How Managers Can Create a Professional Work Environment

How Managers Can Create a Professional Work EnvironmentHow Managers Can Create a Professional Work EnvironmentWhat is a professional work environment, and what can a manager do to create and maintain it? A professional work environment is one that results in a workplace full of highly competent, respectful, mature, and accountable employees working towards a common goal. Its the kind of workplace that any employee would feel proud to take their children. Professional employees dont swear, gossip, bully, lie, cheat, steal, lose their tempers they leave the drama at home and dress appropriately. In other words, they look, act, and sound like professionals. Employees thrive in professional working environments where they feel respected and treated fairly at all times. Few of us enjoy working in environments where every day feels like a day at the circus. So what can a manager do to create and maintain a professional work environment? Plenty in fact, it all starts and ends with the lea der of a team or organization. Here are some actions to stimulate a professional work environment. Hiring Include elements of professionalism in job profiles and job descriptions. Look beyond impressive resumes and technical skills and use effective selection and behavioral interviewing to dig deep for signs of professional or unprofessional behaviors. Be a Role Model A job description that includes professional behaviors is worthless if the manager of a team doesnt set the right example. A manager that dresses poorly uses crude language or engages in gossip or badmouths the company will get mora of the same from his/her team. On the other hand, a manager that keeps commitments admits mistakes, never loses his/her temper, and always has a positive attitude sets a positive example, and earns the right to expect the same from his/her team. Recognize and Reward Both Results and Behaviors When a manager says, all that matters is results, and I dont care how you get there, it s an invitation for unprofessional behavior. Effective managers work hard to enkoranvers that no one crosses an ethical line. If you are told that only results count, it is a sign of a potentially toxic work environment. Be Willing to Discipline or Fire an Employee for Unprofessional Conduct Nothing sends a stronger message than coronations and executions. That is, rewarding and celebrating the right behaviors, and punishing the wrong behaviors. That means not letting a top performer get away with unprofessional conduct, and rewarding the right behaviors even if the result wasnt what you were seeking. Provide Feedback and Coaching New employees, especially employees new to the workforce, sometimes need someone to take them aside and provide feedback and coaching. An experienced, caring co-worker can also provide this kind of constructive advice. Training Im not a big fan of sensitivity, ethics, and anti-bullying training, but these kinds of training programs are often ma ndated by companies, so if they are, show your support and make sure all attend (starting with the managers). Some employees may need individual training in interpersonal skills, grammar, how to handle conflict, and anger management. Just dont use training if the employee already knows how thats a performance management issue, not a training issue. SeeHow to Deal With a Lazy Employeeto learn how to tell the difference. Dont Ignore Feedback From Others or Warning Signs Managers are not always in a position to observe examples of unprofessional conduct, so when a complaint is brought to the manager, it shouldnt be taken lightly. Thank the person, and ensure them you will look into it. Provide a Physical Environment That Encourages Professionalism When an organization cuts corners on office space, furniture, office dcor, cleaning services, and maintenance,its pretty hypocritical to have a discussion with an employee about their appearance. If you are expecting five-star behavi or and conduct from your employees, start with giving them a five-star work environment. Stand up for Your Employees If one of your employees is the subject of harassment, abuse, a tantrum, or any other type of extreme unprofessional conduct coming from another department, supplier, or even a customer, then its up to the manager to let the employee know its unacceptable and they dont have to tolerate it. The manager should support the employee when they do stand up for themselves, and when needed, confront the offender themselves. A Professional Conduct Policy Some would say yes, that if its an important expectation for all employees, that you should spell inout inan employee handbook. I guess in some organizations that may be needed, especially to defend against wrongful termination lawsuits.On the other hand, if a manager consistently followsitems one to nine, there would be no need for a written policy. The Bottom Line Effective managers and leaders work hard to suppo rt the development of an effective working environment. Its too important for the firm, the team and for your career to leave to chance. Updated by Art Petty