Professionalism

Professionalism is embodied responsibility under constraint.

It is not a performance. It is not a title. It is not seniority.

The Professional

A professional:

• owns outcomes
• anticipates failure
• improves the system
• communicates clearly
• requires minimal supervision

They manage themselves first.

The Amateur

An amateur:

• waits for direction
• optimizes for comfort
• avoids responsibility
• explains instead of fixing

Good intentions do not compensate for unmanaged outcomes.

Conduct

Professionalism is visible before it speaks:

• shows up prepared
• arrives early
• respects time
• leads with BLUF
• leaves ego at the door

Rule

Work only with those who demonstrate ownership behavior.

Last substantive revision: 2025-05-24
Next review: when standards slip