17 of 27

Write now Article Tools

While I was the Director of a Learning Center in the inner-city of Chicago, I was always telling my staff to be professional. Admittedly, I was the agitating supervisor who continuously nagged, "That's not professional." One day I overheard one of my staff asking another, "So, what's the definition of professional, anyway?" It was a good question. How could I expect them to be professional when I seemed to alter and add to the definition everyday? What my staff was really asking was who has the rights to the patent on professionalism?

Everyone has a general idea of what it means to be professional. It's almost like our visions of God, white haired and ancient, there's professionalism stiff and strict. But is that really what being professional is in today's workforce? I don't think so. As the workforce changed, so did the face of business. No longer is it an older white guy who sits in a big chair and orchestras every step of his female and minority workers. Now more and more women and minorities are calling the shots and running the corporate show. With varied nationalities, ethic backgrounds, even religions there is a need for the redefining of this business of professionalism.
Let's discuss what professionalism isn't (anymore). Any manager still functioning under the initial, implied definition needs to rethink their stance. Master degreed, I assumed I was there to teach my inner-city Chicago staff all about biz, they taught me a thing or two. So, here are a few things your staff wants to tell you. Should you find this article carefully clipped and slid under your office door, just know that you couldn't have been any worst than I was. Let's jump into some professionalism myths. Here is a list of 5 things professionals isn't.
One: Professionalism is not the sour looking person who never speaks to his/her employees. Some people believe that being professional is being straight-faced all the time. True professionals know when to smile, laugh and joke appropriately. In fact, they aren't afraid to sit and laugh with staff during lunch or share a funny personal story every now and then.
Two: Professionalism does not mean as management you must always keep things at a professional distance. It's okay to go to dinner with your staff and meet and chat with them after and during work. Sure, "you don't come to work to make friends," but it's perfectly okay when you do.
Three: Your idea of professionalism isn't the end all be all. It's okay for you to

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about How to become a great manager?
We want to hear your view. Write now!