Professionalism: A Lesson in the Humbleness of Leaders

We’re all familiar with the old adage, “It is not what you say; it is how you say it.” Well, that same idea applies to the norms of professionalism.  It is not what you do; it is how you go about doing it. We are often unaware of the affect our actions might create – or even, what impression they may leave on the people with whom we are working.

I organize the monthly meetings for the executive boards of the theatre department. Our last meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, September 6^th at 10pm. After waiting for a half an hour without any members arriving, I turned in. I later found that the group had been together and decided to go to dinner for the meeting. My phone, being out of service in the meeting room, didn’t get the message.

As the organizer of the meetings, I was frustrated that I was not included in the plans or present for the September meeting. I didn’t feel that the proper steps had been taken to move a set meeting location, as petty as it may have been.

Calling on the way to the “new location” is not professionalism. “We tried” is not professionalism. Meeting in the original location and agreeing to move, leaving someone to ensure all are informed, or posting a relocation sign are the proper steps that should have been taken. But why did it bother me so much? It was a petty issue, really. I feel irrational and immature even putting it on paper.

It wasn’t that the group hadn’t been “professional” about moving our informal monthly meetings. It was trust issue – and a power issue. I had the agenda for the meetings, I knew what needed to be discussed and I was in charge of getting everything together. How was I to know that all the important things were discussed and accomplished if I was not there to lead?

Without this realization, I probably would have sent a pretty poorly worded, angry, and unprofessional text message.  Instead, I forced myself to let it go. For the sake of dignity and professionalism, I choose to trust that the group could handle itself. I am hardly an all knowing power, and if I am going to succeed, I need to learn to delegate and to trust. I have a responsibility to my group, and I need to catch up with them and get back on track, but I cannot be constantly in control.

The discovery was not that I am leader because I am professional, but that my behavior does not always reflect the professionalism I wish to see in other leaders. I suppose it goes along with Dr. Swihart’s warning on day one: although people may say we are the best and brightest of Saginaw Valley, there are plenty more as bright or brighter. We were simply given an opportunity, a chance to learn, and we should not let that thought consume us.

Be confident, but also be humble, and you will go far.