What does the word professional mean to you? From past experience and previous connotations I think that the word “professional” associates itself with :
- Visually – Formal, Suit & Tie, Clean,
- Personal Character – Courteous, Punctual, Polite
- Communication – Well Spoken, grammar, education
These expectations are built into us from school, where we’re taught to dress in uniform, stand with hands out of pockets, sit up straight, address as “Sir/Miss/Mrs” in an attempt to show respect, better ourselves and blend in so we can fit in.
Its basic preparation for future work life with the assumption that it’s beneficial but there’s also a notable point to be made – most successful people today may have followed the rules in the past but they don’t adhere to them now.
Today, more business people forgo the suit and tie. Many dropped out of school. And many are just different. Does that make them any less professional.
Some are not likely to be so courteous and polite and some are not well spoken at all but many are all successful in their own right.
They’re by no means trying to be offensive or unprofessional, they’re just being themselves in which case does individual character supersede professionalism in business.
It seems that to be a successful professional you need to stray from the typical a little and unlearn what’s been taught in order to be different, forward-thinking and successful. You have to just be you as oppose to what school and the corporate world wants you to be.
Focusing on professional formalities and false pretences are good practice and might be helpful in certain situations but it’s worth noting that it might also not be that important.
Maybe being you despite stereotypical expectations is enough and even better. Maybe
Should you become a little unprofessional to become successful or profitable?
At the end of the day, whatever you do and how you do it should be decided by you.
pro·fes·sion·al
1.following an occupation as a means of livelihood or for gain.
