FUNDAMENTALS

I'd like to start out by stating  that in researching this topic, I did not just enter PROFESSIONALISM in Google  with the intention of copying and pasting articles from people who have written books or other blogs on this subject.

With that being said, I do hope to reference people and resources that shed light on what it means to be, not only a professional but but what it means to exhibit professionalism.

I think it is important in this exploration, to share a common understanding of the words and terms used  to address all things pertaining to Professionalism.

PROFESSIONAL-following an occupation as a means of livelihood or for gain. I think we can all agree that a person who works for a living, is by the loosest definition a Professional.
I am referencing Dictionary,com for my definitions.

As an adjective, Professional is used to describe someone  whose occupation is for monetary gain. Such as a professional builder, landscaper, dishwasher.
As a noun, it is used in reference to a person who is an expert in their chosen field, as opposed to being a hobbyist or amateur.

PROFESSIONALISM-the standing, practice, or methods of a professional, as distinguished from an amateur.This will be explored further. The standards for what is considered to be a Professional differ from occupation to occupation, state to state, country to country. In general though, Professionalism is the  expression of a demeanor that lends the person who exhibits it to expectations of quality associated with that persons profession, or occupation.