January 15, 2008
Pillars of professionalism - Professionals establish a professional culture
By Terry Murphy CLP
Manager, human resource development
A professional searches for opportunities to become more proficient in business. They work to establish a professional culture within their firm, including in the process, their employees, customers and public. Anyone who deals with a professional views him or her a cut above the rest. They appreciate the professional’s expertise.
What is a professional culture? Let’s first define culture. Culture is the way of living or doing things, ensuring it is passed on to other people or groups. It’s a trait of human activity acquired by and passed on to succeeding members of society by one or more groups who show an extravagant interest in artistic or intellectual pursuits. Culture is a way of life. It’s how things are done in order to attain a level of excellence. It’s a dedication to the belief that doing one’s best, by establishing a standard within a firm, is second to none. This culture transcends individuality, collectively promoting the idea that the sum is much greater than the individual parts. Anyone who deals with a professional knows they are dealing with someone with special traits, qualities, knowledge and understanding.
A professional has all the traits we have discussed in past articles. He or she blends these traits together in a special way, resulting in people within their firm embracing and practicing the concept. A professional culture is the collective result of these professionals working together. As a result it becomes a reputation that is understood by those outside the firm, such as customers, colleagues, the general public and other professionals.
I think each of us, deep down in our minds, understands the word professional and what is meant by a “professional culture” within a firm. The question is how can every horticultural business improve its knowledge, skill level, safety practices and dealings with customers so that we are viewed by the public and our peers as true professionals?
Each one of us must ask ourselves if we are the best that we can be and a cut above the rest? Ask if you promote a professional culture. Do you demand nothing less from everyone else in your firm?
Terry Murphy can be reached by e-mail at terry@landscapeontario.com.
Manager, human resource development
A professional searches for opportunities to become more proficient in business. They work to establish a professional culture within their firm, including in the process, their employees, customers and public. Anyone who deals with a professional views him or her a cut above the rest. They appreciate the professional’s expertise.What is a professional culture? Let’s first define culture. Culture is the way of living or doing things, ensuring it is passed on to other people or groups. It’s a trait of human activity acquired by and passed on to succeeding members of society by one or more groups who show an extravagant interest in artistic or intellectual pursuits. Culture is a way of life. It’s how things are done in order to attain a level of excellence. It’s a dedication to the belief that doing one’s best, by establishing a standard within a firm, is second to none. This culture transcends individuality, collectively promoting the idea that the sum is much greater than the individual parts. Anyone who deals with a professional knows they are dealing with someone with special traits, qualities, knowledge and understanding.
A professional has all the traits we have discussed in past articles. He or she blends these traits together in a special way, resulting in people within their firm embracing and practicing the concept. A professional culture is the collective result of these professionals working together. As a result it becomes a reputation that is understood by those outside the firm, such as customers, colleagues, the general public and other professionals.
I think each of us, deep down in our minds, understands the word professional and what is meant by a “professional culture” within a firm. The question is how can every horticultural business improve its knowledge, skill level, safety practices and dealings with customers so that we are viewed by the public and our peers as true professionals?
Each one of us must ask ourselves if we are the best that we can be and a cut above the rest? Ask if you promote a professional culture. Do you demand nothing less from everyone else in your firm?
Terry Murphy can be reached by e-mail at terry@landscapeontario.com.