The Art of Professionalism

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Chris hayes

Careers Coordinator, The Leadership Institute

The Leadership Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Arlington, Virginia that teaches "political technology." The institute was founded in 1979 by conservative activist Morton Blackwell. Its mission is to "increase the number and effectiveness of conservative activists" and to "identify, train, recruit and place conservatives in politics, government, and media."

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karoline leavitt

Former Assistant Press Secretary, The White House

Leavitt graduated from Saint Anselm College in 2019, earning a degree in politics and communication. She spent time volunteering at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics while she was earning her undergraduate degree. As a student during the 2016 election, she began working for Fox News.

After graduating, she worked for former president Donald Trump and served as a presidential writer and assistant press secretary in the press office.

Characteristics of a Professional

  • Competence
    • Whatever your job description is, your boss is relying on you to do that on time and with excellence
  • Knowledge
    • Professionals are committed to becoming experts in their field and they share that knowledge with others
    • Different types of knowledge:
      • Institutional knowledge: As you work weeks, months and years in an administration you acquire more institutional knowledge over time
      • Day to day knowledge: Knowledge or information about your specific job that is immediately available to you. 
  • Conscientiousness & Integrity
    • Do what you say you’re going to do. Be reliable
    • Own your mistakes
  • Respect & Emotional Intelligence
    • Treat other people with respect and treat yourself with respect
    • Carry yourself as though you are someone who deserves to be where you are.
    • Avoid having a negative emotional response in stressful situations. Instead, take a deep breath and execute your job to the best of your ability
  • Confidence & Appropriateness
    • Strike the balance between contributing and dominating
    • Whether you are getting coffee with a coworker, at work happy hour, or at a conservative movement event, always behave professionally
    • Confidence is key - You are here for this moment; you were chosen and hired for this position, and that qualifies you to be here
  • Your boss
    • Attitude - Always go to your boss with the appropriate attitude
    • Anticipate - Know what your boss needs from you even before your boss has thought to ask it of you. 
    • Make your boss’s life as easy as you possibly can
    • Approach your boss when necessary:
      • When there is information that you need to bring to their attention
      • When you are finishing a project
  • Being a good colleague
    • You can be a team player and a leader at the same time
    • Being a servant leader is the best kind of leader, and it’s also the best kind of colleague
  • Being a good boss
    • As a manager, there will be a million variables coming from multiple directions
    • Be cool, serene and calm
    • What you put out is what you get back
    • Treat your staff with respect and foster team camaraderie 
    • Encourage all of your employees to be their best selves