Professional Attitude

A thought-provoking discussion of professional attitudes was posted online at Clancy’s Quotes dated March 26, 2009. The discussion suggests that Professionalism is one of those words that’s rather hard to define. Consequently, people have different viewpoints on what characteristics constitute professionalism.

According to Clancy, “Professionalism consists of certain attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors sometimes known collectively as “virtue” or “good character.” Attitudes and behaviors have two things in common. First, both are produced by our beliefs. Second, we have the power to choose our attitudes and behaviors.”

Furthermore, “Becoming a professional is an attitude adjustment process that begins by understanding what it means to be a professional, creating a personal vision of professionalism, and aligning one’s values in accordance with that image. Another way to say this is “change on the outside begins on the inside.” If you were to understand professionalism, then claim it as your set of personal values, where would you start to begin your professional tune-up? A good place is with the attitude called “respect” and a person must start by respecting oneself. Professionalism also insists on respect toward others, explained best by “The Golden Rule.”

Critical success factors for tomorrow’s business leaders: Perspectives from the UK

The latest report from Chartered Accountants Worldwide has called for business to instill a culture of ‘moral courage’ from the boardroom downwards. In Critical Success Factors for Tomorrow’s Business Leaders: Perspectives from the UK, the international body states that social media and the 24-hr scrutiny of the digital age mean that there is a direct link between ethics and value creation that business needs to acknowledge.

The report follows the latest Chartered Accountants Worldwide Critical Success Factors Summit in London. The summits gather senior CEOs, CFOs and executives, together with the heads of global Chartered Accountancy bodies, to discuss key issues facing future finance professionals. The report covers issues ranging from geopolitical tensions to the need for tax simplification and also draws on research surveying chartered accountants leading UK businesses.

According to Pat Costello, Chairman of Chartered Accountants Worldwide: “The digital age means that everyone is under scrutiny, all of the time, and issues can escalate through social media like wildfire. The right decisions need to be taken in real time – it’s no longer enough to rely on the traditional hierarchies. This means we need to foster a culture where people are trained to know what the right thing to do is when a challenge presents itself. A culture of ethics certainly starts in the boardroom, but it can’t stop there.”