GetReal, GetGOING: Professionalism in Action
You’re making a transition from student life to that of a working professional in a setting with coworkers and clients. You are cultivating habits and a reputation that will follow you into the future, so it’s time GetReal and GetGoing with these tips for becoming a friendly, reliable, efficient, team-playing professional on the path to private practice success.
Fifteen Keys to Professionalism
Say what you will do and do what you say. Always be responsive to those who have legitimately requested information from you. If a delay is unavoidable, let them know you need more time.
Be available. Create an auto-response on your office email and change your outgoing message to detail when you are available. Any communication is better than none.
Be pleasant to everyone. Although Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People was written in 1936, many of his thoughts are still valid today: Whether you’re interacting with a janitor or the CEO of a company, make it a point to remember names, to smile and show respect for and sincere interest in others.
Be considerate. For example, when you go on a coffee run, ask if anyone else would like something.
Don’t gossip. We all process issues at work with others, at times informally. However, don’t be careless. If there is a genuine problem, consult and discuss the case thoughtfully.
Arrive at work early. Come prepared, organized, rested, and looking the part.
Think before you speak or write. Imagine possible reactions to your spoken words, your emails, memos, and progress notes, especially if they ended up in the wrong hands. You don’t want an impulsive email to haunt you. If you aren’t sure of your tone, ask a trusted colleague or mentor to review your work.
Speak up in meetings. Let colleagues and supervisors know how you conceptualize cases and that you have creative ideas for the organization. These people are your future referral sources.
Be approachable, but poised. Think twice before letting your hair down at company gatherings such as the annual holiday party. One slip can tarnish your reputation.
Watch your language. Vulgarity and profanity should never be part of your workday even if you are out of earshot of clients and supervisors.
Be cautious and sensitive. This is especially true in debates focused on politics, money, or religion.
Watch your humor. Jokes can artfully dispel office tensions—or do the opposite. Be aware. If your humor backfires, address it immediately.
Don’t reveal too much about your personal life. Some colleagues will inevitably become close friends with whom you will discuss your lives. But unless you have a clear reason for specific disclosure, keep those conversations for outside of work.
However, do consider telling your supervisor about personal problems if they might affect your work, or if you need time off for an emergency. Again, use discretion about what you tell and to whom. If you aren’t sure, consult a trusted friend or mentor.
Above all, behave ethically. As a mental health professional, you have an obligation to be familiar with the Code of Ethics of your association as well as think deeply and consult with your colleagues or supervisor regarding “gray areas.”
You can find more discussion of ethical scenarios in GetReal, GetGOING: The Definitive Roadmap to Starting the Private Practice of Your Dreams.
