'Image & Professionalism' we hear these words being thrown around in conversation like cheap tokens, almost as frequently as their counterparts 'quality', 'service', and 'value'. So what does 'Image & Professionalism' really mean, and what do you see when you look in the mirror?
A funny thing happens when you overuse a word. It loses its power. It loses its effectiveness. Overuse weakens it?sort of like tissue paper.
"Yuck!" Now that was a bad analogy. Sure I could have changed it ? but I liked the image, it served to make a point.
Soggy Tissue Paper?
One moment you were reading along, paying close attention, and then (in the words of Emeril), "Bham!" You had visions of soggy tissue paper floating through your mind.
Now that was an image.
Do I have a point? Sure I do. An image is a fragile thing and can be created and destroyed very easily. As the saying goes, if you don't actively create an image for yourself, someone else will. Permit me to share one definition of 'image':
Persona, image -- ((Jungian psychology) a personal facade that one presents to the world; "a public image is as fragile as Humpty Dumpty")
Hold on to that thought for a moment, I want to get to 'Professionalism'. Here's the definition for that word:
A set of characteristics or behaviours that are worthy of the high standards of an occupation that requires advanced training in a specialized field.
Okay, so now you know the dictionary definitions, did they match yours? To the definition of professionalism I'd add a professional is someone paid to render a service - unlike a volunteer who does not.
Pay The Piper?
Now before you disagree with me and say you're a professional and a volunteer, I'd challenge you to research the word a little further. It's this whole payment aspect that seems to pre-qualify the word.
Also, pay attention to the 'requires advanced training' component. If you're a highly trained paid individual ? then by definition you are a professional.
If your actions are seen by others to mirror those qualities (in other words the image you portray) then you are seen as demonstrating professionalism. Of course there is that issue of 'worthiness', but let's not cloud things.
If a Tree Falls In The Woods?
So does that mean if no one sees you acting professionally then you're not a professional? It's like the question about the tree falling in the woods, does it make a sound if no one is there? Does that mean someone could arbitrarily decide you're not worthy of the title? Does that mean that someone could come along and damage your image with negative comments?
Sure it does. It means all these things and more. In fact the whole image and professionalism debate will most likely carry on for ever. At the end of the day the measure of a person will always be, to some degree, externally defined by the opinions and observations of others.
Who's Watching?
However the real test of your character ? because that after all is what we're really talking about here ? is defined by what you do when no one is watching. It's how you act when the chips are down. It's how you speak to others when you're tired and low, and as an unknown author once said, "Don't be content with being average. Average is as close to bottom as it is to the top." Be excellent!
So what do you see when you look in the mirror?
AUTHOR BIO: James Burchill is a freelance marketing consultant and author. He's also the editor and associate publisher for two of the automotive aftermarket industry's leading print publications and he's the publisher of http://www.CorrectLink.com - a new Internet publication for the automotive aftermarket in Canada.
In between all that, James helps people 'Sell more stuff, and make more money!' and publishes a series of informational and Internet products about advertising and marketing. His main website is http://www.JamesBurchill.com
As you already know, the Angels are here; ready to... Read More
You have seen them on television your entire life: the... Read More
An integral piece of charisma is establishing a presence, so... Read More
For any inner-directed individual, much of life feels like you... Read More
FENG shui (say "fung shway") is the art of creating... Read More
When I was a kid sitting in school I can... Read More
This is a story about a woman we will call... Read More
We all have the power to change our lives. What... Read More
It's a common scenario. Although the specific circumstances may differ,... Read More
Visualization is an essential tool for attracting your dreams and... Read More
Do you express your gratitude enough? I know I don't.... Read More
"Before I had a lot of money, I was really... Read More
Woman hate a man thats insecure. They hate a man... Read More
Have you ever bought a new car and then afterwards... Read More
This is a popular question people ask me. How do... Read More
For each of us, the universe is different. A homeless... Read More
Every normal human being learn in his life's each and... Read More
We live in a world filled with beliefs, values, and... Read More
Wildflowers grow from mere dust to reach their full potential.Wildflowers... Read More
Inside each one of us there's a seed of greatness,... Read More
The Law of Attraction teaches us that whatever you focus... Read More
Bigger is better. Isn't that the American dream?Why buy a... Read More
Imagine there is an event that will take place in... Read More
So much life conditioning inhibits the brilliance that is in... Read More
Introduction"Where you find yourself tomorrow is a function of the... Read More
If you could change one thing in your life today,... Read More
The art of conversation is a skill shared by most... Read More
In the movie, "The Player" during a scene at a... Read More
Dick and Jay sat on the ground outside the shed.... Read More
Although you know better, you do not apply all that... Read More
Most people have some aspects of themselves that they would... Read More
I hear of so many people using affirmations as the... Read More
It is becoming clear that the way a country or... Read More
What role if any, does 'choice' play in the shape... Read More
If you are not manifesting success and prosperity or whatever... Read More
How many of us have ever felt that we've thrown... Read More
On Valentine's Day, or any romantic interlude, lovers should woo... Read More
With all the media attention you've probably become aware that... Read More
There's a big opportunity here! The holidays bring a change... Read More
The day of duck-taped glasses, suspenders and pocket-protectors are quickly... Read More
There was a woman who was in such a hurry... Read More
"Slowly, slowly, walk the path and you might never stumble... Read More
Body language is fascinating. People rarely recognize how much information... Read More
Character is that which defines us; it's what people will... Read More
Many people on the planet are realizing that the key... Read More
Last week I was driving along one of the major... Read More
I took a look at the top 500 hits on... Read More
One of the great things about rapport is that it... Read More
... Read More
The secret of attraction is the unconscious hope for healing... Read More
In a relationship, your ability to understand and respond to... Read More
Few people are prepared for the responsibilities and tasks involved... Read More
You know it's funny how some people just seem to... Read More
Wildflowers grow from mere dust to reach their full potential.Wildflowers... Read More
Have you ever bought a new car and then afterwards... Read More
Our journey through life can lead us to surprising and... Read More
As you already know, the Angels are here; ready to... Read More
What separates successful people from unsuccessful people, achievers from non-achievers,... Read More
In the days of the mighty sailing ships, when brave... Read More
It is arguable that the definition of wealth is the... Read More
Making a fabulous impression on people opens doors for your... Read More
Over time, the TIP's Letters that receive the most response... Read More
Imagine trying to drive at night in your car with... Read More
Polly's story Polly had a four year old... Read More
"You make a living by what you get. You make... Read More
1. Everyday, in everyway, bless the universe in as much... Read More
Attraction |