Comments on: 5 Ways To Be Professional Anywhere

By: 10 Stereotypical Elements to Offline Unprofessionalism at The Reasoner

10 Stereotypical Elements to Offline Unprofessionalism at The Reasoner — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 08:23:21 +0000

[...] time someone told you that you were acting unprofessional? By now, you may have already read my 5 ways to be professional anywhere. Professionalism and unprofessionalism (1) are confused with the idea of a job profession so much, [...]

By: What is a Professional Blogger? » Reader Appreciation Project

What is a Professional Blogger? » Reader Appreciation Project — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 06:44:00 +0000

[...] as being part of the professional bloggers’ community. I once said on my site that you can be professional in 5 ways in almost any situation, anywhere, regardless of any profession involved, or whether you even have [...]

By: Bes

Bes — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 11:09:54 +0000

Roger Anderson, thank you for the comment. You are right; language is indeed very important. The way things are said and what is being said can be more important than what one intends to say. Personal blogs can be good examples of this, since many personal bloggers use words loosely and assume that the supposed light-nature of their blogs will automatically help in conveying the appropriate message to the readers.

Emotional outburst, though completely human, can be taken as a sign of not being professional. Other things that may do the same are extreme or non-typical views about topics like same-sex marriage, pregnancy, and even politics. I like the last part of your comment: in real life, we can all proclaim that we are professional, and we may even act like one for a few hours during work, but in reality, very few people actually live their entire lives, or even a whole day, being professional. It can be so easy to act for a few hours, though it can be more than hard to actually be something all the time.

Thanks for the link; I have bookmarked it. Your lists look very interesting and informative. I may end up buying your book, by the way. Thanks for visiting and for your comment, I really appreciate it.

By: Roger Anderson

Roger Anderson — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 04:59:40 +0000

I think asking general personal questions is okay as long as the need to respond is clearly voluntary.

I would add to your list - language. What you say, says more than what you mean.

Years of education and experience melt-away in the aftermath of poorly chosen words. Don Imus is, perhaps an extreme example, but a good melt down by anyone can ruin a professional appearance. Profanity, racism, and slang can also undo the impression given by a well tailored suit.

Anyone can act in a professional manner, but few do it often enough.

Great list - I love 5 point lists (See my Squidoo lens Don’t Eat the Steak - here)

By: Bes

Bes — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 21:17:31 +0000

SP, thanks for sharing. I like the concept of realizing when one is being “nosy” and when is genuinely interested for valid or useful, relative reasons. However, many times, people simply do not care about others and use the idea of not being too nosy to say that they do not want to ask too much personal information. Again, the perception of such a thing is relative too.

By: Simply Precious

Simply Precious — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 15:12:54 +0000

I agree on all of the 5 ways to be professional, especially the 5th one. That is EXACTLY how I am. I don’t like to be “nosy” to people/friends that I don’t know too well. I’m like that, and sometimes it’s a good thing, and sometimes it’s not. Well, according to some people I know… Like how I don’t want to ask certain questions to certain people, but they say that it’s nothing at all, and it isn’t too personal, but I think differently… I’m like that, so I guess it’s a good thing?