Like art, the art of professionalism, is subjective. Whether a person is viewed and treated as a professional is not solely based on their competence and skill, as the definition would suggest, but rather a combination of factors such as appearance, attitude, demeanor, actions, and interactions with others; all of which shape perception.
How one is perceived is open to interpretation; results are not.
The true professional may be measured by results alone, but they are judged by a hidden "P" that unconsciously impacts perception and influences whether you are liked by co-workers, colleagues, teammates, or clients. That "P" stands for process - how the professional goes about getting the results that they are hired/contracted to obtain.
Process and personality are closely intertwined, but professionalism should be the equalizer. Unfortunately, as many in today's workforce strive to be "true to themselves," the definition of professionalism, and the mentality and behaviors associated with it, becomes increasingly subjective. As a result, the hidden P becomes prominent, and eventually impacts the experience of working with someone.
The hidden P has power; power to influence. It's the secret sauce of any brand, and the reason why one professional is preferred over another. Process is how we go about getting results, but it's also how we go about building or destroying relationships. That hidden P should not be a secret, but to many it remains one.
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