E-couragement: How to Tell If You’re a Pro

“The difference between a hobby and a profession is practice.” Rich Schlentz It was the first workshop with a new client. The participants were understandably a little nervous. As if on behalf of the others, one Senior Director delivered this hybrid statement/question, “We’re not going to role-play today…are we?” I hear this often. For years I was uncertain how to effectively answer. Now, I reply, “Absolutely not. No role-play here, that’s for children.” I paused, allowing for a collective sigh of relief from everyone listening in then, I continued my response…

“Nope, we will certainly not be role-playing today. We will be practicing, because that’s what pros do—they practice.” Their look transformed from relief to a blend of confusion and fear, at which time I kicked-off the workshop. Here’s a simple timeless truth: no practice = no improvement. We understand this in other professions (athletes, entertainers, speakers, etc.), expecting them to perform at high levels. Yet in the workplace, there’s very little conversation or expectations regarding practicing your profession and honing your craft.

Let’s be clear, practice is not reading self-improvement books, listening to podcasts, or attending seminars/workshops. Those are all forms of information/education. No matter how good the information is, you won’t improve or change without application. Education doesn’t make anyone better at anything (if that were the case, we’d all be flawless). That's where practice comes in. Application is how you improve—using what you learn converts information and tools into skill and new behavior.

Are you a professional manager or engaging leader within your organization? What skills do you need to be more effective? Communication, handling conflict, project management, sales, planning, presenting, innovation, creating a compelling team vision, coaching employees, etc.? Are you practicing any of these? If not, you're treating your profession more like a hobby. Pros practice. How about you?

Leave your comments: How will you practice your profession this week?