*not sure who needs to hear this* Show Up to Create Career Gravity

I respect that many Gen Z'ers bring different generational standards and appreciate their more casual communication style and curiosity in questioning workplace norms. However, it’s equally important to understand that professionalism plays a crucial role in shaping your reputation and advancing your career.

Recently, in conversation with a global Fortune 500 employer that hires thousands of interns annually, they shared that many interns don’t receive full-time offers specifically due to a? 'lack of professionalism'. They provided examples, including:

• Interns missing meetings or being consistently late
• Not responding to emails or casual/sarcastic email responses? (“Hehe bye”)
• Wearing unprofessional clothing (one intern wore a Playboy bunny t-shirt)
• Asking if parents could attend onboarding meetings
• Scrolling on phones or texting during client meetings
• Missing assignment deadlines, and not asking for help

It’s true, that younger workers are navigating new standards–as the pandemic/remote work called many norms into question– while asserting new generational standards. But part of owning your career is understanding how professionalism, defined as the consistent demonstration of competence and a positive attitude in the workplace, creates, what I call, “Career Gravity.” When you “show up” with professionalism, you will attract positive results and more opportunities will come your way.

Consider this stat:

So, how do you “show up”?

Professionalism 101: Develop professional habits and routines:

Set reminders for meetings and commit to being on time. Aim to respond to emails within a reasonable timeframe, even if it’s just an acknowledgment and a note to follow up later. Review the company’s dress code and ensure you’re adhering to it.

Be present and have presence: hello, digital natives When in a meeting or conversation, stay off your device and be fully present. (That means close your laptop!) A Center for Professional Excellence study reported that 83% of new hires excessively utilize social media at work. Not good! When you are fully present, you will have a more impactful presence.

Be prepared and accountable: Always proactively prepare. Before a meeting or interview, do the necessary pre-work and anticipate potential questions. I always say, “Think around corners.” When asking for help, think it through first. Start with “I’m stumped, but here are three ideas on how I might proceed.” Take responsibility when things don't go as planned. For instance, I once worked with a young woman advocating for a bill in Congress. She prepared meticulously, but on the morning of the press conference, she overslept and missed it. Despite the setback, she showed resilience by recording a video of her remarks and promptly sending it, along with an apology note, to the Committee Chairman. Her accountability and swift recovery demonstrated her character and professionalism.?

Take initiative: Initiative is the ability to take action and make decisions without needing to be told what to do. Don’t wait for your big break; create it. Don’t wait to be invited to the stage; build your own stage. Don’t wait to be selected for an opportunity; create your opportunity. Recently, Veronica Paez-Deggeller a LiveGirl marketing intern, notified me that (without being asked) she had taken the lead on preparing our monthly newsletter. Recognizing that the Marketing Leader role was open, she identified a need and filled it. Tremendous initiative!?

Always follow through: If you promise to do something, do it! If you agree to be somewhere, show up. One of my favorite sayings is, 'undercommit and overdeliver.' I've encountered many young women who, due to their people-pleasing nature, say 'yes' to everything and overcommit. However, this often results in tasks falling through the cracks.

"Show up for yourself and be the one who steps in to fill the gaps where things aren’t getting done." -- Sheryl Sandberg, Lean In Founder

To build your professionalism skills, reflect and think through these scenarios:

1. You’re running late for an important client meeting. What do you do?
2. A colleague sends you an email that requires a response, but it’s not urgent. You forget to reply for three days. How do you address this?
3. You receive critical feedback from your manager in front of the team. How do you respond professionally?
4. During a meeting, you find yourself distracted by your phone. What could you do differently?
5. You’re invited to a casual office event, but you’re unsure of the dress code. What steps do you take?

Consider why professionalism matters in each case and how small, everyday actions can enhance your professional reputation and relationships.

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I promise, your efforts to show up and exude professionalism won’t go unnoticed and will inevitably lead to great opportunities ahead.

?? I am late to the party, but I am obsessed with The Great!

?? I just finished Sonia Sotomayor's memoir, My Beloved World.

?? After working for 10 months remotely, meeting with my Book Dream Team IRL! I’m beyond grateful that my book journey brought me together with these amazing women.

A huge shoutout to my incredible Book Advisors—Bookbound Founder Fran Hauser , Word Goddess @Corrie Jackson, and Creative Genius Liliana Guia. (After working remotely for 10 mos., It was such a joy to meet Corrie and Liliana IRL today!)

Preorder Confidence Unleashed now!