Your workplace may have changed, but you still need to negotiate your professional image.

Photo by Polina Zimmerman from Pexels — Photo by **Polina Zimmerman** from **Pexels**

Once upon a time, as a freshly minted graduate you were expected to show up to work in a suit, preferably navy blue. Prior to the business casual era, and long before it was possible to conduct business via any portable device, you worked at a desk, in an office, in this suit. Now, the rules and expectations are much more blurred – maybe you are expected to reflect the company’s youthful brand through trendy attire, or maybe your organization expects more conservative attire – and often you are interacting virtually with co-workers, superiors and clients who are miles away. In fact the coronavirus pandemic has some predicting an altered work environment that may put even greater distance between colleagues and co-workers. And while the advantages of a more casual and flexible work environment are clear, and even necessary during this pandemic, it is important to understand how to navigate these complex challenges to creating a positive professional image.

Your professional image represents how people in your organization judge your competence and character. Research has shown that people are constantly forming impressions that shape perceptions of professionalism. You can manage these impressions not only through your job performance, but also through non-verbal cues (how you present yourself) and verbal cues (how you speak and what you disclose).

As negotiation consultants at Seventeen Camels, we help our clients build relationships and recognize opportunities to add value while seeking solutions. In today’s tele-commute world, it is easy to forget you are building relationships and your professional image with every email, text, zoom meeting and phone call you make. Without the added pressure of an in-person meeting in business attire, it can be difficult to muster the same professionalism, unless you are very aware it is still expected, appreciated and rewarded.

Here are 4 strategies for building your professional image as you work from your virtual office.

1. Inquire about appropriate methods of communication

Ask your co-workers, clients, and superiors how best to reach them and how they would like to receive information from you. Note these preferences and remember them – this will help you build rapport and reciprocity. In general, detailed, lengthy information is best suited to email, while a quick question is best served by a phone call, and texting is best saved for personal relationships. Keep your tone professional and be cautious when making requests – do not do so too casually or without significant explanation and appropriate gratitude. Don’t be afraid to suggest a group zoom or conference call if you think it would more efficiently get everyone on the same page. If you arrange or request such a meeting, take responsibility for managing the time and sticking to the objectives.

2. Respect the schedules and outside demands of your colleagues

Be aware your fellow workers have additional responsibilities, both professional and personal, and note these for future reference. Acknowledging their situation in your requests and responses, such as – “I know the mornings are a bit hectic for you, let’s talk after lunch.” And “I will get this back to you before the end of day so that you can submit the report first thing tomorrow.” These will help you gain their trust and build a healthy working relationship. We know that listening and showing interest are two key skills of a good communicator – challenge yourself to understanding your colleagues through actively learning about them.

3. Communicate your timeline and availability clearly and often

Understand it is better to give a colleague an idea of when you will have an answer or work ready for them rather than avoiding communication entirely. Remember, acknowledging the receipt of communications, such as an email, does not mean you have to have an answer. A simple response such as; “Good Morning, I am looking forward to further understanding the issues you presented in this email and will have a detailed answer for you by the end of today. I will be in meetings this morning, but will be able to give this my full attention this afternoon.” This works to build their trust in your competence and reduces confusion. Consistent clear communication of what you are doing and what you plan to accomplish allows you to set boundaries and navigate your own multiple responsibilities within a collaborative structure.

4. Show up to work as a professional

Even in this virtual work environment it is important to prepare yourself as if you were going into the office. This takes discipline, we know, but when you get an unexpected zoom invite and have to jump onto a video conference with little notice, you will thank us. It is important to remind yourself you are a working professional, even if you are working from your living room or your childhood bedroom. Make sure you are presenting yourself as you would at an in-person experience – being aware of your body language, tone and expressions, even when you are on a phone call or answering an email, will help you remember you are in the process of building your professional reputation and career.

As you build your professional image, remember every moment of communication offers you an opportunity to build rapport and advance your professional goals. It is true, the world has shifted, and the way we work together has been altered indefinitely, but your ability to collaborate professionally will always be an asset and an advantage.