Professionalism is a highly valued trait in the workforce. Of, course, being a professional means more than possessing a college degree and a noted title. However, not all the industries see the concept of professionalism in the same way. This article is a “professionalism” focus in shipping industry.
What makes someone a professional?
A professional is a member of a profession or any person who earns their living from a specified professional activity. The term also describes the standards of education and training that prepare members of the profession with the particular knowledge and skills necessary to perform their specific role within that profession. In addition, professionalism has to do with how you conduct yourself during your business affairs; different tasks to different people. Talking about shipping industry, seafaring with its STCW rules could meet all the requirements of a profession.
Professional is not a label you give yourself, it’s a description you hope others will apply to you
David Maister
How to improve your maritime professionalism
- Be the best
Professionals strive to excel. It takes effort and commitment to remain at that standard and to even look to excellence. A maritime professional focuses at the expectations of his position and seeks out the skillset, knowledge and training to reach them.
- Be dependable
Seafarers accept the duties of the role and position and keep their promises, meet their commitments, learn from their mistakes, and take responsibility for their errors. For instance, a Master is accountable for all; this could be an ultimate praise for professionalism.
- Be a team player
Take for example ship navigation and/or mooring operations. They do not necessarily imply professionalism. It is mainly about how you plan yourself; how you communicate and cooperate with your mates. Professionals know how to contribute to a larger cause and make others around them better.
- Be respectful
Harassment, aggressive attitude, and offensive personal habits can face suspension of seafarers’ contracts. The multicultural nature of shipboard work requires every seafarer to adapt to the diversity and understand the positive aspects. Good business etiquette is a sign of respect for those around you, respecting others is not only good, it is good for your career.
- Be positive
It important that a seafarer, his/her collogues and the organisation maintain a positive, resilient outlook even when things get tough. There are many methods by which stress could be reduced while working and mindfulness is one of them.
- Be ethical
Those working in acknowledged seafaring professions exercise specialist knowledge and skill. Responsible maritime professionals work to avoid any ethical lapses and weigh their options carefully when facing ethical delimmas.
Why developing professionalism matters
All in all, specialized knowledge, competency, honesty and integrity, respect, accountability as well as self-regulation are some of the aspects that differentiate professionalism from amateurism and inexperience. Therefore, developing professionalism is worth because:
- Indicates people’s agility or mobility
- Measures motivation for self-development
- Enables you to understand your profile
- Provides resources to get improved
- Enables decision making
An absolute must READ to all professionals out there. A constant reminder to be the PART, act the PART, share knowledge of the PART. Thank you.