I have often been given feedback about what standards others apply to me that cause them to label me as unprofessional. For example, saying “um” and “like”, wearing jeans, wearing bras, showing cleavage, having wet hair. I once had an internship supervisor tell me that I would do whatever I think counselors do. So if I think counselors take their shoes off and put their feet on the seat, then I will do that. Seth Godin describes it as “People like us do things like this.” I encourage you to think about your standards of professionalism and where those came from. Are they needed? Are they helpful?

To learn more about what I’m like as a professional, check out About Me.