Being professional with Unprofessional colleagues !

It is not often that one encounters unprofessional behavior from irresponsible, uncaring individuals. More often than not, workplaces are happy spaces of collaboration and interaction. I believe it is essential to make "work friends" and "work acquaintances" to maintain one's peace of mind. However, finding those who will ruffle feathers and challenge you and your work ethos is not uncommon. To keep your headspace clear and uncluttered and to deliver to the best of your ability, steer clear of the negativity that unprofessional colleagues breed. Bear in mind that maintaining professionalism with unprofessional colleagues will help you stay on top of things and deliver effectively.

Setting clear boundaries always has been my principle.I like to politely but firmly let colleagues/ peers or subordinates know what behaviors I consider unprofessional and that I expect a certain level of professionalism in the workplace. For example, if a colleague makes an off-color joke,my response would be "I'd prefer we keep our conversations professional and avoid that type of humor in the office." I always believe in bringing focus on the work in hand and not get drawn into unprofessional banter or gossip. Maintain your composure and stay productive. If a colleague tries to draw you into office gossip, it's best to say "I'd rather not discuss our coworkers behind their backs. How about we focus on our own work?"

As a leader, it becomes even more difficult to follow the pattern ,as one has to set an example. It is elementary that a leader does demonstrate the professional behaviors and attitudes one want to see from colleagues. This can inspire them to raise their own standards. For instance, if a colleague is frequently late, one can tactfully discuss it with them, saying "I've noticed you've been arriving late to our meetings. Is there anything I can do to help you be more punctual?"If the late coming persists and talks have no impact writing a formal mail will definitely be impactful .One thing I have learnt ( and the hard way ) is to avoid reacting emotionally. If a colleague says or does something unprofessional, I now don't respond in kind. I try to take a deep breath and respond calmly and constructively. The calm , intended tone is intimidating and sends a signal I am not looking for discussion or "I mean business" . For example, if the tardiness issue persists, you can say "I've brought up the tardiness issue with you before. It's important that we all arrive on time and prepared for our meetings."

If workplace issues are widespread, consider implementing professional development workshops or team-building exercises to enhance work culture. These initiatives can address specific challenges and foster a more cohesive and collaborative environment. It's crucial to pay attention to these issues by encouraging staff to openly discuss the current work culture and the ethical standards they observe. Create channels for regular updates, allowing employees to share their perspectives and concerns. As a leader, it's essential to stay informed and updated about the dynamics within different departments. Regular check-ins, open-door policies, and feedback sessions can help one understand how various teams interact and whether they are aligned with the school's values and goals. By staying abreast of these developments, one can proactively address issues, promote positive changes, and ensure that all departments are working harmoniously towards common objectives. This approach not only improves workplace culture but also strengthens overall organizational effectiveness.What worked very well is to document incidents. Keep a record of any serious unprofessional behavior in case you need to escalate the issue. This has worked well for me for students and my colleagues , always.

And most important of all, I learnt recently where to draw the line and know when to disengage. If a colleague is unwilling to change, you may have to limit your interactions with them as much as possible while still being courteous.The key is to maintain one's own professionalism regardless of how the colleagues behave. With patience and grace, I believe we can set a positive example and potentially inspire any unprofessional colleague to improve their own conduct.