Eric's Estimate

The Myth Of ‘Being Professional’

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Eric

I started my career working the corporate 9-5 drag. It was all I knew so I wasn’t really bummed out by it.

I had been taught that it was important to work hard at what you do. Be the best you can be in any position that you’re in, and to be respectful and ‘professional’.

Respect is one thing.

But what I’ve learned over the years is that being professional isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

It’s kinda like being a politician at work. Constantly trying to sell yourself as this person who is trust worthy and reliable.

Who wants to be limited to those two words? Sounds pretty boring to me.

Sure, trust worthiness and reliability are great things, and I’m not telling anyone to back out of things they’ve promised they would do.

But why not let your personality come out in your work?

Take a chance.

Be the same reliable worker that your boss expects. Respect your boss, but if he’s done something that you think is wrong then tell him.

Don’t turn every one of your work emails into some boring professional mess. Add some flare. Add your personality. Tell a joke. Anything!

Just don’t be dull.

At the same time deliver.

At the end of the day if you deliver on your promises, do great work, are timely and respectful of everyone (not just your boss) then you’ll get noticed.

Even if you’re not as ‘professional’ as the guy who writes all of his emails in corporate speak.

People will be drawn to you. You will succeed. And you won’t have to be worrying so much about what political correctness.

Ways you can be less professional and still get respect:

1.  Wear more colour and push your wardrobe just past your comfort level.
2. Send emails that are more conversational. Write a bit more like you would speak to someone.
3. Send links to your coworkers with great information but comment on them using your personality.
4. Decorate your office or cubicle with some ‘eccentric’ items that display who you are.
5. Add a nickname to your email signature (Eric “the hammer” Sloan).
6. Get over yourself – I think this is the most important one… don’t take yourself so seriously!

Open up a bit and everyone you deal with will thank me.

Have an opinion? Let it out in the comments below.