Over the years I’ve learned that trusted professionals think very similarly. They hold certain mind-sets if you will. Here are the seven we memorialize in the book.
1. Professionals Have a Bias for Results.
- The quality of their work speaks for itself.
- They exercise superb judgment.
- Accountability means advancing the ball, often in spite of adversity.
2. Professionals Realize (and Act Like) They’re Part of Something Bigger than Themselves.
- They commit to the success of their firm, organization, or client.
- They realize that success transcends their own parochial interests.
- They collaborate as an effective team member.
3. Professionals Know Things Get Better When They Get Better.
- They are emotionally invested; it’s more than just a job.
- They are always learning, ever vigilant, and thoroughly prepared.
- They are willing to advance a point of view and work toward what’s possible.
4. Professionals Have Personal Standards That Often Transcend Organizational Ones.
- They have personalized a set of core values.
- They do what’s right over what’s expedient by taking the long view.
- They avoid pointless drama. They rise above the fray. They stay focused.
5. Professionals Know Personal Integrity Is All They Have.
- Authenticity and honesty are paramount.
- They consistently deliver on their commitments, both explicit and implicit.
- They refuse to violate the trust others have extended.
6. Professionals Aspire to Be Masters of Their Emotions, Not Enslaved by Them.
- They are respecting even when it’s difficult to be respectful.
- They maintain their objectivity and keep their wits about them.
- They manage their ego and resist the urge for immediate gratification.
7. Professionals Aspire to Reveal Value in Others.
- They readily extend trust to those who need it.
- They recognize the value other professionals bring to the table.
- They aspire to lift others through their demeanor and actions.
