What is true professionalism? This is a divergent question (a question with no specific answer, but rather exercises one’s ability to think broadly about a certain topic). Different people, all characterized by honesty as well as high ethical and intellectual level, inevitably come to diametrically different answers to this question. However, after many years of working in the business area, I was encountered with so many attitudes and models of professionalism, that I could write an essay about them. Over the years I met many great CEOs and managers, both males and females. But the attitude of my French friend and co-worker, Evelyne Starke, was what I engraved most in my memory, and I am writing this article to honor her.
My French role model
I met Evelyne 14 years ago, when I joined the international team of the French Embassy in Warsaw, Poland. The Department of Enlargement of UE consisted of a wonderful boss, Mr. Olivier Louis, and 4 commercial counsellors. The only woman in this team, except me, was Evelyne. I have fond memories of this time of my life: great workhops in Paris, fancy dinners at the embassy, but it was the daily cooperation with an unusual Frenchwoman, that has marked me the most.
Evelyne, then in her late forties, was a beautiful woman and a mother of three children. After arriving at the embassy in Poland, she fulfilled the role of an expatriate and a sole breadwinner for her family (the expatriates’ spouses were not allowed to work) with grace and humour. At the same time, her professionalism and positive attitude made working in a foreign language team, diplomatic environment and on macroeconomic issues a pleasant experience, which I recall with a dose of pleasure and tenderness. We had great working conditions and a clear vision, we worked on a complex issue of introducing new countries to the European Union and published a real great content (La Revue Elargissement). We were a group of people who liked working with one another. We created the real team.
The great Personal Assistant
Evelyne worked as an assistant (PA) to the boss and she fulfilled that role with pride, pleasure and true commitment. She constantly tried to serve her supervisor as best as she could, but there was nothing servile in her attitude, instead there was respect for her work, for herself and for others. Evelyne was constantly in good spirits (I am ashamed to recollect that sometimes I did not return that good mood back), you could say that it was her business uniform. At the same time she was a genuine woman (she won the title od Miss in her youth), she took a good care of her free time and enjoyment, and she also led a rich social life (and made MasterChef cuisine!). Her work life balance was subjected to momentary fluctuations, but her values were not negotiable. Evelyne represented the same level of professionalism and commitment both in her work and parental responsibilities. She led a very consistent life, in which her job was very important part.
I remember a certain incident which was characteristic of her attitude. One day, we discussed an event in our office when a young employee from another embassy department came to us. It turned out that he was using the conference room on our floor. — Evelyne — he asked — I have a guest, could you give us a cup of coffee? I froze because similar situations usually generated tensions in Polish companies. Evelyne was not a subordinate to this gentleman, nor did they have any business relationship. On the other hand, it was evident that the young councillor is troubled and he does not know how to find his way in our kitchen. — Of course- Evelyne replied with a smile- with a pleasure. And indeed she made coffee for those guests.
True professionals care
What makes her a true professional? I found the answer in David Maister’s book called “True professionalism”. A true professionalism implies a pride in work, commitment to quality, dedication to the interests of the clients and a sincere desire to help. Evelyne took care of her bosses and co-workers, and thanks to her generous nature she was able to give kindness even to those outside of that circle. And I think I did not appreciate that attitude enough then (I must admit that I was soon severely punished by the presence of a moody co-worker). Evelyne got recognition of her accomplishments by the ambassador, who on the annual ceremony in the embassy’s gardens chose my friend to greet, together with him, guests invited to a reception.
What’s up with Evelyne? She has turned 60 and she is still working, but this time in Brussels. I am following her on Facebook, looking at how she divides her attention between work, family and friends. She still has strength and energy to say a good word and show kindness to those she meets on her way. Her co-workers are very lucky.
Dear Evelyne, I wrote this post to thank you for those (almost) two years, and to express my regret that we could not meet in Brussels recently. I want you to know that, although I lost all hope that I will ever learn to cook as well as you do ( I would have to train since childhood), I still have hope that someday I will be able to get closer to the standards of professionalism which you represented.
In a nutshell, the team that issued La Revue Elargissement was the best editorial team I have ever worked with. 14 years ago we were doing international content marketing (in 4 languages) and we used marketing automation! We were ahead of the trends on so many levels and worked in such a wonderful, friendly atmosphere. And one of my most important memories is being a member of a great team whose comfort, morale and good atmosphere were watched mostly by Evelyne.
It is easy to be heavy: hard to be light. Thank you, Evelyne!