Attributes of a Professional – Great List

I read a quote long back which said that a professionals do what’s necessary, even when they don’t feel like doing it. That was the best articulation of professionalism so far for me. But that’s just one.

Want to know 101 attributes of a real professional? Then jump on to Nicholas Bate’s blog title “Business of Life + Life of Business” to learn about 101 attributes of a professional. (Title of the post is “Professionalism101”)

The list is mind blowing and very comprehensive – and here are the attributes I liked the most (and the ones I could easily relate myself with)

A professional

• has a pen;
• Knows what’s important.
• He/she prefers I/we and owning an issue rather than he/she/they and blaming others.
• Thanks people; whether or not the person was just ‘doing their job’;
• Looks people in the eye and speaks clearly, rather than mutter from the depths of their laptop.
• Doesn’t check their phone in the middle of your conversation.
• Leads through skill, competence and attitude not (solely) job title.
• Listens to understand not just to be polite.
• Doesn’t use ‘everybody’ does it’ as an excuse.
• Reads deep;
• Reads wide;
• Knows that leadership is a mindset.
• Its very easy to attack/destroy-
• Much harder to build, augment, be a help and think abundant
• Says sorry;
• Says how can I help you?
• Knows it takes years to achieve over-night success;
• Is inspired by all kinds of sources;

Read the full list here.