Interesting question and a number of interesting answers, While i do agree with almost everything that is written about professionalism, I would like to stress here again PROFESSIONALISM surely is not limited to high academic qualifications, any one who does a thorough job from start to finish taking care of every aspect is a PROFESSIONAL , essentially the trait of ATTENTION TO DETAILS. Another widespread misconception in my opinion is the norm that a professional has to be ruthless and lacks warmth and kindness which are considered weaknesses of the human nature. A true professional is a leader who not just leads his team upfront, but has the sensitivity to take them along.
Best cheers.
Kalpana Gopinath.