One of those issues that have been simmering with me since first quarter is professionalism in the classroom. While not trying to indict the majority of my classmates, but I can not help but notice the lack of professionalism within our classrooms. And I am sure it is not just this school; my guess is that these behaviors are a common hallmark of most business schools. I keep asking myself if I am out of touch or if I am expecting too much, but I keep coming to the conclusion that professionalism is lacking.
Looking back, law school, early on, made it clear that we chose to be in a school that produces professionals and, therefore, we had a duty to behave accordingly. I remember thinking that it was a bit elitist, but I now recognize that it did help to set a professional tone in the classroom when the teacher was teaching.
I wonder if, when we have graduated and are leaders of teams, we will tolerate these common behaviors in our meetings (that I equate to classes):
- Not being prepared - It is alright that circumstances did not allow you to complete the class readings, but it should not become a habit and you shouldn't waste class time by asking questions about the basic concepts that would have been obvious if you did the readings.
- Talking - Why are there conversations going on when the teacher is talking? I understand you may have a pressing question, but make a note and continue to listen. How would you react if you are instructing your team and they are not listening because they are talking amongst themselves?
- Cell Phone Ringing - I understand that there will be that one time that you forget to turn your phone off or set to vibrate, but there are people who are frequent re-offenders. A professional knows to look at his phone before he walks into a meeting to make sure it will not disturb the meeting. I feel bad for the first team I lead after graduating because if someone's phone goes off in my meeting I will make it very uncomfortable for that person.
Am I being too hard? I encourage your comments. My opinion is that you are not a professional simply because you can handle multiple information sources at once. A professional knows how to handle multiple information sources, but gives each source the proper respect and attention that it deserves. That means preparing beforehand for a meeting; listening to a speaker; and turning off outside stimulus to allow everyone else to focus.
3 comments:
You wrote:
If someone's phone goes off in my meeting I will make it very uncomfortable for that person.
***How I long to have my phone ring in one of your meetings.
Well, I am scared of you and your hormones. So I think you would be safe :).
lol HILARIOUS
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