Ever stood in line as a store’s sales clerk chats away on a personal call? Ever been treated with disdain by a waiter or waitress who acted as if the customer was a bother? Ever had a flight attendant pull the emergency chute and bolt across the tarmac chugging a beer?

Each example is a lack of professionalism, and it’s become all too common — and costly — in our society.

Like beauty, professionalism is in the eye of the beholder. The word describes a type of behavior in the workplace and is based on values and understanding of professional roles. It is evidenced in behavior by the way a job is done and by the way customers and fellow employees are treated. Professionalism is judged by appearance, by communication, by personal carriage and by competence on the job.

Professionalism can be defined in many ways and does not refer to only those in the medical, legal and judicial fields. Professionalism isn’t the job that’s done, but how it’s done. Professionals have the ability to get the job done and deliver positive results.

In order for any company to be successful, with the economy in its current state of disarray, more than ever each company needs to employ professionals.

An argument could be made that the economy is in the shape it is, not because of the financial crisis, but because of a lack of professionalism. A lack of professionalism in the banking industry, on Wall Street, at the government level and in many of the companies used daily. For too many years, this type of behavior went unchecked and the repercussions are being felt now.

Professionalism is important to sustaining good morale, motivation in the work force and high ethical standards. With a lack of professionalism comes dissent in the work force and employees who look at their jobs as temporary until something better comes along. Some by-products of unprofessionalism are a lack of motivation and a loss of productivity, a decline in job satisfaction, unethical acts that ultimately harm the company’s reputation and a high rate of turnover.

As recovering businesses seek the edge over competition, they will have to employ professionals. Professionals motivate themselves and others around them, have a positive impact on productivity and improve quality. Professionals know that business is all about numbers, and they know how to turn those numbers around in their favor in ethical ways. Businesses should look to build their foundation on a core of professionals.

A famous quote goes something like this, if you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, just wait till you hire an amateur.