Professionalism in the Work Environment
Every Friday morning, the Invictus Healthcare System leadership development team comes together for a meeting. These meetings generate ideas, continue education and help define the overall goals of our growing company. As our CEO says, “I never leave one of these meetings without embedding a new tactic into my everyday life.” Each week consists of a different topic; this past week the topic was how to uphold professionalism in the workplace. As a group, we concluded that professionalism can mean many different things such as; poise, accuracy, appearance, attitude and showing respect. However, the approach Chris Lazar, Invictus Healthcare Ancillaries Manager, took the meaning “professionalism” much closer to the heart. Chris shared that in the army he served as a Noncommissioned Officer and to uphold this status he was required to memorize the Noncommissioned Officer Creed.
Noncommissioned Officer Creed
“No one is more professional than I. I am a noncommissioned officer, a leader of soldiers. As a noncommissioned officer, I realize that I am a member of a time-honored corps, which is known as ‘The Backbone of the Army.’ I am proud of the corps of noncommissioned officers and will at times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the military service and my country regardless of the situations in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.
Competence is my match word. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind- accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my soldiers. I will strive to remain technically and tactically proficient. I am aware of my role as a noncommissioned officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent to that role. All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my Soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my Soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.
Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, noncommissioned officers, leaders!”
The magnitude that the Creed obtains is powerful and each manager was completely taken back by the Creed. They talked about how easy it would be to conduct this Creed within the company. As Invictus managers it starts with “I” and ends with “us.”
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