Professional: A shifting definition for a shifting world

 

     I have heard the word "professional" many times in the course of my career. In general, if a person said that someone's (perhaps mine) something was "unprofessional" it meant that they did not approve. The root of disapproval was often based upon what they, in their turn, had been told as they had progressed within their career. It was "unprofessional" because they had been told it was "unprofessional".

     Within the past, this has covered a lot of areas. It was unprofessional for women to wear comfortable shoes or to wear pants. It was unprofessional for men to have facial hair or any hair styles that were not rooted in the 1920s. Visible tattoos were certainly "no-nos". It was unprofessional for people to have natural hair -- only certain styles were acceptable. Sometimes it extended past the work hours such as restrictions on the behavior of teachers or bank workers on weekends or in the evenings. Upon starting our company, my friend and colleague informed me that my stainless-steel tooth crown was "unprofessional" and insisted I replace it with a more natural looking porcelain crown.

     The word has been used very much like "Nyet kulturney" (uncultured) within Russian society.

     So, what is professional? In appearance, at least?

     First, of course, is clothing and behavior related to one's actual profession. A carpenter or plumber has their tool belt. A costumed vigilante (usually the non-superhero type) may need their utility belt. A tailor may have their pins and needles and measuring tapes poking out of pockets. Peculiarly (at least, to me) the word professional is often least used within the context of true professional needs.

     A second, more universal, usage is that of establishing a customer-supplier relationship. Related to "dress for success", the clothing is meant to show a financial stability, a steadfastness, a reliability to the customer. This often works well within a social structure or income band. It does not work as well between income bands as the same difference in appearance that indicates stability in one environment may indicate a power relationship, not to be trusted, in another.

     The third area is use as a uniform. The dress, or appearance, has nothing directly to do with the profession. However, it is used as a symbol of recognition. Such as the white coat or scrub clothes for a doctor. Or the pants, clothes, and badge of a person enforcing regulations and laws. A firefighter may have special clothing appropriate for their firefighting needs -- AND a uniform that is worn during periods they are not actively performing their duties. Popular media often make use of this to indicate how easily a person can "appear" to be of a group by donning the apparel.

     Internal cultural acceptance is the final region. This is the most varied. To be a "member of the group" is usually quite valued. This varies a lot and is shifting a lot with hybrid/remote work. The strong need to express individual circumstances and desires coexists with the desire to be part of the group.

     The word "professional" can also be applied to behavior. This is even more difficult to define precisely. It includes a lot of attributes -- clean, reliable, trustworthy, "good" behavior, attitude, competence, courteous, putting customers' needs/desires first, accountability, hardworking, and others. Most such attributes are very subjective and if a specific attribute is considered to be of importance in evaluation, I would suggest using such directly rather than enclose it within the umbrella of "professional".

     

How's it going? Social interaction levels

 

     You walk along the street and you see someone you know to a certain extent. Enough to recognize their face and name and, perhaps, a couple of things about them. You say "how's it going?" but proceed along the street before listening to any reply, if any. Or, perhaps, being a bit more socially aware, you say "hello". They respond -- not expecting a reply either -- and you have created the first level of social interactions. You have acknowledged the existence of the other.

     This is an important aspect of society. When there is no acknowledgement of another, it is the equivalent of the punishment of "shunning".  Some see shunning as a "social death sentence". You don't exist, you are not part of the rest of the world. You might as well not be present. There is sometimes an imbalance where one person is considered "more important" than another -- for whatever reason, income, social class, caste, outward body shape/size/color/height. But, as long as acknowledgement happens, all are still connected as part of the society.

     A danger sign exists when a person does not recognize another at all. It might be a "more important" person ignoring a "less important" person but lack of acknowledgement breaks societal links. That person should never be allocated more influence over others as they have indicated lack of social ability.

     Breaking the social acknowledgement links can be done on purpose -- beyond the social penalty of "shunning". It is done during wartime. It is done during periods of xenophobia when the group becomes fearful of others. If a person is not acknowledged, they are no longer a person and anything can be done with, or to, them without remorse.

     A middle level of social interaction works within the societal system that exists. As such, it will vary from culture to culture around the world. It centers on expectations and responsibilities. Often it is associated with social levels -- whether from lineage, income, or subgroup. Along with acknowledgement comes, often implicitly, expectations of how interactions will take place and how the process goes. Sometimes it is very formal and "codified" into the general society.

     A higher level of social interaction involves full acknowledgement of the existence and worth of the other. A "namaste" between two. The acknowledgement is the base, the desire for understanding is much higher. In this case, "how are you?' expects, and receives, an answer and potentially a discussion.

     Acknowledgement, interaction, understanding. A path forward.