Strategy Tips - Professionalism

40th Anniversary Strategy Tips from T/TAS Specialists

Professionalism isn't always about titles and credentials, it's really more about attitude and altitude and how you treat people.
Professionalism is a part of every system in a Head Start/Early Head Start Program. Ask these questions:
-- Are our phones answered in a professional manner and tone?
-- Do all staff understand what professional behavior means and looks like?
-- Is professionalism modeled from the top executive level positions?
Say what you mean and mean what you say, but don't say it mean.
Never, ever, and by no means throw a team member under the bus—since every organization is only as strong as its weakest link.
Everyone can be a "professional" regardless of his or her job. Relevant and up-to-date training, formal education, lifelong learning, doing a job with commitment and dignity, "being the best you can be" at whatever work you do - these and many others are attributes of a professional. Similarly, regardless of title or credentials, you are not a professional if you are sloppy, petty, self-serving, stingy with your knowledge and skills, and so on. Ask staff what makes them a professional in their work and celebrate their professionalism.