Making of a professional

Making of a professional

One never stops learning – that’s a fact I have found true time and again. To stop learning is the most dangerous thing that can happen in your career/life. That learning, however, is often instigated by unexpected events, life decisions, seizing amazing opportunities, or even failures/career doors that close. However, there is also a natural learning as you mature from one stage in life to another.

One natural and interesting inflection point in an young person’s life often comes after they leave college. It’s often a time punctuated by near boundless energy, enthusiasm, and idealism. While that makes for a great starting point, it also has some real shortcomings that must be recognized or they can start sabotaging your career and personal life. Another name for this is ‘Mt Stupid’

One source calls this the transition from amateur to professional, or getting from the peak of Mt Stupid to being a Guru. I have read these (and other) observations/tips given to engineers and to artists alike.

  • Amateurs think they are good at everything. Professionals understand their circles of competence.
  • Amateurs solve the symptoms. Professionals solve the problem.
  • Amateurs think in absolutes. Professionals think in probabilities.
  • Amateurs think disagreements are threats. Professionals see them as an opportunity to learn or share.
  • Amateurs have a goal. Professionals have a process.
  • Amateurs value intensity because it makes a good story. Professionals value consistency because it makes good outcomes.

I have stories I could share on almost every one of these observations – and where I’ve seen it really stunt or even destroy a career when people stubbornly hold to them.

Maybe a topic for another write-up, but currently, I think that the next transitioning from professional to leadership. Choosing the values and becoming the kind of leader you want is a whole new challenge.

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