Professionalism Series
Creating a Professional Persona
According to several studies, within a matter of seconds, most employers develop their first impressions of a new workforce entrant. Once those impressions are formed, they are virtually impossible to change. My professionalism program ensures that your new hires look, sound, and act like professionals from the moment they set foot in a workplace. Participants learn:
- Key characteristics that contribute to a positive first impression
- Office-appropriate attire throughout the work year
- Verbal communication techniques that communicate competence and confidence
- Electronic communications that work
- 5 specific behaviors that communicate professionalism (always be prepared, take initiative, learn from feedback, demonstrate superb client service, and exhibit an attitude of gratitude)
Developing the Likability Factor
Some new professionals look great on paper, but they don’t do well in the workplace. One Harvard Business Review article may explain this phenomenon. In one assessment people at work were classified into four archetypes: the competent jerk, who possesses loads of technical knowledge but is generally unpleasant; the lovable fool, who possesses limited knowledge but is a delight to work with; the lovable star, who's both smart and likeable; and the incompetent jerk, who can’t handle work or people issues. Not surprisingly, everyone wanted to work with the lovable star, and no one wanted to work with the incompetent jerk. However, when given a choice between the competent jerk and the loveable fool, almost everyone chose likability over smarts.
This program helps participants enhance their likability at work by understanding the assets and liabilities they bring to the workplace as well as how they can “flex” to the assets and liabilities of the professionals with whom they will interact. Participants will:
- Complete the DISC behavioral style self-assessment tool
- Understand their personal behavioral style preference, including assets and liabilities
- Learn to recognize the behavioral styles of others with whom they interact at work
- Acquire “flexing” strategies to facilitate relationships
The Rules of Engagement
Business-social events like receptions and business meals are critically important opportunities for new professionals to build relationships with key members of your organization. Yet these functions challenge many recent students, especially those who have survived on a steady diet of Ramen noodles, delivered pizza, and take-out dinners. This business-etiquette program is specifically designed to help participants feel competent and comfortable in every business-social setting. Participants will:
- Acquire 10 specific and practical rules that will help them prepare for, attend, and follow up receptions and other networking events
- Acquire 10 specific and practical rules that will help them manage any business meal
- Discuss 5 specific rules regarding electronic communications at work (optional)
- Review cultural expectations unique to your organization (optional)
Managing Time and Projects
How well a new professional manages his or her time is more predictive of success than a GPA ever could be. Yet, few schools adequately prepare students for managing multiple priorities or deadlines that shift hour by hour. What’s more, the new professional who quickly demonstrates promise and ability ensures that an ever-growing number of senior professionals will place new demands on his or her time. This program helps new professionals maximize their productivity. Participants will:
- Identify SMART goals for the upcoming summer or year
- Acquire prioritization techniques
- Address multi-tasking
- Learn how to put an end procrastination
- Establish time-management personal habits that pay off at work
