The term “professional” crops up regularly in our dialogue in our work. Colleagues ask what it can mean, what does it look like - what behaviours are evident, are these instinctive or are they learned? Is it simply a badge that comes with a certificate, proffered with membership status of a dubious or amazing group of like minded folks? Designed to keep people out rather than entice others in...?
Acting professionally? Bringing a role to the context, a false face... or two... or a script for the play for today? Or a skill that can be adapted to a situation for the best outcomes?
Why are so many colleagues questioning the label, doubting its door opening potential? Maybe those who have walked through before didn’t impress? Or is there a Scottish “Ah widnay want to be part o’ a’ that lot” in there somewhere?
We seem to need to keep reminding ourselves that we are professionals, often when under threat or following some clumsy behaviours. Professional footballers are a hoot in this context... using the term to defend their lack of competence. “Ach, the lad will get over it, as soon as he’s out of jail... he’s a professional.” Why too can we not value behaviour of those who don’t get labelled, paid well or are members of a good club/society/association. Volunteers... for example.
Will we use it as a stick, the term professional, when things go wrong....”that wasn’t professional...” How do we know? Being a professional, behaving professionally is when something doesn’t go wrong? Surely not...
And as for those who should act that way but don’t... is it about doing the thing right... or doing the right thing... rules aside... and watching as too many do the thing that’s safe and keeps heads under parapets. Is that professional...?
Have ethics, values and capabilities been considered? How do value led professionals carry out morally questionable roles, functions, tasks? ‘Cos they are told to?
Or maybe just doing the job in hand to the absolute best of your wherewithal and capability... gaining some level of respect along the way.
Anyhow, there are loads of books in the airport and even more people prepared to tell you that the only thing you need to do is watch them... voila!!!! Be warned!!
