Saturday, October 31, 2009
Professional: To Be or Not To Be...
I was watching this young lady on a popular Judge show the other day and I couldn't help but be taken back at what I saw! She claimed to be a professional and had built a case against her former employer for wrongful termination. The kicker, however, was that she was in court dressed very provocatively, speaking out of turn and displayed some very disruptive non-verbal behavior. Needless to say, her case was dismissed but I began to think to myself, "Is this what passes as professionalism these days?" At what point did the term professionalism become so loosely interpreted? Sure, I've come across people who truly understand what business etiquette means, but I have also seen far too many who have been robbed of that understanding. We need to get back to the basics and help our youth understand that there is a sense of pride that connects with the title of "Professional." It has to start with parents and it must continue with our educators, mentors, business owners and community leaders. We lead by example so let's make sure the next generation doesn't chew gum at an interview, roll their eyes at paying requests or reveal all their glory on a national court show! Anything you want to add? Speak!
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4 comments:
Professionalism, contrary to beauty, is not in the eye of the beholder. There is professional behavior in all realms of profession from a building engineer to a CEO. The decorum has been accepted by those who are not offended by tacky comments, or attitudinal mannerisms. As an educator, and aspiring administrator, I pride myself on being professional even at the most trying times. I agree it does start at home, with simple manner, "Thank you" and "Please.' My senior year in high school, I took it upon myself to enroll in a program that taught how to dress, speak, and carry yourself professionally. Interview etiquette, and resume writing are skills I use to this day I learned through this program. Professionalism in every industry is becoming a lost art.
We've all had our "moments" -- maybe I didn't speak out of turn, but I may have took those office pens and notepad home. I think it just comes with experience. I surely wasn't born with office or court room behavior. If you put me in a business conference in china, without any preparation ----maybe I would seem like the young lady on the tv show too.
What do you think of when you hear the term unprofessional, professional. Could it be someone that is very good at their job but does it in a very relaxed way or is it someone that has been put into a job that they are not qualified for and they get by being quick witted, or is it something else.
Hi Candace. IT WAS SO GOOD TO SEE YOU I GUESS IT WAS THIS PAST Friday the 13th. I hadn't see you in years (since high school)!!!! I have always found it so interesting that no matter how beautiful you are on the outside you still remain just as beautiful in the inside!!!! WOW!!! Continue to stay grounded!!!!!!
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