Professional image: What message do you project at work?

It is incredible what people can conclude about you simply by the way you work. How you face situations, resolve conflicts, and deliver projects is exactly how others measure you in the professional world. All of this builds, piece by piece, the professional image that the world perceives of you.

Speed as a pillar of your professional image

One of my clients mentioned that when he went to visit a prospect, he promised to send a proposal for them to review and decide whether to open an account. It made a total difference that he sent it within 24 to 48 hours (much better in 24 hours); it was a way of demonstrating interest and showing exactly what could be expected from him in the service offered. Upon receiving it, the prospect replied that they were surprised and very interested.

This is the way your clients will be able to see how you work and how efficient you are. If it takes you more than a week to send a proposal, a price list, a list of services, or any type of response, clients will perceive you as passive. This neglect of your professional image can repercuss in their decision-making or even in the loyalty they have toward you.

Proactivity and leadership: keys to your professional image

We all appreciate when people solve things for us instantly, because it is a way of demonstrating not only efficiency but interest in you as a person. On another occasion, a department head made the decision to promote a person solely because of their way of resolving projects and tasks in a very short period and without having to be constantly asking for the result. This made the decision of who to choose from his team very easy.

He mentioned that one of the signs that this person was a true professional was that every time he mentioned a project to investigate, this person delivered the information very quickly. The message sent to the boss was that they were committed, had the energy to cooperate, and were proactive. They didn't have to wait to be asked for things again to perform them. Like this person, this is the type of individual who is always included in big projects and who gets promoted first, strengthening their professional image before the entire organization.

Getting out of the comfort zone

Passive people assume that if they are not asked again, it probably wasn't that important. They think: "Why should I work extra if it's not really necessary?" These people are the ones who never move out of that comfort zone and surely do not stand out professionally. Do not be surprised if clients decide to go with the competition because you did not truly reflect a professional image of trust, or if it is the colleague next to you who gets promoted.

It is much better appreciated in every sense that you resolve your tasks in the shortest possible time. Answering an email, sending a proposal, looking for information, or solving conflicts in the moment projects that people can trust you, and it gives you much greater credibility.

If this professional image you reflect makes you grow, allows you to belong to the team, and helps you get promoted, why not do it? To be a true leader, you have to know how to shine. Although there are many elements to consider, you can start with this if you want to stand out from the rest. Try it and you will see!