Telecommunications and Networking

1. Telecommunications and Networking Professionalism in the Workplace

2. Topics Part 1 – Terminology and Professional Behaviors Part 2 – Major Components of Professionalism Part 3 – Dressing the Part Part 4 – Professional Communication in the Workplace Part 5 – Putting it all Together!

3. Defining Terminology Identifying Professional Behaviors Part 1

4. Questions: What does it mean to be a ‘professional’ at something? What does the term ‘professionalism’ mean to you? What are ethics? What are morals? What are standards? What are examples of collaborative behaviors?

5. Terminology: • Professional- Relating to a job that requires special education, training or skill • Professionalism- The skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well *Note that nothing is mentioned about a degree. Professionalism is more about how you conduct yourself than your position or education.

6. Ethics-Two Definitions A guiding philosophy ‘He has a strong work ethic.’ Typically means… He arrives early He does a good job He has a positive attitude Rules of behavior based on ideas about what is morally good and bad • Ex: She has high moral standards and does not behave inappropriately. How do you interpret these definitions?

7. Standards - Ideas about morally correct and acceptable behavior The Association of Information Technology Professionals sets the ‘standards’ of conduct expected of those working in the IT field

8. Morals - Concerning or relating to what is right and wrong in human behavior Not cheating on the test demonstrated that she has good morals when it comes to her education.

9. Collaborate - Collaborative behavior - Cooperating with others • In assessing your performance companies often give higher marks to those who demonstrate collaborative behaviors. Working with another person or group to achieve or do something • She was willing to collaborate on the project

10. wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it right is right even if only you are doing it There’s a lot of talk about ‘right’ and ‘Wrong’ in Professionalism! Now it’s Your turn Can you think of some terms that might be related to professionalism?

11. Major Components of Professionalism Part 2

12. Standards of Professionalism Some professions have a written code of professionalism. However, there are components of professionalism that are accepted as standards of behavior regardless of the industry in which you work.

13. Primary Components of professionalism Image created by Robyn Segrest, Lufkin ISD, Lufkin, TX

14. Do you know what each of these mean? Attitude Appearance Dependability and Accountability Interpersonal Skills/Communication Skills Etiquette

15. Attitude A disposition, position, or feeling towards a person or thing The way you think and feel about someone or something Attitude is hard to define but easier to describe. You know when someone has a ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ attitude. People who exhibit professionalism generally are perceived as having a positive attitude.

16. Appearance This will be discussed in greater depth in part 3. The way that someone or something looks • This includes how you dress from head to toe. • Clothes, footwear, jewelry, hair, and nails • Applies to all genders

17. Dependability and Accountability To be dependable means you can be trusted to consistently do or provide what is needed Accountability is when you take personal responsibility for something Two aspects of professionalism that are closely related

18. Dependable Undependable Arrives at random times or does not bother to show up Projects/assignments are either late, incorrect, or simply never completed Does not communicate with others on the team • On time or early • Completes assignments/projects accurately • Keeps all necessary individuals notified of important information

19. Unaccountable Accountable Responsible, answerable, or obligated to answer for something Example: Someone else created this presentation for you and they are wholly accountable for every mistake you may find. Exempt from being held responsible Example: Someone else did not create this presentation. Therefore they are not accountable for mistakes you may find.

20. Interpersonal Skills Sometimes called ‘people skills’, ‘soft skills’, or ‘communication skills’ these all relate to how you interact with others • Are you an effective listener? • Do you negotiate well with others? • Can you successfully resolve conflicts? • Do you have positive non-verbal communication skills? • Are you helpful?

21. There is an entire industry dedicated to helping people improve their interpersonal skills. You can buy books, hire a life coach, etc. but it all really boils down to how well you can: • Influence • Lead • Solve Problems • Image created by Robyn Segrest, Lufkin ISD, Lufkin, TX

22. Etiquette Have you ever been to a formal dinner? Everyone tends to speak very formally, knows which fork to use at which time, and whether they follow ‘European’ or ‘Western’ dining customs. Etiquette is the set of rules that guide us in the proper and polite ways to behave in a given situation.

23. Here is a scenario: All the employees in the office are on a ‘first name basis’ with the supervisor. One day the vice-president of the company pays a visit to the office. When your supervisor comes out of his office with the V.P. suddenly he is greeting everyone by their last names (e.g. Mr. Smith, Mrs. Cassidy). What is the appropriate response? • “Why did you just call me by my last name?” • “Who are you talking too?!” • “Oh, we are trying to impress the bigwig!” • “Hello Mr. Henry”

24. General Etiquette Tips for the Workplace • Kindness and courtesy count • Return phone calls and emails within 24 hours • Do not arrive late…ever. If it is unavoidable call and let someone know • ‘Stuck in traffic’ is not a good excuse • Keep your space professional and neat • Moderate your voice in tone and volume

25. One last tip… All the major components of professionalism can be applied in a positive way or a negative way to your personal life as well as your career. When applied in a positive way they will generally be viewed as acceptable qualities or personal traits.

26. Word Clouds Image created by Robyn Segrest, Lufkin ISD, Lufkin, TX

27. Dressing the part versus Part 3 Dress for the job you want, not the job you have!

28. The Way We Dress Affects our Attitude How do you feel when you dress: In sweats and a t-shirt? Jeans and a sweater? Slacks and a button up shirt? Business professional attire?

29. What is your initial perception of this young man?

30. What about these people?

31. Importance of Appropriate Attire • First impressions are critical Usually made within 5 – 10 seconds Primarily based on visual elements • Your wardrobe is an extension of you • When meeting with outside parties, you are a representative of your company • Your wardrobe affects how you feel and how you present yourself Professionalism Confidence

32. Which One Would You Hire or Promote to Run Your Multi-Million Dollar Business?

33. What to Consider when Choosing a Wardrobe for Your Workplace • Your position • Your industry • Company culture • Safety

34. Company Culture • The ‘Way of life’ for those in a given company Unwritten policies that develop over time through the traits of people the company hires • Typically different for every company Even between companies and within the same industry • Elements of a company’s culture include: Power relationships Language Fashion

35. A Few Tips from the Experts • Observe your co-workers and managers regarding how to dress Dress codes are typically created by management Follow their lead; they are the ones who may recommend you for promotions • Stay away from ‘trendy’ styles and clothing Instead, go for a more conservative look

36. Recommendations for Men Clothing Grooming Hair Short and neatly trimmed No facial hair fairs better in interviews If you have facial hair to avoid looking too young make sure it is neatly trimmed Jewelry Watch Appropriate rings Wedding ring Class ring • Suit Navy/Gray/Black/Darker Browns • Shirt Muted color matched to suit or white Cuffs should extend ¼ - ½ inch beyond jacket sleeve Neatly ironed • Tie Solid colored or small pattern Point of tie should lay over belt buckle • Shoes Wing-tips preferred Polished and well cared for

37. Men Maybe… Or Not… Tennis Shoes Shirt untucked

38. Gentlemen, this is a yes… Trimmed Haircut Clean Shaved Warm Smile Feel of Confidence Formal Dress Correct Body Posture Firm Handshake

39. Recommendations for Women Clothing Grooming Hair Long hair pulled back Short hair neatly styled and out of face Makeup Light and natural with neutral tones Jewelry Limit to five pieces ONE pair of earrings Watch One appropriate ring per hand One necklace One bracelet No dangling jewelry • Shirts Ironed Solid color Avoid ruffles • Skirts/Suit Fitted but not too tight Skirts should be no more than 1 inch above the knee Navy/Black/Gray • Shoes Close-toed No higher than a 2” heel Black/Brown/Navy Hosiery should be nude or match your skin tone

40. Ladies Maybe… Or Not… Never wear ‘off the shoulder’, low-cut blouses to work Earrings too large

41. Yes…

42. Grooming Recommendations for Everyone • Nails clean and neatly trimmed • Avoid heavy perfume/cologne • Wear deodorant • Keep hair and skin clean • Brush your teeth and keep mouthwash handy for use throughout the day • Remove body piercings • Cover tattoos

43. Final Thoughts Some companies and positions are a little more tolerant than others The best advice is to conservatively emulate the people in your company whose career paths you wish to follow. They will feel flattered and believe that you are ‘in sync’ with them.

44. Professional Communication in the Workplace: Speaking Emails Phone conversations Part 4

45. Topics Common types of digital communication Determining the correct communication tool Effective communication Writing appropriately for your purpose Does punctuation really matter anymore? Carrying on a phone conversation

46. Professional Communication Benefits Challenges Culture Biases Assumptions Effective Listening Skills • Innovation increases • Team Building • Increased Revenue • Motivated Employees

47. Common Types of Digital Communication According to a recent Internet poll, the daily use of electronic communication is growing rapidly. • 92% • Email • 50% • Instant Messaging • 73% • Texting • 65% • Social Media

48. Which format is correct? • Quick message to your co-worker • Instant messaging • Update on your mood • Social media • Asking a business for a scholarship • Email • Letting your friend know you may be late for dinner • Texting

49. What Does Effective Communication Look Like? Communication I need the report. Effective communication I need the FRC forms by the end of the day in order for you to attend the conference. • Here we are told which report, when it is needed, and why it is needed

50. Effective Email Communication • Use proper punctuation • Use proper upper and lower case letters • Be concise and to the point • Use a descriptive subject line • Inductive when delivering bad news • Deductive when delivering good news