On being a professional

'Professionalism' is a term that is loaded with positive connotations.  Everyone knows that if you get a professional to do a job, it will be done properly, completely, and with a concern for customer satisfaction.  Whereas the opposite is - what?  An amateur, a time-server, a dabbler, a novice?

Being a professional means having high standards of work, specialist skills and training that are not easily attainable, and a set of ethical norms that look beyond simple self-interest.  Many of the scandals that have made the news recently would not have happened had people followed professional standards.

Prospero operates to the set of values set out below.  I'd be interested to hear comments on these.  Have we missed anything important?  Or, on the other hand, are some of these norms no longer appropriate?

1.      Respect

We believe in the fundamental value of each person and will treat everyone with whom we deal with proper respect and without discrimination.

2.      Integrity

We will always tell the truth, however uncomfortable.  We will be open and honest with everyone.

3.      Client Service and Professionalism

We do the best we possibly can to help our clients.  We ensure our skills and competences are of the highest level and continually renewed and updated.

4.      Legality

We will comply with all applicable laws and regulations and strongly advise clients to do the same.  We will decline or terminate an engagement if we are at risk of breaching this principle.

5.      Monetary reward

We are a profit making organisation aiming to produce the best possible return for our Associates, but this will never be at the expense of our other values.

6.      Continuous Improvement

We will strive to find better ways to do everything.