Your professionalism matters most when it is deserved the
least. For instance, when others behave unprofessionally, it’s difficult to retain
your professionalism, yet it is precisely those times when it is most noticed.

Everyone can assert a professional presence when others
are as well. But the real test is when they don’t.

When a client is demanding and unreasonable, it
is tempting to respond in kind by becoming defensive.

When a colleague consistently behaves in a manner
that undermines you or the firm, it seems right to be frustrated without doing
anything about it.

When one of your staff is unresponsive or
delivers poor quality, it is easy to leave your best self in the desk drawer
and respond unprofessionally.

Here’s the key: no one or no situation can make you
behave unprofessionally. It is ALWAYS your choice. Even when you think you are
justified,  behaving unprofessionally isn’t
the answer.

When your professionalism is tested, you either strengthen
or weaken your discipline “muscle” to be professional.  So, are you buff or a wus?

I’ve seen partners refuse to be drawn into a heated
debate about an important issue (you know, like what the font size should be on
a financial statement). Instead, they keep their cool, retain perspective, and
allow the others to climb down the ladder of unprofessionalism and regain their
composure. It’s a testament to the strength of discipline the partner had to be
professional, which allowed the others to regain theirs.

This is your charge this week: look for and respond
effectively to situations where your professional response allows others to
find their best. Everyone wins.