The Professional: Defining the New Standard of Excellence at Work

A manifesto on what it takes to be a true professional in the modern world.

By common definition, a professional is anyone who possesses the skills and knowledge necessary for a career-whether as a surgeon, a software engineer, or a plumber. But according to Subroto Bagchi, our increasingly global marketplace demands more. In a world where the foolish, selfish, and unethical decisions of a few have affected the lives of millions, The Professional urges readers to act responsibly and reexamine "business as usual".

By exploring a variety of professional dilemmas across many industries, Bagchi defines the qualities of true professionals and the attributes that separate them from the merely competent. These include:

*Suffer no false attractions: It's always tempting to take the path of least resistance, but true professionals can separate the genuine from the phony. *Know when to say no: True professionals are not afraid to say no to things that are not worth their time, their energy, or their creativity. *Take the long view: True professionals understand that every action, decision, and relationship, no matter how small, can have a lasting impact.

Subroto Bagchi is Vice Chairman and Co-founder of MindTree Ltd., a global information technology and research and development consulting company. His work involves co-innovating with MindTree's customers, tending the top 100 minds in the organization and serving its fifty communities of practice. He is also Chairman of MindTree's Innovation Council and writes a column for Forbes India in which he interviews successful entrepreneurs.