I agree with the author’s explicit stance that competence and professionalism are unrelated features. However, I do not support the author’s implicit opinion that disregards competence as an essential contributor to professional success. Stark (2015) claimed that all of us know someone who lost his job due to lack of professionalism. I consider this as the author’s attempt to vitiate the importance of competence for success in any occupation.
Undoubtedly, if a person lacks competency required for a particular job, then he will either not be hired or soon be fired. Therefore, being competent is a basic characteristic that allows an individual to climb the first step of his career. However, in order to excel and go beyond expectations, adopting and displaying professionalism is essential. There is a saying that you can either be a duck or an eagle , which provides perfect analogy for a professional and an unprofessional employee. If you want to be an eagle, you have to act like it- even if it means to maintain your decent poise in the face of disrespecting customers or colleagues.
However, Stark (2015) correctly points out that while competence is more of a functional aspect required by the occupation, professionalism on the other hand, is a behavioral characteristic required mostly by the inherent human nature. In my opinion, professionalism is part of business ethics and etiquettes, encompassing the employee’s conduct and demeanor. Being punctual, accountable, presentable and humble are not just occupational requirements. In fact, they are part of a common person’s definition of a decent lifestyle. My definition of professionalism is not just about proper dressing, kind face, formal poise or humble behavior. It is a complete way of life or a set of behaviors displayed within a certain occupation that makes one an asset for the organization.
References
Hamilton, R. (2010). Are you a Duck or an Eagle? . Rhonda Hamilton .
Stark, P. B. (2015, March 9). The New Definition of Professionalism. Retrieved from Peter Barron Stark Companies: https://www.peterstark.com/definition-of-professionalism/
