On Professionalism

So, I work for a company that, for the time being, shall remain nameless. It is a fairly widespread company (in Alaska), and as part of my job description, I perform phlebotomy.

I have been called into the office on a number of occasions for my lack of professionalism. At least, that's what it's being called. However, whenever I give my supervisors feedback, they go on the defensive, almost without fail. Professionalism? At this point, the meeting becomes less and less about what is professional, and degenerates quickly into the game of 'Who's Right'. In spite of any rational argument or point of view I may put forth, all I get from them is 'you're not professional', or 'you're not holding yourself accountable'. Accountability is a favorite word these days. Sometimes I'm unsure that my supervisors know what that means.

In regard to professionalism, I handle myself with every bit of the integrity that I handled myself with when I was working as a student officer at UAF. That my supervisor's orders are not clarified to the point that I cannot execute the desired tasks without asking them two or three times what, exactly, did they mean, is not my problem. And yet, all I hear from them is 'you're not holding yourself accountable'. Where, may I ask, is the way out of this impasse? If I am asking for clarification of work requests in order that I don't screw up, how is that not being accountable for my actions? In fact, one may argue that I'm not only holding myself accountable for my actions, but for the actions and requests of my supervisors, as well. I guess the expression 'shit rolls downhill' is very true, in this case.

In any case, I am leaving. I have been putting in for jobs throughout the region, and my employment record speaks for itself. Eventually, I'll find a position that I am at ease with, and supervisors that aren't looking for excuses to fire me. That is all.