We normally write about strategy and research, but this week I’d like to discuss a different topic: Professionalism.

Professionalism is important if you’re an executive vice president or a new, entry-level hire. It is often the difference between people who receive more opportunity and those who do not. So, what is a professional?

[NOTE: I sat down and wrote these using good, old-fashioned experience and original thought. Some of them are classics. If you feel I should have attributed you or someone else, let me know and I will append.]

• A professional is always on time.

• A professional values the time of others.

• A professional measures efforts by their effectiveness before their efficiency.

• A professional apologizes for mistakes and is willing to admit when they are wrong.

• A professional measures their efforts in real numbers.

• A professional runs a marathon, not a sprint. Professionals know when to rest.

• A professional seeks the advice of peers and colleagues.

• A professional builds coalitions.

• A professional is not biased and judges every person by their character and ability.

• A professional reads.

• A professional listens.

• A professional is not afraid to show up early or stay late.

• A professional helps team members and receives help from team members.

• A professional always tells the truth.

• A professional always seeks to be useful and kind.

• A professional does not seek to be the smartest person in the room.

• A professional has good writing skills in any profession.

• A professional is detail-oriented, but never loses sight of the big picture.

• A professional searches their own biases and blind spots mercilessly.

• A professional seeks to communicate in clear, simple language that doesn’t confuse.

• A professional is always learning about their own expertise as well as the expertise of others.

• A professional embraces creative solutions and enjoys solving difficult problems.

• A professional asks follow-up questions instead of making guesses.

• A professional dresses slightly better than the position requires.

• A professional looks for ways to help others and is never too busy to be a team member.

• A professional is not afraid to make mistakes and fixes them quickly.

• A professional teaches others and learns from others.

• A professional does not choose sides and avoids office gossip.

• A professional applies ideas both modern and traditional to get the best result.

• A professional leaves a paper trail documenting what was done and how to do it.

• A professional keeps up on research.

• A professional considers the present, the short-term and the long-term.

• A professional finishes projects on time.

• A professional starts with an ambitious vision instead of maintaining the status quo.

• A professional gives every meeting, every email and every interaction a clear purpose.

• A professional creates an agenda and sticks to it.

• A professional mentors others.

• A professional builds friendships by learning about colleagues and their worlds.

• A professional manages their own emotions, even while others are angry or juvenile.

• A professional treats every team member, regardless of rank, with the utmost respect.

• A professional is wise with the institution’s money and is a good steward of it.

• A professional seeks to contribute and focuses on the big picture. 

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