Confusing professionalism for effectiveness

Professionalism helps your career. It draws a clear line between your business and private lives but it can get in the way. Think of the following:

• Always dress up.
• Don’t be emotional.
• Always be polite, you never know what bridges you’ll burn.
• Don’t upset the customers.
• Don’t upset your co-workers.
• Never make personal calls at work.
• It’s important to work 8-5 every day.

Here’s the antidote:

• If it’s not important then it’s not worth doing.
• There is no boundary between work and life. Do what you need to when you need to.
• You are allowed to work from home, butt-naked. Teleconferences can be especially fun when underdressed.
• You don’t have to stay in touch with people who have nothing to do with your business outcomes.
• You can call who you like when you like.
• Go pick fights occasionally. At least be rambunctious more often – you might be surprised at the outcome.
• Take time off when you don’t have anything to do. Go to the shops, watch television, go to a park… just do something else.
• It’s okay to work a 3 hour day.