Mark of Professionals

Professionals are often referred to as lifelong learners. They are always finding ways to get a little bit better every day. Whether it’s in the realm of their technical knowledge, their personal disciplines or interpersonal effectiveness, they look for ways of being more than what they were yesterday.

Since you are a professional and a lifelong learner, the obvious question is, “What have you been learning this fall that you are better than you were before?” In addition to your technical capabilities, what about other important elements of your professionalism? You poise? Your attitude? Your empathy? Your confidence? Your leadership? In other words, who do you bring to the next thing you do?

Actions of Professionals

After you read this Message, you will do something (hopefully worthwhile). Attend a meeting? Make a phone call? Attend a training? Pick up a client project? Whatever it is, will you bring your best self?  The reason I ask is because everyone else expects that your best will show up. Your skills. Your tenacity. Your judgment. Your understanding. These are the areas where others experience your best self.

This is actually a great technique to keep in mind. Before you engage your next encounter, determine what your best self should be in that situation—not only your technical skill, but other professional attributes. These are just as important as your technical knowhow. These attributes are what separate the good from the best.

Example of a Professional

I remember a partner telling me of a time when he had a manager give him a client project. Before he took it, he asked her if it was her best effort. She paused, smiled, turned around and left with document. She returned a half hour later with the assignment. Again, he asked her the same question. Again, she paused, turned around and left to review it again. The third time, she returned and when he asked her, “Is this your best effort?” she said yes. I never did hear if she corrected any of her work, but it took her three times to have the confidence it was her best.

How confident are you that you bring your best consistently? By reminding yourself throughout the day to bring your best, you will raise your performance, improve your reputation and feel better about yourself as a lifelong learner. Keep learning!