Professionalism

"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

Over the past few days I've thought a lot about Professionalism. Why is professionalism so important? What should students learn about professionalism to prepare themselves for their futures? Are students willing to learn the importance of professionalism and how it affects them?

After a recent experience with a substitute teacher in my classroom, the lack of professionalism on the part of my students was astounding to me. As a filmmaker, there is nothing more important than your professionalism on the set. The way you portray yourself dictates how others will perceive you. I am at a loss as to why when I am out unexpectedly students lose all grasp of professionalism and literally run wild all over the school.

I am deeply upset by the behavior of my students, and I am at a loss as to what to do about it. Why would they assume that because I am not here, the rules do not apply? Why would they treat the expensive equipment so carelessly and actually cause damage to it? Do I really need to be physically present for the lessons I have taught to be imparted?

So I ask you, are you professional? Do you know what it means? Do you know why it is important? Have you thought about how difficult it will be for you to get a job in this economy, located in Southeast Michigan, just outside Detroit? Have you thought about how you will have to represent yourself as a professional who is a better person for the job than hundreds of others? Do you even realize that you are being prepared with important lessens that will help secure your future opportunities? Or is it just taken for granted?

Take a moment to consider the following, and consider your own professionalism:

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 top of 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 a 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?