What constitutes and differentiates a true professional from a worker mentality? A lot has been written about this, but for me, it is always the simpler attributes that make a difference.
- A worker may get the work done, but a professional provides solutions. Professionals create a map and then have the ability to make others work together with that map.
- Workers think in terms of time put in only, professionals think in terms of reaching the end goal and focus on outcomes, going above the call of duty to delight stakeholders.
- Professionals lead an integrated life, merging easily between personal and official, in fact, they do not segment life into make believe categories of “work” and “personal” but strive to make their lives an integrated expression of who they are. Workers insist on “now I will work”, “now I will not” and strongly segment their “work time” from “other time”, almost as if “work” is something they dislike but have to do.
- For professionals, work is an extension of who they are & bring all the characteristics of their personality and character to the table. They feel fulfilled at a deeper level executing the job, taking part wholeheartedly in their career. For workers, there is a dichotomy in their minds between what they see as work, and what they see as themselves.
The question is, which one are you? A worker or a true professional!
In daily life, it is very easy to fall into the trap of becoming just a worker – in attitude, and execution, often falling prey to “group think” (…another topic to explore -:)). Instead, reach for your higher self and become a true professional.
Dennis Taraporewala 