What is a Professional?

The description of a professional in Wikipedia states “A professional is a member of a profession or any person who works in a specified professional activity. The term also describes the standards of education and training that prepares members of a profession with the particular knowledge and skills necessary to perform their specific role within that profession. In addition, most professionals are subject to strict codes of conduct enshrining rigorous ethical and moral obligations. Professional standards of practice and ethics for a particular field are typically agreed upon and maintained through widely recognized professional associations.” This short column will explore the characteristics of professionalism, how to exhibit professionalism, and the benefits of professional organizations. It is the acknowledgement that Pharmacy is a profession and pharmacists, as well as pharmacy technicians, are considered professionals that this column is in support of, and the ideal to be revisited.

An article that appeared in Mind Tools (www.mindtools.com) describes 8 characteristics of Professionalism. They are:

1. Competence- as a professional, you get the job done and done well. Your abilities match the requirements of your role and produce results that exceed expectations.
2. Knowledge- having up-to-date knowledge which is often highly specialized. At every stage of your career, you strive to master your role and keep adding to what you know.
3. Conscientiousness- being reliable, setting your own high standards, and showing you care about every aspect of your position.
4. Integrity- keeping true to your word. Values are not compromised, even if it means a harder road.
5. Respect- being a role model for politeness and good manners to everyone, not just to those you need to impress.
6. Emotional Intelligence- keeping your emotions in check, managing your emotions with a clear awareness of other people’s feelings. If emotions need to be expressed,  then they are expressed with respect.
7. Appropriateness- a big part of being a professional is knowing what is appropriate in different situations. It avoids awkwardness or upset, boosts your credibility, and helps you feel secure in your role. Appropriateness relates to outward appearances, such as dress, personal grooming, and body language. It 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.

To exhibit professionalism the keys are:

• Improve your competence.
• Increase your knowledge.
• Be conscientious.
• Role-model integrity.
• Promote mutual respect.
• Develop your emotional intelligence.
• Always behave appropriately.
• Boost your confidence.

There are many reasons to join professional organizations. An article on InfoTrack (www.infotrack.com) lists 10 good reasons.

1. Continuing education.
2. Job prospects.
3. Mentoring programs. Either being a mentor or finding a mentor.
4. Networking opportunities.
5. Access to resources.
6. New perspectives.
7. Professional development (closely related to continuing education).
8. Publicizing your name or your firm’s name in the public arena.
9. Certification assistance.
10. Time to recharge.

This article has talked about being a professional, how to exhibit professionalism, and the benefits of professional organizations. The main take-away point is, as the saying goes, “Professionalism is not the job you do, it’s how you do the job.”

I would like to add one more imperative of professionalism, and professionals in general, be a member of your profession. Join a Local, State, and National professional organization of your choice, but the main thing is to JOIN!

Prosper and be in health.