‘Profession’ is defined by Dictionary.com as ‘following an occupation for a livelihood or gain’. It is a ‘vocation requiring knowledge of some department of learning or science’. The Oxford Dictionary of English describes it as ‘a paid occupation, especially one that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification’. It defines the word ‘Professional’ as ‘relating to or belonging to a profession’.
Actually being a professional is nothing short of a religion and that the capacity to serve is indeed a blessing of life.
Ten attributes of a professional:
- Integrity
- Commitment and ownership
- Action oriented and goal seeking
- Continuous learning
- Professional knowledge/skills
- Communication
- Planning, organizing and punctuality
- Quality of work
- A positive attitude, approachability, responsiveness
- Being an inspiring reference to others; thought leadership – Tomorrow’s professional must have a beacon-like presence in a world that will ask for memorability. Because being ordinary will no longer be considered professional.
Self-Awareness: This is inevitable quality that each professional should have. Qualities of self-aware people build on the foundation of integrity and ethics.
Knowing who you are: Do not let yourself carried away; do not start believing in the myth about yourself and your achievements. The self-aware understand what their true strengths are; they know exactly how much of their success is because of their inherent strengths and how much is situational.
Being Authentic: There is no point of being inauthentic and insincere. A true professional has no need for unnecessary embellishments of experience, mentioning ‘connections’, or being put-on or plain fake. Being authentic might sometimes get us a ‘no’, but that is better than the ignominy of being unmasked, because we live in a small world where everything is connected, and the hollowness of our sincerity will eventually be revealed.
Being comfortable: If you cannot add value, then you must not add to the problem with your pretence. The more you pretend, the more naked you become. Sometimes, starting your ignorance can be the simplest solution. Others then take it upon themselves to explain complex technical jargon in easy-to-understand language. Concede the ground and wait, emotionally secure. The team will come back to you when they need you, and then you can truly add value.
Seeking Help: Seeking help is not always about solving an organizational problem. Sometimes we may have a personal problem – an emotional issue, an awkward health matter – which we keep to ourselves. Sooner rather later, it will adversely affect our work. There is no shame in signing up for help – in matters of work, or in matters of mental and physical well-being.
Not suffering false Comparisons:
Having a reasonable view of the Future:
Looking beyond money: The day you feel empty, shift the attention from yourself to others – go and spend time with a bunch of colleagues who have just joined the organization, help an intern with his work, write a series of how-to articles based on your experiences, take on pro-bono work with your industry association... See how the pitcher of emptiness begins to fill again…
Being deeply self-observant: Observing yourself on a daily basis and replaying your actions and reactions does not mean you cease to be natural, or lose spontaneity. Just as the player on the sports field is unconcerned with the camera recording the game, the professional is able to go with the flow, be natural and normal, but has the capacity to record events and faithfully reconstruct them to the smallest detail. Such people do not suffer from illusions.
Reining in Reactions: In extremely high pressure situations, often the best emotion to express is control… And a true professional has a calibrated thermostat which prompts the degree of reaction and control required in any given situation.
Welcoming Feedback: As you practice the art of listening to feedback, you begin to pick it up when it is a whisper, like the sound of your own breathing, and you pick it up from unusual sources.
Not suffering false Attractions: Flirting with false attractions makes us lose affection for what is on hand. If you do not have a serious need for the offered job or assignment, do the professional thing and resist the temptress.
Doing something for yourself:
Being proactive: Someone who is proactive in the workplace is more likely to be proactive with his health, and in his relationships with friends and family…
Taking charge: Developing the power within, to have the confidence to take charge in the most difficult and dangerous of situations, is the hallmark of a true professional…
Courtesy and Humility: A professional does not take respect for granted, but is one who actively cultivates respect and understanding for people who are way below him.
The Big Picture: Only the big picture, the context in which we live and work, makes the facts relevant. And it is only when we understand and actively look at the big picture, will we develop into grounded professionals.
Professional Qualities:
Of Time, Body and Soul:
Doing more by doing less:
The to-do list:
Saying NO:
Quit Whining:
A long view of Time:
White Space:
Creating Reuse:
What is your touch-time? :
When paths diverge:
The power of vision:
Affective Regard:
Commitment to Commitment:
Be prepared:
Ask pertinent Questions:
Intent Listening:
Human beings First and Foremost:
The responsibility of Dissent:
The rewards of Transparency:
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