What is a Professional?

What's is a professional? Being professional can mean a lot of things, but in particular, it is a person that handles his/her vocation with the attention, attitude, and demeanor it deserves. 

In many ways, it means putting the needs of the organization and the people it serves in front of your own. 

In part, you exhibit professionalism when you:

• limit personal phone calls and emails at work
• control your emotions
• listen before speaking
• consider details before jumping into decisions
• dress appropriately for your industry and workplace
• continue to grow in your vocational skills through training and experience

It's not just about getting paid for what you do. 

Question: Do people in your organization consider YOU a professional? 

A Comma'N Problem

Merriam-Webster's Pocket Guide to punctuation lists 44 comma rules! No wonder it's hard to know whether to use one or not. One hint to help: if you can put two phrases together using and, but, or, no, or so and be left with two complete sentences, use a comma before the conjunction. For example:

I am writing this blog post, and it is hot outside.

I am writing this blog post. It is hot outside. (Two separate sentences could be formed which is why a comma works well in sentence one before the conjunction.)

I am writing this blog post while it is hot outside. (No comma because there is no conjunction.

I am writing this blog post. It is hot outside.

I am done writing this post. I will probably, maybe often, misuse commas and I will forget the rules.

Question: What punctuation mark gives you the most trouble?

Adapted from an article originally written by Brenda B. Covert for PROfile.

Sabbath Sunday

Your troubles will go away like water beneath a bridge... Job 11:36