If we are serious about our occupations, we'll see ourselves acting that out in a number of ways. In other words, our underlying attitude of seriousness will show itself in the way that we behave. Consistently, over time, we'll act in ways that show the people around us our commitment. Here are two indications of the degree to which we are serious about our occupations:

1. We'll want to do better in everything we do.

Better? Better than what?

Better than we did before. We'll exhibit a never-ending quest to improve our performance in every variable, every project, every transaction, every relationship, and every detail. I call this the characteristic of "personal discontent." Our personal status quo is never acceptable.

That's not to say that we can't celebrate and enjoy our success. We certainly should. But after we've congratulated ourselves for our excellent performance, we then need to take a deep breath, and recommit to doing it better next time.

Here's an example. I've been a fan of the Detroit Pistons professional basketball team for decades. For several years Isiah Thomas was the leader of the "Bad Boys," as the team was known. The team was world champions, and Isiah was recognized as the Most Valuable Player. It doesn't get any better than that. Most Valuable Player on the World Champion team.

But Isaiah was a "true professional." In an interview with a news reporter, he revealed that he often had insomnia, and would get up in the middle of the night and practice shooting free throws in the gymnasium he had built in his home - practicing one of the most basic skills in order to improve in it.

Even at the peak of his career, he wasn't satisfied with his performance. While he enjoyed his success, he knew he could do better. Isaiah was a career 80 percent free throw shooter - not a 100 percent shooter. He exhibited the quality of every professional - personal discontent.

That applies to managers, executives and leaders of organizations in the same way. I'm often asked if there are any attributes that identify a potential client for my company's services. What does a good prospect look like? I've found one necessary trait: an executive or executive team that is ambitious for the growth of their company.

In other words, a leader who is discontent. Regardless of the degree of current success, discontent in the executive office is the surest indicator of a company on the move.

It's true for every individual and every organization at every stage of an organization. A professional executive is discontent with his organization's performance. A professional manager is discontent with his team's results. A professional of any kind is continually discontent with his/her performance.

At every level, in every occupation, the professionals are always striving to do it better the next time.

2. We'll seek opportunities and relationships that will challenge us to grow.

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