Guest Blog by Kemetia MK Foley - Three Ways to Boost Your Level of Professionalism

One of the key facets of branding in careers is reputation. What is your reputation and how does one build on it?
 
One’s level of professionalism is a vital piece of that puzzle and working in an office environment is not the sole measure of defining professionalism.
 


Here are three benchmarks that help establish professionalism.
 
1. Punctuality
    Is the staff member on time for work, on time with deliverables?

2. Quality
    Is the work quality consistent and high-level?

3. Collaboration
    Is the staff member easy to work alongside? Are communications direct, clear, and delivered in a        timely fashion?
 
These benchmarks apply to administrative professionals as much, or more so than all other staff.
 
Here are three additional ways you can boost your level of professionalism
 
1. Attire.
   Like it or not, appearance does matter. Doing our best means wearing clothes that have no tears,         missing buttons and so on. Making certain that our wardrobe is workplace appropriate in terms of       modesty and fit.
 
2. Manners
  Take the time to not only say, “Please” and “Thank you” but, to acknowledge the assistance or              contributions of others to your success. Be sure your gratitude is genuine. No one respects a phony.    It can be as simple as a post-it ‘thank you’ note left on a peer’s desk.
 
3. Pay It Forward
  Did you learn something new at a recent conference or meeting? Or, happen to come across a            fantastic tip on pivot tables in Excel on social media? Or, learn about a free webinar? Then, share it!    Share this knowledge with your team or mention it during a lunch break. Pay it forward. You will          begin to gain a reputation as go-to resource for learning new things!
 
While there are hundreds of books on building careers and thriving in the workplace, not a great percentage of these spend time evaluating the career value of professionalism. Invest in building upon this unheralded foundation of establishing your reputation and building upon your career.
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 Kem Foley is the talent behind Admin Renegade, she is an inspirational, down to earth and funny lady. I would recommend that you follow her blog, connected with her on Twitter @officerenegade

She is presenting at Executive Secretary Live in London on one of my favourite topics and that is storytelling and let me assure you, she is one of the very best in the business. Not to be missed! 

Hear from Kem in her own words 

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