An interesting piece by Seth Godin re professionalism. It is certainly a word that is over used and perhaps not often understood. The best explanation I ever learnt was to compare your approach to work with that of a professional in times of challenge. An airline pilot with alarms going and lights flashing. A surgeon realising the ops not going well. Your lawyer, about to make his final defence statement when you’ve been falsely accused of rape. How would you like those people to behave? Personally I’d want those people to be calm, well organised, with a good plan in place, someone who communicates and motivates the people around them and is well skilled in their craft. What you don’t want is someone who is moody, sloppy, ego centric, not really in the zone and at the races. It reminds me of the story I heard the Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger – a manager of legendary detail and focus. He tells the story of the young aspiring pianist telling the maestro ” Wow. I’d give up everything to be able to play like you”. And the maestro replies – ” I have”
via Professionals, amateurs and the great unwashed.
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