Monday, June 14, 2010

Confessions of a Professional

Ø Takes pride in his work and shows a personal commitment to quality.
Ø Reaches out for responsibility.
Ø Anticipates and doesn’t wait to be told what to do - shows initiative.
Ø Do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Ø Gets Involved and don’t just stick to his/her assigned role.
Ø Is always looking for ways to make things easier for those they serve.
Ø Eager to learn as much as he can about the business of those he serves.

Ø Really listen to the needs of those they serve.

Ø Learn to understand and think like those they serve so they can represent them when they are not there.

Ø Is a Team Player.

Ø Can be trusted with confidences.

Ø Is honest, trustworthy , and loyal.

Ø Open to constructive critiques on how to improve.
The above list is a reasonable definition of what it means to be a Professional. The opposite of the word professional is not unprofessional , but rather technician. Professionalism is predominantly an attitude; not a set of competencies.

A professional is a technician who cares

Professionalism is not a label you give yourself – it is a description you hope others would apply to you. You do the best you can as a matter of self respect. Having self respect is the key to earning respect and trust from others. If you want to be trusted and respected you have to earn it. These behaviours lead to job fulfillment.
The question should really be “ Why wouldn’t someone want to do this ? “ If someone takes a job, or starts a career worrying about what’s in it for them, looking to do just enough to get by or being purely self serving in their performance – they will go nowhere. Even if they manage to excel through the ranks as good technicians - they will not be happy in what they are doing . The work will be boring , aggravating tiresome and a drag.

The Saints did not pray to the Good Lord for instructions on what to
do. The Bible was already clear on what was expected of them.
Nevertheless, the Saints got down on their knees every day of their
lives - to pray that, in spite of daily temptations, they could find the
courage and strength to do the right thing
--- Old Mexican Proverb




Adapted from 'True Professionalism', by David Maister