There has been so much discussion and reference to this on the Board and so many of us seem to have a different definition as to just what Professionalism is, please give your definition of same.
Chip
There has been so much discussion and reference to this on the Board and so many of us seem to have a different definition as to just what Professionalism is, please give your definition of same.
Chip
Now, this is a great topic! Professionalism is a somewhat elusive term. In my mind, it is best represented as a person, regardless of profession, who takes pride in his or her profession, understanding that the job, be it simple or complex, is always changing and is willing to acknowledge and adapt to those changes. A professional does not need to belittle someone else to increase his or her stature. A professional is courteous to every person he or she is in contact with, regardless of their perceived social status. A professional knows and accepts the fact that he or she will never know everything.
My 2 cents.
I agree with Judy. It's all about attitude and presentation - not just what you say and how you appear but how you present everything.
Judy- you should write for Webster! I totally agree it is all in the person's attitude. You can have all the degrees in the world, but not be professional.
Ooooo, Good one.
Professionalism as defined by Websters:
1: The conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person(see 1professional)
2: Professional status, methods, character, or standards.
3: The following of a profession (as athletics) for gain or livelihood
Of course I believe that "Being Professional" is a different term for everyone. In the Optical setting I know that I have to put on a wide variety of "Professional" personias in my everyday routine. But Ultitmetly I protray the Professional persona of the straight laced medical professional. However at times when having to defend myself and or other staff members of choices mades my ultimate "Professionalism" drops and I will become a bit snide and unprofessional.
I Treat everyone equally that comes into my office, and I great each and every person the same, it's only when I began to catch onto that patient's personality that I will change my way in order to mirror them and make them feel more at ease around me. Now in doing this my Professional appearence may lack in the way I may begin to speak, posture, or even in my perception of the suroundings. This can be a bit dangerous when not careful. Others may view me and being totally unprofessional when I do this, however I am not trying to offend anyoen or make them think that I am unprofessional, I just have not gotten to mirror them yet.
By Appearences you can never tell someone's Professionalism abilities. I have known and know many people that outwardly would never appear to be "Professional" and those whom dress the part of Professional be totally unprofessional and child like.
But back at topic here. Being professional in the optical business should be as "Business Professional" as possible. I have had many reps, and other staff members be unprofessional that I have seen not make it because they could not keep a Business Professionalism attitude about them. It's all about the way that you present yourself.
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.
~ Mark Twain ~
I agree with Judy
Another vote for Judy!
Giving them an option Cash, Check or Credit card.
It's easy to be courteous with reasonable people. Maintaining your professionalism when the customer is a) lying b) screaming c) crazy is difficult and involves developing a non-confrontational mask.
If being a professional and acting in a professional manner were easy, everyone would do it.Originally Posted by pseudonym
Tell you what, you come work in my dispensary today and let me see how you deal with my worst nightmare that's coming in. It's very hard to maintain a professional attitude with this one. And if everyone could do it, then everyone would have a professional manner about them.
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.
~ Mark Twain ~
The major problem...we talk alot about how we treat our customers.........yet we have a nasty habit of eating our own........
"Coimhéad fearg fhear na foighde"
Only behind closed doors, lol
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.
~ Mark Twain ~
Usually, unfortunately, not always..and when its done in public, its really nasty.
"Coimhéad fearg fhear na foighde"
Wow! Chip are you feeling ok? Starting a threat that like this! Hate to ask you what is your opinion?
CNG
Figured I would get everyone else's concept, then throw in my 2 cents.
Chip
This is a good topic and I like Judy's answer. However I suspect that in the end 'professionalism', like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder.
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I believe there is a little more to it.
It applies as said before in Judy's post, to any job in this world and can also be learned at any age. My father sent me at the age 19 to a Dale Carnegy Course which today is available in over 80 countries and over 8 million poeple have taken it.
Check it out at -----------------------> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dale_Carnegie
and ----------------------> http://www.dale-carnegie.com/
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