Some rules of professionalism that you will never be taught, yet are the most important ones:
- Respond.
Yes, as simple as this. Bro, there is no point taking out the frustration of your bf / gf / ex on to your professional relationships. If someone is asking, it is professional to respond. If someone is sending an information, it is professional to give a thumbs up.
People don’t work with people for product or services. People work for the care. Give them! Because it’s the right thing to do. - Be on time.
On time means on time. If it is a Zoom call, 4 pm means 4 pm. Not 4:15, stating 15 minutes is okay. No it’s not. So is the case with in-person meetings.
The formula is again simple. People see how much you care about them. That will make them decide if they can refer you to others, or figure out a way to get out of this engagement asap. - Do what you say you will do. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
The line is maarofied from my boss, however, emotions are the same.
You say you will deliver a report by 7? Keep an internal deadline of 5 and email it max by 5:30.
You say you will come back? Be specific and tell by when will you come back. Not next week. Rather which day in the next week.
You say you need time to think? Perfect. Can you please communicate by when will you respond?
Repetition hashtag three: People care for people who care. It simply shows you are involved.
Living an organised professional life does not make you Monica from F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
It just makes you an accountable human being, about whom people would not think twice, before referring.