The intentional professional
Matt HallI'm involved in a local effort to launch a coworking and business incubation space in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, where I live. Like most things worth doing, it's taking some time, but I think we'll get there eventually. Along this journey, I heard a lovely phrase recently — intentional community. What a great way to describe a group of coworkers and entrepreneurs, implying a group formed not just on purpose, but also with purpose.
But it made me think too — it made me wonder if some of the communities I'm involved in might be unintentional — accidental, inadvertent, perhaps even a mistake? Would you describe your workplace as intentional? If you're a student, are your classes intentional? That committee you're on — is that intentional?
Another phrase that keeps popping into my head lately is
Don't be a looky-loo. — Clay Shirky, Cognitive Surplus
Even if you don't know what a looky-loo is, you'll recognize the behaviour immediately. A looky-loo is someone who, taking Woody Allen's advice a little too seriously, thinks 80% of success is showing up. If you've ever organized a meeting, with an idea that you might get something done in it, you know the sort: they arrive, they eat the cookies, they do the small talk, then they sit there and stare at you for an hour, then they leave. No input given. No notes taken. No point being there.
Next time you hear yourself described in passive terms — attendee, reader, employee, student, user, consumer, react to it. You're being described as a person that things happen to. A victim.
Instead of being an unintentional victim, think of yourself an essential part of whatever it is. You are a participant, a partner, a stakeholder, a contributor, a collaborator. If you're not an essential part of it then, for everyone's sake, don't go.
This is what professionalism is.
Reader Comments (4)
An enjoyable read Matt
It is indeed a very nice way to put it: intentional professional. Has a nice sound to it too.
There's a book I read last year - The inside edge - by Peter Jensen http://www.peterjensen.ca/inside-edge.php
After reading it I've always made a point of learning at least one thing from every meeting I am invited to. I am thinking of updating my intention to: learn one thing, and contribute one if you can.
Thanks for posting.
@Matteo: Thanks for the comment, as always. Meetings are a problem. I think some of the 'looky-loo' behaviour is caused by the widespread practice of inviting people who don't need to be there. People do this out of politics, fear, laziness — all sorts of reasons. It's hard to avoid. Perhaps it's worth saying at the start: "If you don't contribute, that's OK, I'm genuinely sorry I wasted your time today. Next time I won't invite you." In other words — if you want to be here, then be here.
I recently read a quote that had an impact on my interactions in meetings and interactions in general:
"No one ever learned anything while talking."
I do agree with your commentary on non-value adding, passive behavior, but as always, there is a balance. It seems like lately, I have swung over to the side of more listening, less talking. This has been especially useful, when I'm in a room of people who know more than I do (which happens a lot these days!).
@jenson: Bah, again you expose the flaw in my extreme position! I agree we should know when to listen... as long as we don't get too comfortable with it, and forget to bring the passively-absorbed data to processing and activation.