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PROFILE : My journey to Professional Registration - Innocent Gininda

Innocent Gininda shares his journey to becoming a registered Professional Engineer (PrEng), emphasizing the importance of mentorship, early preparation, and understanding ECSA requirements. He offers advice to aspiring PrEngs, highlighting the value of diverse feedback and a positive mindset. My journey to becoming a registered Professional Engineer (PrEng) culminated successfully in November 2024. I was fortunate to begin my career at a company with a Commitment and Undertaking (C&U) Agreement with ECSA and a robust mentorship program. This commitment to training engineers to the standard required for Professional Registration provided me with essential resources and a structured path to track my experience against ECSA requirements. Early exposure to these expectations instilled a positive outlook on registration and solidified my desire to achieve this milestone. My views on Professional Registration have remained consistently positive throughout this journey. Working alongside ...

CAREERTIP: Workplace paradox: Balancing self with professional expectations

Finding a balance where you can be your true self without overstepping boundaries or making others uncomfortable is crucial. While seasoned hardhatPROFESSIONALS often develop a sense of what's appropriate through experience, younger hardhatPROFESSIONALS may need specific guidance to navigate this delicate balance effectively.

Striking a balance between being genuine and professional in the workplace can be challenging. Here are some strategies that hardhatPROFESSIONALS can employ to navigate this paradox effectively:

1. Authenticity Rooted in Integrity:

  • Align your actions with your personal integrity and values. Authenticity stems from consistency between your beliefs and behaviors.
  • Rather than expressing every thought or emotion, demonstrate your values through your conduct. This approach earns respect and recognition.

2. Respectful Communication:

  • Treat others with respect, acknowledging their perspectives even when you disagree. This demonstrates your authenticity by recognizing shared humanity and fostering positive interactions.

3. Relevance in Sharing:

  • When sharing personal information, ensure it's relevant to the situation. A brief personal anecdote can humanize interactions, but avoid oversharing or derailing discussions from professional objectives.

4. Strategic Vulnerability:

  • Show vulnerability strategically to humanize interactions. Briefly sharing relevant personal experiences can build connections, but maintain professionalism and focus on work-related matters.

5. Emotional Regulation:

  • Manage your emotional responses and communication style professionally. Avoid impulsive reactions that may appear aggressive or unprofessional. Address concerns calmly and offer constructive feedback or solutions.

6. Contextual Awareness:

  • Be mindful of the work environment and cultural norms. Adapt your communication style and level of personal sharing based on the context to align with professional expectations.
By embracing these strategies, young hardhatPROFESSIONALS can navigate the authenticity paradox effectively. It's about being genuine while respecting boundaries and maintaining professionalism. Authenticity can shine through in a way that contributes positively to work dynamics and relationships without compromising appropriateness or effectiveness. Remember, authenticity doesn't mean sharing everything—it's about being true to yourself while considering the impact on others in the workplace.

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