Here are 12 ways you can develop and practice professionalism:

Critical thinkers think clearly and rationally, and make logical connections between ideas — they are crucial to exploring and understanding the world we live in. Critical thinkers are focused on constantly upgrading their knowledge, and they engage in independent self-learning.

Critical thinking is self-guided, self-disciplined thinking which attempts to reason at the highest level of quality in a fair-minded way. People who think critically consistently attempt to live rationally, reasonably, empathically.

1. Be productive. Use your time productively at work.
2. Develop a professional image.
3. Take the initiative.
4. Maintain effective work habits.
5. Manage your time efficiently.
6. Demonstrate integrity.
7. Provide excellence.
8. Be a problem-solver.

7 Qualities of a Professional

• You are excellent at what you do. You set high standards for yourself.
• You take the high road.
• You can be counted on.
• You are calm under pressure.
• You are proactive.
• You go the extra mile.
• You represent yourself and the organization in an excellent way.

a person competent or skilled in a particular activity. But a professional is more than a dictionary definition. In many ways it’s no longer enough to have skills and knowledge – a professional must also be able to demonstrate that they can apply it ethically to the situations they face.

1 : the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person. 2 : the following of a profession (such as athletics) for gain or livelihood.

As a conclusion, “highly professional” for me means a person, who is passionate about his/her job, interested in constantly knowing more and stepping up and who has the caring service mindset for mixing the issues while delivering “feeling good” -factor, which usually doesn’t cost anything but can make huge difference …

Top tips on how you can be more professional at work

1. Follow company policies and rules.
2. Appearance, words and deeds.
3. Become an asset to the team.
4. Treat others with courtesy & respect.
5. Avoid office politics & gossip.
6. Understand & follow your company’s culture.
7. Be a responsible employee.
8. Demonstrate a professional attitude.

Sadly, unlike mathematicians, teachers in the U.S. are not professionals. One of the hallmarks of a profession is that professionals feel a responsibility not just to themselves but to the values of the profession itself, and as such they feel compelled to act in defense of these values when they are threatened.