Some days back, I noticed that a negative type of culture has started building. A lot of managers are keen or habitual to call other people working under them non-professional, and they have several reasons for that.

Let's open this topic for discussion:

1. What is professionalism?
2. Who are professionals?
3. Is a doctor or engineer a professional, and gardeners or cobblers are not?

Let's brainstorm to see if somehow we can reach a single statement.

Fayyaz

From Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
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Hi,

To be a professional is to be proficient in the profession, whatever it may be. But more than that, a professional is one who acts for professional considerations and not for personal considerations. This means that his competence is oriented to the task/goal and not to any personal reasons.

In that sense, a professional is a competent person who acts for professional considerations. Those who call others, especially their juniors, non-professionals may be right or wrong depending upon the facts of the situation, but those who talk like this are perhaps not professionals themselves because to a professional, the task achievement comes ahead of any other consideration. It is quite possible that such people are using these terms without fully comprehending the import of the term.

Loyalty to the profession is the first test of a professional. Other things come thereafter.

Trust the matter is clear at least to you!

Regards,
Samvedan
August 20, 2006

From India, Pune
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Hi! Professional is one who does his job with perfection. One need to be acedemically qualified to be a professional.

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As per my view Professionalism is linked with the ethics. Every profession involves certain ethics and those who follows the ethics involved with that profession are professionals.

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A profeesional must posses very positive attitude considering the objective with due respect of long term benefit. Do you agree with my point? Anjuman Ara Baby
From Germany, Aachen
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Profession:

A profession is an occupation that requires extensive training, study, and mastery of specialized knowledge. It usually has a professional association, an ethical code, and a process of certification or licensing. Examples include accounting, law, teaching, architecture, nursing, medicine, finance, the military, the clergy, and engineering.

Classically, there were only three professions: ministry, medicine, and law. Each of these professions adheres to a specific code of ethics, and members are almost universally required to swear some form of oath to uphold those ethics, thereby "professing" to a higher standard of accountability. Extensive training is provided and required in the meaning, value, and importance of the particular oath in the practice of each profession.

Sociologists have defined professionalism as self-defined power elitism or as organized exclusivity along guild lines, much like George Bernard Shaw characterized all professions as "conspiracies against the laity."

Sociological definitions of professionalism involving checklists of perceived or claimed characteristics (altruism, self-governance, esoteric knowledge, special skills, ethical behavior, etc.) became less fashionable in the late 20th century.

If bosses refer to their subordinates as non-professionals, it is not right. They can be called non-managers but certainly not non-professionals.

ARchna

From India, Delhi
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In the present-day context, a professional is one who is academically qualified, technically sound, consistent in excelling in their areas of expertise, meeting objectives, and adding value to whatever they are doing.
From India, Mumbai
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Dear All,

So far, it has been very interesting. Just to add my opinion, I believe that a mixture of the following makes a professional:
Competencies + Capabilities + Adaptabilities = Professional

However, professionals also have different levels, which is what makes the job market dynamic:
Workload + Resources + Personal Development + Motivation = Professionalism.

Lastly, appraisals or recognitions can make or break professionals.

I'm not a professor, so we can further negotiate the REAL DEFINITION of professionals.

Fayyaz :)

From Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
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Both Archana and Sabarivenkat have got it right. Archana has given the classic definition of a professional, and Sabarivenkat has added a more topical twist.

In today's context, you cannot really give a very limited definition of a professional because the term has become more flexible and embraces a wider spectrum. However, I think their comments are quite apt. Others may wish to elaborate further, and it would be interesting to have some more definitive descriptions.

From India, Mumbai
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A profession is "a vocation requiring knowledge of some department of learning or science."

A professional is one who follows "an occupation as a means of livelihood or gain," or one who is "engaged in one of the learned professions."

Professionalism is exhibited by one of the "professional character, spirit or methods" or the "standing, practice, or methods of a professional as distinguished from an amateur." - American College Dictionary

Regards,
Julie

From India, Hyderabad
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What are the major elements of any profession?

Philosophy

Professions have their own philosophy, which must be articulated in both written and oral form.

Body of Knowledge

Professions must have a body of professional literature of research, study, and comment.

Leaders or Philosophers

Professions have, both historically and currently, those who write about and research the profession. Leaders can be writers, doers, role models, and those active in service.

Guidelines for Behavior

Professions have codes, guidelines, creeds, oaths, commitment statements, belief statements—such as statements on ethics and professionalism.

Admission Requirements

Professionals in many professions are licensed, certified, and have specific initial and advanced education, as well as requirements for ongoing education. In addition, many professions require both initial and ongoing testing for admission and maintaining membership.

Other

Many professions require support and/or professional development opportunities outside the work environment such as associations or professional organizations.

Criteria

Training: There is an extensive period of training, often after a combination of formal education, training, and apprenticeship; usually in a higher education environment.

Intellectualism: The intellectual component is dominant.

Autonomy: Professionals usually have autonomy in their work.

Judgment: Professionals are in a position, given their training and education, to use their own judgment in determining the appropriate approach to their clients or customers.

Independence: They can work independently and charge fees or they can be part of an organization.

Service: Their abilities can provide a valuable service to society and operate with little or no self-interest.

Dedication: Professionals are dedicated to services and institutions.

Pride: They take pride in the quality of their work.

Characteristics

Professionals are considered experts.

Professionals have a high degree of generalized and systematic knowledge with a theoretical base.

The primary orientation of professionals is to their public and/or community interest.

Professionals have a high degree of self-control of their behavior and are governed by a code of ethics.

The code of ethics is a statement of values.

The code ensures a high quality of service.

The code guarantees competency of membership, honor, and integrity.

The code is a direct expression of the profession's principles of service orientation.

The code emphasizes no personal gain and protection of the client or patron.

The professional's system of rewards is primarily a set of symbols of work achievement.

There is a system of testing the competence of members.

Responsibilities:

a. Protest against stereotyping

b. Maintain associations which advance the goals of the profession.

c. Promote the well-being of the profession's members.

d. Develop standards for themselves and the institutes.

e. Control access to knowledge about the profession.

f. Make sacrifices.

g. Have the final say of what is accurate about the profession.

h. Promote favorite legislation.

i. Find money to support the profession.

j. Publish information and research to explain the profession's uniqueness.

Expectations:

Professionals are expected to:

Establish a special relationship with clients or patrons.

Have a lack of self-interest.

Be involved in all aspects of the profession.

Publicize what the profession "does" and "is."

Competencies

Mastery of Theoretical Knowledge

Capacity to Solve Problems

Application of Theoretical Knowledge to Practice

Ability to Create Knowledge as Well as Possess It

Enthusiasm and Commitment to Clients

Commitment to Continuous Learning About the Profession

Education

Becoming a professional involves:

Unique training

Formal education

Achieving credentials

Activity in continuing education opportunities

Joining and actively involving

Support

Professions have responsibilities to professionals.

Professions create structures of subcultures for professionals.

Professions provide legal reinforcement for the activities of professionals.

Professions strive to provide environments of public acceptance.

Professions promote ethical practices.

Professions define penalties for professionals who work against the tenets and practices of the profession.

Regards,

Julie

From India, Hyderabad
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Are You a Professional?

How you look, talk, write, act and work determines whether you are a professional or an amateur. Society does not emphasize the importance of professionalism, so people tend to believe that amateur work is normal. Many businesses accept less-than-good results.

Schools graduate students who cannot read. You can miss 15% of the driving-test answers and still get a driver license. "Just getting by" is an attitude many people accept. But it is the attitude of amateurs.

"Don't ever do anything as though you were an amateur.

"Anything you do, do it as a Professional to Professional standards.

"If you have the idea about anything you do that you just dabble in it, you will wind up with a dabble life. There'll be no satisfaction in it because there will be no real production you can be proud of.

"Develop the frame of mind that whatever you do, you are doing it as a professional and move up to professional standards in it.

"Never let it be said of you that you lived an amateur life.

"Professionals see situations and they handle what they see. They are not amateur dabblers.

"So learn this as a first lesson about life. The only successful beings in any field, including living itself, are those who have a professional viewpoint and make themselves and ARE professionals" — L. Ron Hubbard

A professional learns every aspect of the job. An amateur skips the learning process whenever possible.

A professional carefully discovers what is needed and wanted. An amateur assumes what others need and want.

A professional looks, speaks and dresses like a professional. An amateur is sloppy in appearance and speech.

A professional keeps his or her work area clean and orderly. An amateur has a messy, confused or dirty work area.

A professional is focused and clear-headed. An amateur is confused and distracted.

A professional does not let mistakes slide by. An amateur ignores or hides mistakes.

A professional jumps into difficult assignments. An amateur tries to get out of difficult work.

A professional completes projects as soon as possible. An amateur is surrounded by unfinished work piled on unfinished work.

A professional remains level-headed and optimistic. An amateur gets upset and assumes the worst.

A professional handles money and accounts very carefully. An amateur is sloppy with money or accounts.

A professional faces up to other people’s upsets and problems. An amateur avoids others’ problems.

A professional uses higher emotional tones: Enthusiasm, cheerfulness, interest, contentment. An amateur uses lower emotional tones: anger, hostility, resentment, fear, victim.

A professional persists until the objective is achieved. An amateur gives up at the first opportunity.

A professional produces more than expected. An amateur produces just enough to get by.

A professional produces a high-quality product or service. An amateur produces medium-to-low quality product or service.

A professional earns high pay. An amateur earns low pay and feels it’s unfair.

A professional has a promising future. An amateur has an uncertain future.

The first step to making yourself a professional is to decide you ARE a professional.

Are you a professional ?

Source:http://www.tipsforsuccess.org

From India, Madras
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A few months back, I had touched the same 'self-styled' heading. Indeed, it is nice to see some relevant, focused discussion.

I have come across many resumes related to HR. The term is very relevant today, but the work they have done seems irrelevant to this term. The title they give themselves is HR professionals. Does performing an HR activity for six months make them eligible? Or does sustained 'exposure' to the core field of HR application matter more? Can we, as a focused group, work towards 'self-titles' that have relevance?

hrg-rajaram

From United States
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Interesting....

Self-styled, as the term implies, will remain only as self-styled. Professionalism needs to be acknowledged, recognized, relevant, and depended upon. It is said that a rose by any other name will smell as sweet.

If one claims to be a professional with just a mere six months' on the job experience, it is a mockery. It is like an elementary school student claiming to have covered Ph.D. level knowledge. Not even worth commenting on this. It is not only sustained 'exposure', but consistent updating, practice, and keeping oneself relevant to the prevailing demands of the industry that can be termed professional.

True, many irrelevant or scantily relevant job profiles are termed under "HR," and hence the resumes of such portfolio managers have the HR stamp. Such candidates may not gain entry into industries where HR per se exists. They need to seriously understand the actual HR assignments and responsibilities to add value to their profile. Lest they may be weeded out in the long run.

Let the forum build further on this topic.

Regards,
Venkat

From India, Mumbai
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Dear Friend,

I agree with you that assertiveness is also an important characteristic of a professional. But don't you think that amateurs are the prospects of professionals? Should we also consider the ability of troubleshooting and delegation of duties?

I request not to mix up a manager with a subordinate as sometimes subordinates are better professionals, such as computer operators, typists, office boys, or peons.

The HR Manager's or Personnel Manager's desk is usually a paper waste bin, isn't it? By the way, even if we file all documents on a daily basis, it can't be paperless as it greatly depends on the staff number and seasons.

Finishing tasks on time depends more on resources than individual capabilities, so planning and utilization cannot be omitted.

What about being proactive by the professional or by amateurs?

Let's consider the possibility of adding this point to the list.

Now we are really reaching a conclusion about the simple definition of professionals, professions, and professionalism.

Let's not stop until we finish. After all, we are all professionals.

My Heartiest Regards,

Fayyaz 💡

From Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
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professionals are those persons who have good subject knowledge,lot of practise and implementation. And who guides people with his extraordinary knowledge.

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The word "professional" deals with the two things "person and work," meaning how a person can perform a particular work in a proper and best manner with 100% knowledge about the work. Anyone can be a professional. If we talk about gardeners, they also may be professionals because they have proper knowledge about their work. There is only one work any gardener has for earning. Here, earning is a crucial node where the gardener is trying to reach with their proper knowledge and 100% effort.
From India, New Delhi
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Interesting one!

Everyone, whether qualified or not, who involves himself completely in finishing a job qualitatively as well as quantitatively by understanding the consequences of that job and who is ready to face such consequences.

From Singapore, Singapore
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I feel a professional is one with a matured mind, who never looks down on juniors or non-performers, and who is always ready to help them. It doesn't help to be technically good in everything. A technically good heart is required by a person to be a professional. Else, every human being is a professional.
From India, Hyderabad
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I understand and believe that a person who gives their attitude to professional instinct without involving their personal attributes and desires. It is a well-known fact that attitude is a product of two things: 1. Value and 2. Belief. Now, I believe it is quite clear.

Rakesh Ranjan
VOICE: 9718209570
Email: rakeshh.ranjan@gmail.com


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