Being A Professional: Dale Atkins at TEDxYouth@EHS

Summary

In this thought-provoking speech, the speaker explores the true meaning of professionalism, beyond just a title or occupation. Drawing from personal experiences in a mountain rescue team, they highlight the importance of judgment, skill, and continuous learning. The speaker introduces four key aspects of being a professional: knowing, doing, helping, and learning. These principles emphasize that professionalism is a journey that requires ongoing dedication, practical experience, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in one's community and life. The message challenges individuals to apply these values in all aspects of their work and personal growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Professionalism is often misunderstood and is not just a label or title—it's a process and a journey.
• 😀 Being professional goes beyond knowledge and skill—it's about judgment and decision-making, especially in uncertain situations.
• 😀 A technician may be skilled, but a professional stands out by offering valued judgment in their field.
• 😀 Professionalism involves a cycle where attitudes shape behaviors, behaviors drive actions, and actions reinforce attitudes.
• 😀 Anyone can be a professional by embracing the process of knowing, doing, helping, and learning.
• 😀 The journey to professionalism begins early, as shown by the speaker's experiences with the Mountain Rescue team from a young age.
• 😀 Young members of the Alpine Rescue team were treated as equals to adults, once they proved their ability, fostering responsibility and professionalism.
• 😀 Being a professional means more than technical skills; it also involves leadership, responsibility, and the ability to make decisions under pressure.
• 😀 The four pillars of professionalism are: knowing (deep knowledge), doing (applying knowledge), helping (serving others), and learning (lifelong development).
• 😀 Professionalism is a lifelong commitment to learning and adapting to new challenges to stay relevant and effective in your field.
• 😀 Every action taken within a professional framework contributes to making not only your work but your community a better place.

Q & A

What does being a professional really mean?

Being a professional goes beyond just having a job or a title. It involves attitudes, behaviors, and actions that demonstrate skill, knowledge, and judgment. Professionals apply their expertise to help others, using their judgment to navigate uncertainties.

Why do so many people who are skilled and knowledgeable still not fit the 'professional' label?

The term 'professional' is not just about being skilled or knowledgeable. It also involves delivering value through judgment. Professionals are distinguished by their ability to make well-considered decisions, especially in uncertain situations, which sets them apart from others who may have similar technical skills.

What is the significance of judgment in professionalism?

Judgment is crucial because it is the ability to make informed decisions, especially when faced with uncertainty. In professions like mountain rescue, judgment is mission-critical, and it requires both skill and experience to apply it effectively.

What are the four key aspects of professionalism discussed in the script?

The four key aspects of professionalism are: 1) Knowing, which is about learning and understanding; 2) Doing, which involves applying knowledge and practicing skills; 3) Helping, where professionals make a difference by assisting others; and 4) Learning, which is the commitment to continuous improvement.

How does the concept of 'doing' contribute to becoming a professional?

The act of 'doing' means taking knowledge and putting it into practice. It's about building skills through experience and actively engaging with challenges. This practice leads to expertise and the ability to solve problems effectively.

Why is the aspect of 'helping' so important in professionalism?

Helping is at the core of professionalism because professionals are not just skilled in their fields but also use their expertise to assist others. Whether through direct actions or providing judgment, professionals make meaningful contributions to people's lives.

What role does learning play in maintaining professionalism?

Learning is essential for staying current in any profession. The process of continuous learning ensures that professionals keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date, which is crucial for solving new problems and adapting to changing circumstances.

How does the speaker's experience in mountain rescue relate to professionalism?

The speaker's experience in mountain rescue highlighted the importance of judgment, knowledge, and skill in critical situations. Starting as a young member of a rescue team, they learned professionalism by working alongside adults, applying their knowledge, and making life-or-death decisions, demonstrating that professionalism is a journey, not a destination.

What is the connection between the four aspects of professionalism (knowing, doing, helping, and learning)?

These four aspects are interconnected. Knowing provides the foundation of understanding, doing builds the skills through practice, helping allows professionals to apply their judgment in meaningful ways, and learning ensures that professionals continue to grow and improve over time.

What does the speaker challenge the audience to do in terms of professionalism?

The speaker challenges the audience to embrace the process of becoming a professional in everything they do, applying the principles of knowing, doing, helping, and learning in both their personal and professional lives. By doing so, they can improve themselves and contribute positively to their communities.