Pro vs Professional: There is a Big Difference

By Coach Kevin Sutton

When people hear the word “Pro” they often equate it with a positive image of a successful individual in a specific field without fully understanding the distinguishing characteristics and evolution it takes to develop into a true professional. 

While these two words, “pro” and professional are often used reciprocally, they should not be given equal weight.

Although both words are associated and often used freely in athletics, the matter of fact is that we are surrounded by both “pros” and professionals every day, in all walks of life.

Whether you work in business, medicine or education, we all know the feeling when working alongside a professional. These professionals have mastered an absolute and authentic approach to their work combined with their natural skill to positively impact those around them.

Often times the 9 additional letters in the word Professional separate and determine who is highly regarded and who is not, ultimately determining who will be successful for the long-term.

While it is admirable for anyone to want to become a “pro” it is the constant pursuit of new skills, honorable values and moral excellence that allows someone to elevate to the level of a consummate professional.

Unlike “pros,” professionals are able to have lasting influence, using their experiences to impact others and influence change.

In the coaching field specifically, professionals understand the importance of longevity and how important the second and third contracts often are to enabling them to have a lasting career and impact.

While a first contract may allow an individual to have a job and become a “pro,” this is just the first step in a long journey of what it takes to become a professional.  

The continuing process of growth and understanding that a person goes through during their journey will allow them to hopefully transform from a “pro” into a professional, displaying these cultivated characteristics in all that they do with a great sense of pride and professionalism.

Professionalism is how a professional act and it comes with a great deal of respect and admiration.

Excelling as a professional also lends credibility to creating a platform and using that platform to cross cultural, racial, social, sexual and economic barriers while staying authentic to oneself.

Professionals understand that the following attributes matter in order to have a positive impact:

-Longevity

-Relevancy

-Accountability

-Sustainability

-Marketability

-Charity

-Respect

-Competency

-Legacy

-Integrity

-Grit

-Discipline

-Humility

-Responsibility

-Kindness

As we are all on our own journey to become the professional, we have set out to be, ask yourself this question:

What makes you a professional?