Each of us, no matter where we work or what kind of business we run, has the choice of what kind of professional we hope to be. For some, that might involve being reactive, dynamic, creative, for others it might mean being totally straight-laced, confident and absolutely wielding authority to avoid chaos from piling up (this is often how headteachers present themselves, for example, and for obvious reasons).

Yet no matter if you’re simply looking to stand out in the office or implement the truck stop etiquette you wish others would adopt more readily, it’s important to consider what kind of professionals you hope to be, and how having high standards will get you noticed. Perhaps this way you can take yourself to the next level, perhaps becoming a more competent and interesting freelancer, or feeling more confident to apply for those high-level jobs you only now think you have enough experience for.

This is a great deal of fun to consider, and so in this post, we hope to help you in that regard:

Self-Respect Is Foundational

It’s true that credentials can amount to how you’re seen, no matter where they come from, but how you hold yourself and the self-respect you curate for yourself as a professional can be even more rewarding and useful. For instance, it might be that putting an idea forward in a group setting with confidence, even if it’s rejected, shows that you’re active, engaged, and not afraid to get stuck in. Self-respect means knowing that you have a place as a professional, and that you deserve to be heard thanks to the work you’ve put in.

Leading By Example

It’s true that while leading by instruction is important, leading by example is natural. It might be, for instance, that you hope to remain the best-dressed person in your office, despite the smart casual dress code. If you wish for your employees to wear ties, you might decide to always make sure you’re never seen without one. If you are helming a project, then ensuring you’re never late no matter what can also be a great way to be seen. Acting as if you were a leader worth following will convince people that you are, no matter what.

Reputational Effects

The reputational effects of having professional standards are hard to quantify, but they’re certainly present. This may mean that you become the first person to be contacted for a job or enhanced responsibility. Perhaps your candor and ease to work alongside makes you one of the top choices for someone who needs a partner for a project. Having the ability to network may help you become first choice for someone starting their own ambitious outfit, allowing you to be first in line for a potential choice. Keeping your integrity and trustworthiness is essential, too, as it helps you stand out among people who may not offer the same reputational grounding.

With this advice, we hope you can understand how professional standards get you noticed, and why to employ them.