Professional Expectations in the Workplace

Why? “Most managers and executives I have interviewed complain that new hires just don't understand what it takes to successfully enter a new organization.” - Ed Holton, Job Choices

Topics Adjustment Expectations Rules of the Road Keys to Professionalism Had little information before accepting employment

Expectations PEOPLE ENVIRONMENT SCHOOL WORK Structure Flexible Schedules Theoretical Approach Knowledge Oriented Short Cycles Ambiguity Rigid Schedules Practical Approach Profit/Service Oriented Long Cycles PROFESSOR/PEERS SUPERVISOR/COLLEAGUES Professor v. Supervisor Frequent Feedback Assignments Exams One professor per class Sporadic Feedback Goals Performance Evaluation Multiple supervisors and/or constituents Peers Colleagues Individual Effort Optional relationships Informal Casual Hierarchy Team Effort Mandated relationships Formal Prescribed Hierarchy ENVIRONMENT PEOPLE

Read Employee Handbook Rules of the Road Policies & Procedures Read Employee Handbook Job Description Organizational Chart Probationary Period Attendance & Accountability Health/Life Insurance Pay/Tax/Retirement Dress Code Annual Performance Review Disciplinary Actions Process to handle HR issues Employee Assistance Programs Social Networking Limits

Rules of the Road Unwritten & Unspoken Rules Look, Learn and Listen Intrapersonal Management Interpersonal Management Static or versatile role Formalities (towards supervisors and colleagues) Calendar management Communication style Impression/Brand management Evaluate and understand chain of command Company time v. personal time Mentoring/Network Multi-generational and multi-cultural dynamics Intrapersonal = Existing or occurring within the individual self or mind. How you manage your self. Interpersonal = Existing or occurring between persons. How you manage your relationship with others. Intrapersonal = within the person. Interpersonal = between or among persons Intra means "within, contained by", e.g. intramural = within the wall, so intramural sports are competitions inside the same school, while inter means "between, among" so intermural sports are between or among schools. Static or versatile role = Tolerance for individual initiative, change & risk

New Professional in Action Joe Smith, a recent graduate from UCF, is beginning his new job as a Operations Assistant at the xyz Company. Today is his first day! What advice do you have for Joe? Joe has completed his 3 month probationary period. What suggestions do you have for him?

Why? “Research suggests that how you approach your first year will have a major impact on your future salary, advancement, job satisfaction, and ability to move within the organization as well as on your own feelings of success and commitment to the job.” - Job Choices, The Critical First Year on the Job

Professionalism Do Don’t Choose to be a professional Accept responsibility Work when you are at work Be accountable for your roles and responsibilities Be on time Use effective communication with all Learn & use good manners Find a good role model to follow Act in a professional manner at all times Be a willing team player Admit your mistakes and learn from them Dress sloppily, poorly, provocatively or immaturely Spend a lot of time on personal matters Discuss confidential information Gossip or spread rumors Avoid or shirk responsibilities Blame others or seek excuses Say or do anything that could offend others Use foul language Hide from your mistakes Wait for some dream job before you start being a professional

Professionalism Do Don’t Be generous, kind and fair Do your part Lead when you should lead; Follow when you should follow Be a self-starter Protect your integrity Be forthright and direct Maintain a positive attitude Pay attention to the details Develop good work habits Apologize when you have offended someone Operate with complete honesty Be Trustworthy Fail to record & track your progress Assume that someone else will take care of you Nag, complain, or be discouraging Lose your temper; Hold a grudge Get defensive or argumentative Be afraid to stretch & grow Play practical jokes Underestimate the importance of your integrity Steal, even a small amount Lie, even a little Be deceptive or misleading Expect it to be easy