How do you define professionalism?

What is true professionalism? We know it when we see it, and when we don't. It's easy to come up with a laundry list of traits we consider unprofessional, but how do we capture the elements of what makes for a true professional?

David Maister states that professionalism is, "...believing passionately in what you do, never compromising your standards and values, and caring about your clients, your people, and your own career."

Together with my colleague - Ilyse Smith - I've been asked to speak about professionalism at an internal training program next week. Ilyse and I have been pondering the nature of true professionalism for the past few weeks. The server at my morning coffee shop epitomizes true professionalism for me; he is caring and friendly without being intrusive, seems to love his job, remembers my name and order, and by doing all this ensures I'll keep coming back. According to Maister's definition, he qualifies.

With apologies for the self-serving blog post after a few months on hiatus, I'd like to hear from you if you're interested in this topic:

1. How do you define professionalism?

2. Is this a skill that can be taught in business school? Is it?

3. Do you have any examples of professionalism (or generic examples of the lack of it)?

 

Published 05 November 2007 17:07 by Lisa Walker

Comments

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  Graham Walker said:

  I don't really agree with the first part of that definition of professionalism. Specifically, I could hate my job and not believe at all in what I am doing, yet still be a total professional. And I think that fact is a very important aspect to professionalism. No matter what the situation (personal or external) to present the best possible appearance, commitment and respect.

  Perhaps "taking pride in what you do" rather than "believing in what you do" is more accurate.

  Professionalism can be taught but really I think it is more of a 'talent' than a 'skill' when someone excels at it. It is something that some people are just better at.

  November 6, 2007 10:47
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  Firas Sleem said:

  I think that professionalism and dedication integrate each other. People often describes a supplier, service provider, dentist, etc as being professional or amateur. The first is focused and clear-headed while the latter is confused and distracted.

  From my perspective, passion is a crucial element of professionalism because if youre passionate about what you're doing, then good won't be good for you, you gonna always look for better because your standards are always high and tough, however reachable.

  November 6, 2007 14:07
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  H&K blog meditations for the day at PR Works said:

  PingBack from http://www.prworks.ca/index.php/hk-blog-meditations-for-the-day/

  November 6, 2007 15:47
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  Kathleen Frith said:

  I like Maister's definition, especially the part about not compromising your standards and values. In this way I'd define true professionalism in the negative - it's not easy. True professionalism is about advocating for what you think is the "right" way even if it isn't the popular way.

  November 6, 2007 19:22
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  Lea Werthman said:

  I would echo support for Maister's definition, but I would add that, no matter the business, being a "professional" means that you are committed to a certain standard of behaviour. This commitment would, at times, superscede our personal opinions and, indeed, should force us to rise above a difficult day (or an encounter with a difficult client) and remain focused on the job at hand. This quality of clarify of focus, and the requisite patience, is in my opinion not teachable - except by example. I learned what it was to be a "professional" from a series of excellent mentors who modelled this behaviour for me early in my career. As a teacher, I'm not sure how to instruct students to be patient, focused, and even-handed -- except to behave that way in my interactions with them.

  November 7, 2007 16:47
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  Julie R said:

  Holy Hanna! Where the heck have you've been!  Aren't blogs supposed to be updated at least yearly!  ha ha ... Glad to have you back, how is Calgary?

  I can't define professionalism, but I can sure spot non-professional people when I see them!  

  Take care.  

  November 8, 2007 00:58
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  Julie, writer surefirewealth.com said:

  I think professionalism is doing you job and not letting personal issues get in the way of doing what's right. I know someone (person A)who had a misunderstanding with another officer of an organization. They were actually the best of friends and the other officer (Person B) was supposed to be up for a promotion because she was obviously more capable and cared more for the organization than the other candidate. Sadly, person A passed her over and chose the other candidate over her. Person B leftr the group and concentrated her efforts elsewhere. Needless to say, the organization isn't doing so well.

  February 6, 2008 08:11
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  Josef said:

  Thanks for the link to Dr. Maister - after about an hour on his website, I am now one of his biggest fans!!

  July 7, 2008 04:07
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  Jodie said:

  I come to this discussion late, but I thought I'd share anyway.  To me professionalism is an awareness that people see you as a representative of your company, department, etc and that because of this you have a responsibility to behave in ways that bring credit to you and the organization.  Is it teachable?  I think so, but I think those who have the will to learn it will pick it up on their own.  Professionalism is an attitude, and it requires seeing your employer as more than just the source of your paycheck.  Some people will never have that mindset because they do not rise above their own ego.

  July 14, 2008 18:52