Pharma Reform

Ever notice that when professionals (it doesn’t matter if it is a corporate executive, lawyer, actress, or athlete) are interviewed in their offices or homes they almost always have a library full of books in the background.  There is a reason for this.  It’s not just for looks, although it is impressive.

Professionals have an inherent need to know as much as they possibly can about their profession and the work they are doing.  This includes learning about differing points of view and why people might hold them.  This includes different ways of doing things,  even though they may not agree with the method.  Professionals strive to keep themselves up to date and ahead of their colleagues and anybody else for that matter.  They go well beyond what the average person will do to stay current or to do their jobs better.   And, while they know they can command higher compensation than non-professionals doing similar work in the same field, compensation is not a motivator for true professionals.

Professionals maintain their expertise and keep it current because it is a big part of who they are and they know that being a true professional with genuine expertise is rare.  They  continuously look  for ways to improve and enhance their expertise, often evaluating and employing new technology quickly if they think it might help them.  And while the internet makes it easier for them, books, including electronic versions, still provide information, insights, and unique author perspectives that can not be found on the internet.

Are you a professional or are you just doing a job?  It really is a personal choice and being a professional may not be for you.  It is also not a right or wrong choice, good or bad choice type thing.   It is also not about doing your best but more about being the best.  It takes commitment, dedication, skill, expertise, and an internal, self motivating drive to be the best at what you do.

So, if you consider yourself a professional, what’s on your bookshelf?  What have you read lately?

mike@pharmareform.com