The word “Professional” is often used to describe someone who is part of a specific field or makes a certain amount of money. It’s also used to describe someone with a certain amount of competence at what they do.
Yet, as we see quite often (and will hear in this chat), competence is no guarantee of professionalism, and there is more to being a professional than a title and a paycheck.
What exactly IS a Professional? In an excellent book entitled, The Professional: Defining The New Standard of Excellence at Work, MindTree Vice Chairman and Cofounder Subroto Bagchi explains that it is based on three major criteria.
In this interview, not only does he share with us what these criteria are, but provides some magnificent examples. Enjoy our discussion.
Do you know people like Mahadeva, who despite his horrendous situation, proved himself to be just as much a professional as the highest-paid executive? And, have you ever been in the situation Subroto was in, knowing that a company rule was broken, and that telling the client would cost you an enormous sum of money?
Please feel free to share your own examples and how you handled them.
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I used to work as a Special Education Teacher. Oftentimes, the school’s focus was on ‘maintaining order’ and much less about producing knowledgeable students. I always preferred to keep parents informed regarding their rights, as they related to their child with Special Needs. Oftentimes that meant sitting next to parents in IEP meetings and explaining things in terms they could understand, or encouraging them to ask questions and holding officials accountable. Yes, at times I felt like an outsider but I knew that my duty was to do what was in the best interests of students, even if that meant making enemies and being called into the principal’s office.
WOW – that is awesome, Monise! Thank you. I believe that is exactly what Subroto means when he uses the term, “Professional!”
I have “No comments” to comment.
Its just stupendous, yet a very powerful interview.
Madhav, thank you very much!
I just shared this on my Linkedin page. This is one of the finest interviews I have ever heard. It also hit home with me, as my Dad had the same integrity as did the author’s. I will order the book immediately. Thank you to a real professional, Bob Burg for bringing this information to us.
Marty, thank you. I so appreciate your kind words about the interview, and your sharing of it. Yes, my Dad the same. We were all very fortunate! 🙂
Great Interview! And a great book. Exceptional work, Subrotoda. However I do feel that without integrity you cannot become a true professional and hence it should have been discussed first. Secondly, the ability to work without supervision is very much a part of integrity. Therefore, what we really have is two points. The examples are fantastic and one in particular reminded me of my dad.
A must read for all.
Sitesh
I loved this interview too. While in office till recently, I have gifted your book Professional to many of my colleagues. You have articulated the essential extremely well. Thank you.
Subrotada is an inspiring Human Being, inmet himmatnthe launch of this book at Bangalore Club, bought a few more copies of his books as gift give aways.
Great Interview to Listen >>>> Lot of learning from the same .
Regards,
Sandipan Bhattcharya