FTW - Flexible Training for Work Program

Module #13
Core Skill #4 Professional Skills –
Maintaining the Right Attitude
& Proper Decorum
Behaving appropriately
INTRODUCTION
ACTIVITY
 TOPIC #1:
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE
PROFESSIONAL IN THE
WORKPLACE?
The word “professional” is commonly
associated with careers that require a lot of
education, and perhaps a license to act.
Professionalism is a code of conduct 
enforced in any workplace.
 TOPIC #2:
WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF
PROFESSIONALISM?
Professionalism includes your appearance,
behavior, speech and work ethic.
WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF PROFESSIONALISM?

1. APPEARANCE
Dressing appropriately goes hand in hand with good grooming. It is important to be
mindful of the following as well:

• Keep your hair neat. 

• Keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh.
• Keep your hands and your nails clean.
• Wear a light fragrance or deodorant.
• Put on simple, light make-up, when necessary.
WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF PROFESSIONALISM?

3. BEHAVIOR
Behavior pertains to how you act whether you are alone, or around your colleagues and clients
and customers. Signs of professional behavior include being courteous, considerate, respectful
and helpful towards the people around you.
A good rule of thumb here is: Be the teammate you would love to work with.

Professional behavior would consider the following:

• Treat others the way you want to be treated. 
• Be the brand. 
• Stay calm under pressure. 
• Pair complaints with solutions.
WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF PROFESSIONALISM?

3. SPEECH
Speech refers to your language, or how you communicate at the workplace. Appropriate
speech at the workplace does not necessarily mean having to use “business speak” or jargon.
Appropriate speech means using a courteous and clear language when talking to coworkers
and clients.

Appropriate speech involves the following:

• Call people by their names.
• Avoid profanity, swearing or cursing.
• Keep messages and work emails about work.
• Avoid gossiping.
• Expand your work vocabulary.
WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF PROFESSIONALISM?

4. WORK ETHIC
Professionalism impacts your relationships with your coworkers
and with the company/organization.

A person with a strong work ethic would be mindful of the following:

• Show up. This means arriving on time or even earlier. It also means being present,
completing a task and delivering results.
• Act like it is your own. Engage at work as if the business is yours. This means using the
company’s resources mindfully, including time and work supplies.
 References:
Lim, C. “Grooming Tips for that First Interview” From tp.jobscentral.com.sg https://tp.jobscentral.com.sg/articles/?
title=grooming-tips-for-that-first-interview 

“A Guide to Professionalism in the Workplace” From glassdoor.com

https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/a-guide-to-professionalism-in-the-workplace/

“Professionalism: Language” From conovercompany.com

https://www.conovercompany.com/professionalism-language/#:~:text=In%20order%20to%20speak%20professionally,are
%20important%20in%20your%20industry. 
 TOPIC #3:
WHY IS PROFESSIONAL 
BEHAVIOR IMPORTANT?
Professional behavior is a reflection 
of your values and principles.
Whether you agree with some company policies or not is beside the point. Professional
behavior takes self-management and, at times, restraint. When you joined your company, you
entered an agreement to adhere to how things operate at the workplace.
There is value in seeking to understand such policies first, then to be understood.
Professional behavior is a sign 
of respect for your coworkers.
When you behave appropriately at work, you show your coworkers that you value their own
values and principles, no matter how different they may be from yours. Being respectful of
others invites others to be respectful towards you too.
Professional behavior shows that you have 
a high regard for the job you are entrusted with.
Professional behavior paired with competence in your role will boost your chances for career
advancement and increase your chances of keeping your job.
 References:
McKay, D. (2019). “Professionalism in the Workplace: How to Conduct Yourself on the Job”
From thebalancecareers.com. https://www.thebalancecareers.com/professionalism-526248 
Accessed 7 June 2020.

Subtle, R. (2017). “Elements of Professionalism” From careertrends.com.

https://careertrend.com/elements-professionalism-3381.html 
Accessed 7 June 2020.
APPLICATION
#1
A famous artist who happens to be your company’s client
visits your office. You notice that the artist is doing their best
to not attract attention from the employees and customers.
You really want to get this opportunity to have your picture
taken with them. What would you do?
#2
One of your teammates keeps on calling you “mumshie”
in front of your customers and your bosses. 

What would you do?

#3
During an office party, you noticed that there is still food left.
Most of your teammates are already leaving.

What would you do?

#4
You had a long meeting with one of your clients. You and
your teammates are so eager to celebrate the end of the
meeting, but the client is still in your office.

What would you do?

#5
You work for a theme park where you serve mostly children
and their families. You are expected to be friendly, to smile at
children and to make sure that families enjoy their time at the
park. One child keeps on whining because of the long wait for
the ride, and you are starting to get a terrible headache. What
would you do?
 KEY MESSAGES
• Professionalism is a code of conduct
enforced in any workplace.
• Professionalism includes your
Final Thoughts appearance, behavior, speech, and
work ethic.
• Professionalism impacts your
relationships with your coworkers and
with the company/organization.
Any questions?
HOME TASK
HOME TASK #1:
Your 10 Rules for the Workplace
Now that you are more familiar with the appropriate behavior in the workplace, try to
make your own 10 basic rules for behaving professionally and appropriately in the
workplace. 

Keep in mind the four elements of professionalism that we discussed in this module -
appearance, behavior, speech, and work ethic.  

Write them down and save as a word document using file name: 
Your first and last name_ Rules Home Task-Module 13. 
HOME TASK #2:
Preparing your wardrobe
Practice preparing your wardrobe for your office work. Try to mix and match your clothes
and your footwear to suit your standards of presentability and professionalism. 

When you are done, take a photo of your outfit for the day #OOTD. 
Place the photos on a word document and briefly explain your choices. 

Save the file using: 

Your first and last name_ OOTD Home Task-Module 13.
 Time for another
class screenshot photo!
Congratulations on completing all Professional
Skills lessons, and
the Core Skills Training Course!
FTW - Flexible Training for Work Program