A common theme across all types of professions is the concept of pride. Workers who perform well in their jobs can feel proud of what they do and take pride in being good at it. This type of pride is often referred to as "craftsmanship" - the ability to take pride in one's own work, regardless of whether it is manual or intellectual labor.
Someone who builds houses may feel pride in their craft because they have taken great care and attention to detail when building them; while someone who works in an office may feel pride in their ability to handle large amounts of data efficiently.
Many workers also take pride in something more than just their physical skills or abilities. Some workers view their labor as skilled emotional and interpersonal work, which means that they derive pride from how they interact with others and build relationships rather than simply performing physical tasks. These types of workers may be called "professional."
When viewed through this lens, professionalism is not limited to people who work in offices or other settings where they must wear business attire and follow strict rules about behavior. Rather, anyone who performs skilled labor that involves interactions with others could potentially be considered a "professional," even if they do not hold a degree or certification in their field. In fact, some argue that emotional labor is essential for any job that requires interacting with customers, clients, or coworkers. Emotional labor refers to the way employees manage their feelings and behaviors on the job so that they can provide excellent customer service. It involves suppressing negative emotions like anger, anxiety, sadness, and stress and expressing positive ones like empathy, warmth, and enthusiasm. When employees are good at doing this type of labor, they can create strong connections with those around them and help their employers meet their goals.
The concept of emotional labor has been studied extensively by social scientists and psychologists, who have found that it plays a significant role in shaping employee satisfaction and productivity. Employees who feel supported and appreciated by their employers tend to perform better and stay longer in their jobs than those who don't. This is because when employees feel valued, they are more likely to go above and beyond what is expected of them and take pride in their work. Conversely, when employees feel undervalued or unappreciated, they may become resentful and disengaged from their jobs, which can lead to reduced performance.
So how does this relate to craftsmanship? Well, many workers who view their labor as skilled emotional and interpersonal work experience pride in their ability to connect with others through meaningful interactions. They take pride in being able to listen carefully to customers, understand their needs, and find ways to meet those needs.
Someone working in retail might take pride in helping a customer find exactly what they want without being pushy or sales-oriented; someone working in healthcare might take pride in developing trusting relationships with patients over time; while someone working in education might take pride in teaching students effectively despite difficult circumstances.
In all these cases, professionalism emerges from the worker's attitude towards their job - not just their skill level or physical abilities. It is about taking pride in the way they interact with others and building strong connections based on mutual respect and understanding. When workers take pride in their work, they are more likely to invest time and energy into improving their skills so that they can provide even better service to their clients. As a result, both parties benefit: The worker feels a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from their work, while the employer reaps the rewards of increased productivity and loyalty.
Then, professional pride or craftsmanship among workers who view their labor as skilled emotional and interpersonal work is essential for maintaining high levels of employee engagement and productivity. By recognizing the importance of emotional labor and valuing it accordingly, employers can create an environment where employees feel valued and supported, leading to improved performance and greater organizational success.
What forms of professional pride or craftsmanship emerge among workers who view their labor as skilled emotional and interpersonal work?
The concept of "skilled emotional and interpersonal work" refers to jobs that require the application of complex emotional and social skills to produce an outcome. In these jobs, workers are often expected to develop strong relationships with customers, patients, or clients while also demonstrating empathy, patience, and compassion. Professionals who engage in this type of work may experience feelings of pride and craftsmanship because they see themselves as making a meaningful contribution to others' lives.