A Professional Is...

By Marlene McIntyre, CPC

Centuries ago, "professional" meant pursuing a higher purpose than merely making a living. In the Middle Ages, a professional was someone dedicated to serving God. In the 1900's a professional was someone who put ethics ahead of moneymaking or personal interest.

Today, "professional" can have at least five different meanings. First, it can refer to jobs that require a license, such as physicians or accountants. Second, it can mean doing for pay what others do for nothing, such as athletes. Third, it can indicate those who have university degrees and work at jobs where they don't get their hands dirty. Fourth, it can mean those who do full time, what others do only part time. Fifth, it can refer to the quality and skill of workmanship.

This last definition, equating professional with quality performance, is the most prevalent today. According to this definition, anyone can be a professional. You could be a professional athlete, teacher, manager, surgeon or parent.

How do you measure up? Remember, commitment makes you a professional, not licensing, money, or education.

Professionals are set apart by their actions. The real pros exhibit these ten actions and attributes:

1. They have developed the skills of their trade.
2. They do their best, whether they feel like it or not.
3. They take pride in what they do.
4. They seek to improve.
5. They stay up-to-date.
6. They are motivated.
7. They are creative.
8. They are conscientious and trustworthy.
9. They are ethical.
10. They put service ahead of personal considerations.

Content provided courtesy of Marlene McIntyre, CPC
Copyright ©McIntyre Management Resources