Aviano Air Base, Italy -- One of the added benefits of being a maintenance officer might go unnoticed by most people, but I've had the privilege to share an office with a chief master sergeant throughout my career. 

There's no better way to learn about professionalism than to be surrounded by it all day long. I entered the Air Force with my ROTC understanding of what professionalism was all about. 

Basically, the definition of professionalism was derived from Morris Janowitz's book, "The Professional Soldier," and entailed being a heroic leader, military manager and a military technologist. 

I could answer all the multiple choice questions on professionalism, but never really grasped the concept until I spent some time listening and learning from a chief. He probably had never even heard of Mr. Janowitz, but he knew everything about being a professional. 

From our first day on the job in the Air Force, we're taught about professionalism. The first line of the NCO Creed states, "No one is more professional than I." We attend Professional Military Education. But just how professional are you? Here are a few suggestions that will make you an even more professional Airman. 

1. Don't make excuses - they may be entertaining, but they're not productive. 

2. Carrying your own load is not enough - look for ways to improve the unit. 

3. Follow through on your own - don't make your boss tie up the loose ends. 

4. Anticipate problems - always have a Plan B and build in flexibility. 

5. Be punctual - no one likes to wait for packages, projects or people. 

6. Choose your battles carefully - the squeaky wheel sometimes goes to DRMO. 

7. Bring solutions, not problems - you're the best qualified to solve your problems. 

8. Get along with co-workers - it's hard to tell who's right through the cloud of dust. 

9. Protect the unit's reputation - putting people down is no way to lift yourself up. 

10. Never lie, never guess - the quick answer that pleases the boss is great, if its true. 

Professionalism is obviously more than applying the ten suggestions above. We grow each day with each experience primarily from the people who surround us. What are the folks sharing an office with you learning about professionalism?