When working in an office, why is it that there are some employees who are considered more trustworthy and reliable than others? Why is it that when promotions are announced, they are the ones who become the managers? Clearly, these people possess something which others don't have. Professionalism - this is what gives them an edge over the other employees! People who are considered good professionals are respected, looked up to, considered more intelligent and aware as compared to the other employees. So, for all those who want the next promotion in their job, it is very important that they inculcate the characteristics of professionalism in themselves. Time Management An employee is considered a thorough professional if he knows how to manage his time well. Coming to the office on time everyday, being in time for all the office meetings, calling up and informing the manager, just in case he thinks that he is going to be late, these are all traits of a good professional. Smart Office Attire It is said that your first impression is the last one. Going by this rule, an employee should make it a point to dress up in clean clothes, which have been ironed properly. Wearing clothes that are work appropriate is very necessary. Pants, formal skirts, crisp white shirts, leather shoes, and leather bags - these are a must have items in a professional's wardrobe. Organizational Skills An employee should keep his work area neat and clean. His files, paperwork, everything should be in place. In case he has to make a presentation, everything should be ready beforehand so that there are no delays or fumbling in front of the other employees. Soft Skills No one can even think of achieving success in today's corporate world if they do not possess soft skills. Being courteous to the subordinates as well as seniors, using the right words and vocabulary to communicate, respecting the opinions and view points of others, these are the qualities that an employee should ideally display. Good Communication As most of the work in the corporate world today involves working in teams, a professional has to have very good communication skills. Communication skills means the ability to talk as well as listen. By inculcating open and constructive communication, a professional can get many things done. Positive Attitude "It is the attitude that determines your altitude". It is mandatory for all professionals to maintain an optimistic attitude while working. The more positive an employee or a manager is, the more likely it is that the outcome of their work will be positive. A professional employee is the one who does not crack up under pressure and maintains a calm exterior, even in the worst of circumstances. Ethical Behavior Professional ethics form a major part of being a professional today. Working in an organization in no way means that an employee has to blindly follow and do what is expected of him. If an employee feels that by working in a certain way, his honesty and integrity is being compromised, professional etiquette says that he should know when to put his foot down and stand up for himself. Focus To become a success in the corporate world, two of the most important things are focus and hard work. A professional should be very clear on the individual goals that he is expected to achieve as well as the group goals that he has to contribute to. An employee who works with the correct mind set, works with dedication and achieves these goals is considered to be a thorough professional. Reliable and Accountable It is a professional's job to see the work and projects through. Getting the job and project completed, sticking to it till it is completed in the most satisfactory manner and within the time limit, these are the hallmarks of a true professional. This shows that the employee is reliable and can be trusted to do important jobs in the organization. Along with reliability, a professional should come across as someone who "owns up" i.e. someone who is accountable. If an employee takes credit for all jobs done well, he should be ready to take on the blame for unfinished jobs too. Taking responsibility of failures, being accountable and trying to sort out the issue, rather than blaming it on others, is what is expected of a professional. Nobody is a born professional. People learn and develop them as they gain work experience. One thing is sure though, these are indeed the stepping stones in the ladder to success!