THOUGHTS ABOUT PROFESSIONALISM
David C. Garcelon
Land Surveyor, Civil Engineer, Expert in Antique Surveying Instruments, Instrument Makers, Surveying and Mapping.
THOUGHTS ABOUT PROFESSIONALISM
I began my full time surveying career in 1964, and by 1985 was licensed as a surveyor in four New England states.
I received my first license in 1972. By then, my mentors and fellow surveyors had instilled in me the belief that being licensed as a professional did not indicate the licensed person would behave professionally. In other words, a license that was obtained by exam did not and cannot predict professional behavior. I suppose that some would say that goes without saying. I disagree.
Neither field work or a college education is a pre-requisite to showing respect and civil behavior to others. Several times I have had to tell fellow licensed surveyors, field crews, and engineers that dropping the “F” bomb was unacceptable while working with or for me. No excuses or attempts to justify it were acceptable. Like a drill sergeant? You bet!
One telephone call from any client saying “Don't send that field crew to finish the job. Their foul language and crude behavior is unacceptable to me” is one time too many.
Another personal experience is this. One of my licensed surveyors, a licensed engineer, and I were meeting with a prospective client whose required services had the potential to earn the firm well over $100,000.00 over a one year period.
During the meeting the surveyor and engineer both interrupted the “client” several times. When they interrupted the client they made it quite clear they wanted him to know they knew more about surveying and engineering than he did.
In addition, after the client dropped the “F” bomb, they began to do the same. Perhaps they did so because they thought the clients use of the word gave them license to do so.
Needless to say, we did not get the work.
First, it should be very evident that a client does not like being interrupted, particularly when they think they are telling you something important. The client has already admitted you know more about surveying and engineering than he does simply by coming to consult with you about the services he needs.The ability to try and be equal to a client in the use of foul language or uncivil behaviour is plain stupid!
If we have a profession to offer to others, we need to behave professionally if we are to succeed in that profession.
David C. Garcelon
Owner, RPLS, B&B Surveying Co.
5 年I look at professionalism in a different way I suppose. I have always viewed professional behavior as possessing perspicuity that exhibits a dynamic quality. For example a Professional's work product should contain transparent and compelling evidence to support the conclusions being presented by that Professional. It should also contain analysis of the most conflicting pieces of evidence to the conclusions that Professional is drawing in their analysis. A true Professional is one that can reverse their opinion if better evidence becomes available that renders their conclusions untenable.? I could give a damn what people think of me as a Professional and further I don't care if people like or dislike me simply because of how I convey my professional conclusions. These have nothing to do with the substance of my professional conclusions.? Should you interrupt clients that are trying to tell you something? Should you curse like a sailor? As you said, probably not. But I imagine Einstein had some critics also.??
City Surveyor
5 年Well written, David.? I've come to learn that licensure by examination only ensures that the candidate is minimally competent.? Professionalism is learned through the trials and experience that we acquire, hopefully, as we go.?