in the “I climbed a mountain and you didn’t” type of way, but in the fabric of how we approach life. How we eat, where we sleep, the stories we walk away with: It’s all better.

By the time I was in my mid-20s, I was a walking archetype of how to succeed in that world because of the belief system I followed: suck it up, persevere, win. I was used to pushing the level of climbing further, used to doing things that no other women had done — and even, a couple of times, things that no guys had done.

I specialized in free climbing, a particular (and particularly challenging) discipline that requires a climber to rely on her gear only for protection from a fall, not for any assistance in moving up the rock. I had free-climbed Yosemite’s El Capitan three times, by three independent routes. Elsewhere in Yosemite, I had established a new route in 2008, Meltdown , that was widely viewed then as the hardest traditional climb in the world, not repeated until 2018. (“Traditional” meaning I depended on a rope suspended by gear I placed myself, rather than on bolts permanently installed in the rock.) For a decade, I had appeared in climbing films and on the pages of climbing magazines. Pushing through the pain, sacrificing my body, shoving my fear away: It’s all what made me better than the rest. I liked being better than the rest.

As we stumbled to the car after that daylong effort on the Direct Route, my arms and legs felt tired, my mouth parched. I was good at this. I didn’t need to eat much food, drink much water. I was a low-maintenance girl. I always got patted on the back for not taking up too much space and being able to suffer with the best of them. There were times when I was climbing that I wept with fear, with fatigue, with regret. But when I did, I tried to hide it. I’d had that instinct from my earliest climbing days, even before I survived a days-long kidnapping during an expedition to Kyrgyzstan. After I made it home (Tommy had pushed one of the armed kidnappers off a cliff — a fall we later learned he had survived — enabling our group of four climbers to escape), I had more than doubled down. Scorning and hiding my feelings, shoving them down, felt admirable to me then. I’d been told it was strength. It felt like strength.

There wasn’t much room for women or feelings at the top of the sport back then. A handful of us were landing on the covers of magazines or vying to be the token featured woman at a climbing film festival, but I learned early on that as good as I was at actually climbing, I needed to be able to suffer to stand out. Climbing through a broken foot? Amazing, here’s a raise. Did you hear how many hours they went without food and water for the summit? Make a feature movie about them. As much as logistics and physical prowess, subscribing to the bravado was part of the job description in climbing. And for years, I was all in.

I can’t say there was one moment, a specific event that made me start to question the “suck it up, Rodden” theme song I had lived by for so long. I got divorced, and eventually remarried; I got injured over and over. After years of injuries I had a child, and that led to relearning my body. Maybe it was the scale of all those changes in my life that forced me to reconsider the way I’d always done things, or maybe I just got fed up with the facade. Why was it noble to climb through cracks on El Cap soaked with climbers’ urine, but leaking while jogging postpartum was something to be ashamed of?

Gradually, I began to question the old mentality. I began to be more open about what I found value in, and learned to share my pain and my fears with friends instead of hiding them behind a perma-smile. I started to be kinder to myself, and to be frank that, as effective as it had been for me and my career, I just didn’t see the point in suffering for the sake of a climb anymore. In letting go of that, I was surprised to find a new kind of strength — something perhaps truer and more durable than the ability to just plow through.

I am still a professional climber, though I haven’t been at the peak of the sport in a very long time. I still have goals, and I still love the feeling of trying hard and succeeding, but I love easy days at the crag with a group of girlfriends just as much. My sponsors have found value in partnering with me beyond the number grade assigned to a climb that I’ve done. Instead, we’ve realized together that none of these topics that have plagued the community for so long will go away if left in silence. Making the sport more inclusive, speaking about the ways that climbing can and should evolve as it grows in popularity, is my current project.

This past winter found me injured and on the sidelines yet again. But this time, instead of hobbling around with a crutch and a cast on my leg or having a finger splinted up, I was carrying a foam pad wherever I went, so that I could easily get into a horizontal position. Ten years after I’d given birth, my postpartum bladder prolapse symptoms had returned. Naturally, people would ask why I wasn’t climbing. Years earlier, I would have been mortified. But now I answered bluntly: “I blew out my pelvic floor .” To my surprise, most everyone would sit down, ask what that meant, how it happened, what the symptoms were, what recovery would look like.

I’m not the only one who’s changed. Climbing has come so far in the 30 years since I started in the sport. Today, instead of getting dropped by their sponsors, women can continue their careers with vigor after having children. Mental health awareness and therapy are widely accepted (which is imperative in a community that experiences so much death and trauma), and now, perhaps even conversations about vulnerabilities like perimenopause and prolapse don’t have to be hidden. I like to think we’re starting to embrace a softer kind of strength. Maybe taking care of ourselves, whatever that looks like, can now be as celebrated as dodging death for a summit.

Beth Rodden is a professional climber and the author of the forthcoming memoir, “A Light Through the Cracks.”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .

Research on Trajectory Tracking of Autonomous Vehicle Based on Lateral and Longitudinal Cooperative Control 2024-01-5039

Autonomous vehicles require the collaborative operation of multiple modules during their journey, and enhancing tracking performance is a key focus in the field of planning and control. To address this challenge, we propose a cooperative control strategy, which is designed based on the integration of model predictive control (MPC) and a dual proportional–integral–derivative approach, referred to as collaborative control of MPC and double PID (CMDP for short in this article).The CMDP controller accomplishes the execution of actions based on information from perception and planning modules. For lateral control, the MPC algorithm is employed, transforming the MPC’s optimal problem into a standard quadratic programming problem. Simultaneously, a fuzzy control is designed to achieve adaptive changes in the constraint values for steering angles. In longitudinal control, a dual control strategy comprising position-type PID and velocity-type PID is used, decoupling lateral and longitudinal calculations. The collaborative control strategy links lateral and longitudinal aspects, aiming to reduce computational complexity while enhancing control effectiveness. For local path planning, a fifth-degree polynomial is employed for path optimization to improve stability in responding to controller commands. Simulation experiments conducted on the CARLA-ROS joint simulation platform in realistic scenarios show that the model exhibits high accuracy and minimal tracking error under dual lane-changing conditions. Comparative experiments demonstrate superior control performance of the proposed model over traditional MPC controllers.

SAE MOBILUS

Subscribers can view annotate, and download all of SAE's content. Learn More »

Access SAE MOBILUS »