by Scott Holloway

Created on: January 04, 2011   Last Updated: January 06, 2011

Maintaining a professional aura at work is not only a basic element of most performance reviews it is also a must have characteristic when it comes to promotional opportunities. Every corporate environment has its own culture in terms of desired behavior and dress. Whether you are looking to merely blend in or rise above the crowd there are a number of things you can do to establish a professional reputation at work.

When the subject of being professional at work is brought up most people think of behaviors and attitudes. Engaging in office gossip is a very common activity within many places of business. It is not only damaging to morale and unproductive it can also gain you a bad reputation with respect to being trustworthy.  Thus avoiding conversations which represent gossip or being around others who have that reputation will prevent you from being labeled as such. To members of the management team who routinely evaluate such behaviors of their employees not engaging in gossip displays your ability to be a trusted keeper of confidences and someone who can be depended upon.

Another important element of behavior is how well you interact with others in different situations. Using profanity, criticizing others, being the class clown, or other fraternity-like behavior may be commonplace in some work environments but they will never help to gain you a reputation for being professional. Being well spoken and utilizing terminology acceptable to both management and clients in meetings, presentations, or casual conversations is much more effective in conveying that professional aura. Being professional at work also means exhibiting some leadership skills as well. This doesn’t necessarily mean in a formal sense but can take the form of participating in discussions, membership in sub-organizations, or activities which will help you to gain the respect of your peers.

Along with exhibiting appropriate behaviors at work it is also strongly recommended that you dress for success as well. This does not mean you have to wear a business suit or dress when everyone else is wearing jeans. It means that you should always dress within any established or perceived policies related to clothing. In addition to merely blending in or dressing a little better than the crowd the wearing of overly revealing clothing or that which has offensive sayings or symbols should definitely be avoided. The last thing you want to get is a visit from your supervisor or human resources regarding your apparel!

Cultivating that professional image at work is more about taking a step back and thinking about how others may perceive you. It takes discipline and the courage not to follow the crowd when it comes to activities where you can be judged by those who evaluate your performance. Another benefit is the respect you will gain from others at work.

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