Characteristics of a Professional Employee

You’ve probably had a coworker whom you enjoyed working with, and you’ve probably had a coworker who caused you to struggle. What was the difference between these two employees? The answer is professionalism. Dr. Ronald E. Riggio says that professional employees will be motivated, innovative, and dedicated (2011).

A professional will be motivated by both tangible measures of success as well as the satisfaction of a job well done (Riggio, 2011). This attitude translates to enthusiasm and a strong work ethic. Relief Jones states that these employees succeed in “improving morale and encouraging others around them to work hard as well” (2013).

Innovative employees will seek out opportunities to improve efficiency and benefit the company. They will take the initiative to invent creative solutions to issues that may arise. Dedication to the business will lead professional employees to work outside of their own job responsibilities to ensure the success of others and the company (Riggio, 2011). Professional people “work hard, learn quickly and aren't discouraged by setbacks” (Jones III, 2013). Innovation and dedication make these employees invaluable to the company.

            Take pride in the work you are doing and allow this to motivate so that you can be the coworker that others want to work with. Look for ways to increase efficiency and solve problems. Demonstrate your commitment to the company. In these ways, you can reflect professionalism daily in the workplace.

References

Jones III, R. (2013). 5 qualities of a good employee. Retrieved from San Antonio Eye Institure: http://www.saeyeinstitute.com/documents/good_employee.pdf

Riggio, D. R. (2011, August 9). Cutting-edge leadership: are you a high-potential professional. Retrieved from Psychology Today: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201108/are-you-high-potential-professional