Developing as a Professional

50 Tips for Getting Ahead

Marilyn Manning, Ph.D., CMC, CSP, and Patricia Haddock

ISBN 10: 1-56052-697-1

ISBN 13: 978-1-56052-697-1

 

Table of Contents

 

Part 1: Become a Professional

Tip 1: Define Professionalism for Yourself

Tip 2: Develop a Professional Attitude

Tip 3: Respect Yourself

Tip 4: Respect Others

Tip 5: Be a Team Player

Tip 6: Respect the Chain of Command

Tip 7: Beware of Office Politics

Tip 8: Develop Good Work Habits

Tip 9: Act Like a Professional

Tip 10: Professionalism Checklist

 

Part 2: Mind Your Manners

Tip 11: Practice Gender-Neutral Etiquette

Tip 12: Master Business Entertaining

Tip 13: Tip Appropriately

Tip 14: Model Mealtime Etiquette

Tip 15: Meet and Greet People

Tip 16: Mind Your Cubicle Manners

Tip 17: Don’t Blow Smoke

Tip 18: Manners Checklist

 

Part 3: Act Like a Professional

Tip 19: Socialize Without Damaging Your Reputation

Tip 20: Have Professional Relationships

Tip 21: Network Like a Pro

Tip 22: Dress the Part

Tip 23: Be Well Groomed

Tip 24: Communicate Professionally

Tip 25: Be Assertive, Not Aggressive

Tip 26: Watch Your Body Language

Tip 27: Listen and Learn

Tip 28: Give and Receive Feedback

Tip 29: Maximize Phone and E-Mail Messages

Tip 30: Communication Checklist

 

Part 4: Improve Your Skills

Tip 31: Keep Learning and Improving

Tip 32: Improve Your Writing Skills

Tip 33: Present Like a Pro

Tip 34: Be a Problem Solver, Not a Problem

Tip 35: Make Good Decisions

Tip 36: Set and Achieve Goals

Tip 37: Schedule Your Time

Tip 38: Organize Your Workspace

Tip 39: Manage Meetings Efficiently

Tip 40: Improvement Checklist

 

Part 5: Cope with Challenges

Tip 41: Manage Difficult Situations

Tip 42: Handle Mistakes and Apologies

Tip 43: Defuse Conflict

Tip 44: Manage Anger

Tip 45: Interact Effectively with Difficult People

Tip 46: Deal with Pressure and Stress

Tip 47: Avoid Gossip and Backbiting

Tip 48: Beware of Sexual Harassment

Tip 49: Practice Intercultural Courtesy

Tip 50: Success Checklist

 

Professionalism Assessment

Answer Keys

Additional Reading