Professionalism?????

Professionalism is one elusive lesson from the corporate world that has often unhinged me with its implications. Every organisation stresses it and swears by it in its business dealings. To gain an insight into the mystery, I carefully observed its adherents - professionals. These are the observations I came up with.

Professionals never look sideways. For them, the neighbour next-door or the colleague in the adjacent cubicle is an absent figure. Only those who fall before their gaze are acknowledged with a beautifully carved smile; a smile that likens to a wreathe of flowers on a coffin. If you mistake this smile as an invitation to friendship, then you have not read 'so far and no further' in the fading of the smile.

It is even interesting to watch their learned reactions. You can notice them retracting into a safe zone of no opinions. They are haunted, as it were, by an unseen media presence. They speak neither for nor against anything; they go by the book. The book discourages them to show you your mistakes; instead, they act, giving their actions the airs of providential intervention; and, imperil your prospects at work. To be kind is to be an emotional fool. They are the perfect denizens of a man-eat-man world and are here to flourish.

They cloy you with the overuse of 'please', 'thank you' that you soon start doubting the genuineness of these words. Having suffered their coldness, it would confound you to see them exude cheer and warmth during pep talks, the only time when they talk to people patronisingly.

My observations led me to conclude that professionalism finds its adherents among those low on self-esteem and among victims of human aggression. They are prisoners of their designation and suck the joy out of work. I pity them!
(303 words)

Comments

Anonymous said…
The observation might be right that, it is because of low self esteem and act of self-preservation. However, we also need to find out reasons for this kind of attitude. There is insecurity everywhere. Individuals want to find out the assurance, something that will give them pleasure, keep their mind and psychological condition calm and peaceful. They do not interact because they are afraid of the nonacceptance. They do not want to face it. They utilize the time-alone, in thinking about themselves and staying in some world that keeps them alive and emotionally secure.
Most of us do not understand that 'there is only one thing that is sure : non assurance of everything.' If you can accept this; you can actually live life. Because you do not expect too much from others and enjoy the togetherness and fun associated with it.
It is difficult to be accepted by all, as it is hard truth and painful. However, we have to spread this and let others benefited if they can accept it. I wish GOD helps these all and leads all to the peaceful life. Amen!
Amit Durgapal said…
You have got the message right. An authentic personality could be an answer to these complexes that eat away at our existence.
Divya Krishna said…
hi amit, it was really interesting to read most your thoughts and found myself almost acknowledging if not applauding. There is one exception though for which i thought commenting would be essential, else i would have waited to add than to differ as in this case. Professionalism as i see it with idea of objectivism, consider it to be a logical fallout of goal pursuits. The selfish man is always is always striving for excellence by trying to perform to his potential. In this he never tries to compete, as competition is a third party view that recognizes the differences in men's abilities. Then this view of professionals in a cubicle stands testimony to this exercise in their minds to accomplish their capabilities thereby altering the benchmarks. I have never believed in having friends in a professional setup as it often leads to dangerous liaisons of unselfish brotherhood leading to sameness. This sameness which i refer to is similar to a military township where every structure and men look the same giving a feeling of bodies without life. The essence of individual brilliance is reason of Utopian society we all cherish. I hope to have made sense!
Anonymous said…
Hi Amit ,
From last 4 years, what I have been experiencing is it is what you have written.
In fact I hate that false smile which means (‘so far and no further’), which professionals do.
I think smile on face or laugh may decrease the impression of professionals and may be one of the reason that they do not used to laugh / rarely smile. They think the person who enjoys, laughs, smiles is stupid. I don’t know why is it, but I cannot stop to write what I have experienced and been experiencing.Dont know why they do fictitious, counterfeit smiles. Then I go to avoid those professionals which are not true...
Again there is no place for the emotional persons and emotionality. Many times I experienced, those are emotional and used to express the feeling frankly, are considered as disturbed, mad! But really are they? They are subject of just nonsense! So I think its better to be numb; does it?
If you admit your feelings, excitements then all those are considered as foolishness. I am just fed up of these living – what called employees – professionalism.
One question always runs in my mind that – Is this professionalism? Behaving like this shows / impresses the professionalism??

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