Professionalism is not easy.  It often means conflicts with friends and family who do not see the big picture or share your vision, because professionalism is about doing what is right for your business.  Even among employees professionalism is a requirement.  An employee's career is his business

 

Let me lay out some key traits of a professional:

This does not mean that they know everything.  In fact, the professional is the first to admit that they don't.  They have a clear understanding of the value of surrounding themselves with and listening to people who have the knowledge that they do not possess.  But this does not mean that they take someone else's word as gospel truth.  They evaluate the information.

The Professional is willing to make the sacrifices needed to be successful. That can mean gaining formal education.  It also means that they understand the value of a team effort.  They do not try to set themsevles up as 'dictators'  They understand that they only way a team is of any use is when that team is a cohesive unit working together, that means that the professional is a team player.  The professional will quickly tell you that their personal success is a team effort.

The Professional understands that if he or she is going to be successful, they have to accept the responsibility.  That means that the professional displays a much higher standard of responsibility.  They understand that 'Oops" is a luxury that they do not have.  "oops" is a credibility killer for the professional.  All it takes is one 'oops' to shatter and faith that people have in them.  They think before they act or speak.  They always keep in mind the good of the business.

The professional understands that trust is all important.  Once trust has been broken it can never be regained.  The professional always acts in a trustworthy manner 

The Professional surrounds him or herself with people of the same high standards, they surround themselves with other professionals.  Occasionally someone that you think was a professional turns out not to be.  Businesses deal with this issue daily, people that they thought where professional turn out not be.  They cannot handle the responsibility, they are not trustworthy, they are not dedicated or they are not knowledgeable..  This is where the professional understands that decisions must be made for the good of the business.  Yes it may hurt to fire a friend or replace a family member, but if that is what is best for the business, that is what they do. 

 The professional understands that a business is an asset.  It is an asset that bring in income and like any asset they protect it.