Six years ago in Singapore, I gave a taxi driver a business card to take me to a particular address. At the last point, he circled around the building. His meter read 11$, but he took only 10. I said Henry, your meter reads 11$ how come you are taking only 10. He said Sir, I am a taxi driver, I am supposed to be bringing you straight to the destination. Since I did not know the last spot, I had to circle around the building.
Had I brought you straight here, the meter would have read 10$. Why should you be paying for my ignorance? He said Sir, legally, I can claim 11$ but ethically I am entitled to only 10. He further added that Singapore is a tourist destination and many people come here for three or four days. After clearing the immigration and customs, the first experience is always with the taxi driver and if that is not good, the balance three to four days are not pleasant either.
He said Sir I am not a taxi driver, I am the Ambassador of Singapore without a diplomatic passport.
In my opinion, he probably did not go to school beyond the 8th grade, but to me, he was a professional. To me, his behavior reflected pride in performance and character. That day I learned that one needs more than professional qualification to be a professional.
In one line be a "Professional with a human touch and Values " that makes all the more difference.
Knowledge, skill, money, education, all comes later. First, comes Integrity.
Moral: Professionalism: It’s NOT the job you DO, It’s HOW you DO the job.”
Source: Think Best Be Best