Consummate Professional

The world is divided into two groups of shooters—those who train and those who do not. That first group continues to develop a deep understanding, skills based on that understanding and the ability to perform those skills on demand while under duress.

As such, group one is better prepared to engage in a violent physical altercation (combat) or to compete at a match (competition) and enjoys the benefits of such shooting skills and confidence. The remaining group, lacking the training, skills, familiarity and experience, remain woefully unprepared. If you are part of group one, you may be interested in the top-10 best practices utilized by today’s shooting professionals.

Before diving into the top 10, let’s define what is meant to be a shooting professional. This refers to someone who carries a gun for work. Whether on the job (agency, department, etc.), instructing or competing, if you earn revenue employing your firearm, then you are considered a shooting professional.

In today’s fast-paced world, where career trajectories are as varied as they are unpredictable, the notion of professionalism remains a bedrock of success and respect in any field. But, what does it truly mean to “be a professional” in the community? Is it simply about donning the right gear, or does it involve something deeper—an ethos that transcends appearances and resides in the core of one’s character and actions? To be a professional is to embody a set of principles, behaviors and attitudes that collectively define the gold standard, especially in the shooting world.

Tools of the trade are what the professional utilizes to ply his or her trade. Doing so requires you to be a master of your craft, including the tools you employ. Is your gear up to the current task? Selection is a continual process, and the same applies to gear. Working with multiple agencies, if they’re all running a red-dot sight and you’re running irons, there is nothing wrong with that except for when you may need to answer a technical question about an optic of which you may not be familiar.

Depending upon your job responsibilities, you may need to come up to speed on the latest makes, models, glass, holsters, belts and various accoutrements so you can speak intelligently about it and maintain professional relevance in an ever-changing marketplace of equipment choices.

At its most basic level, professionalism starts with competence—the ability to perform one’s job with skill and efficiency. This goes beyond just fulfilling the minimum requirements of a role. A professional strives for mastery, continually seeking to improve their knowledge and capabilities. This relentless pursuit of excellence is a hallmark of true professionalism.

Shooters no longer learn from only their rangemasters or basic academy instructors. Those who want to get better go out on their own and either train with other instructors (road-show trainers) or other schools (established brick-and-mortar ranges) and/or they watch training videos online.

At times shooters may reference one of these online gurus, and it’s not a bad idea to be familiar with popular trends and terminology. This is not for the sake of “keeping up” with the trends, but to have a familiarization with training content and its relevance to what you may be currently putting out.

It is said that “the novice gets it right once in a while, where the professional rarely does it wrong.” You’ve been training, and you’ve upped your game minimally enough to be able to demonstrate the drills. You don’t need to outshoot everyone in the class, but you at least need to be able to run your own drills with an acceptable level of confidence, repeatability and expected consistency. We all go through periods where it’s not possible to train, so dry fire and cognitive visualization go a long way when you can’t get to a range.

As a designated subject matter expert (SME), you’re expected to know much more than the average bear, and to that expectation, knowledge beyond the required minimum standard would be a tremendous asset. Most people appreciate history, and it helps support that you know your subject matter that well. Some years ago, I trained with a carbine SME who discussed a range of serial-numbered carbine barrels from a certain manufacturer in a specific era and described the heat-treat guy in such great detail that I recall his German grandmother baked one heck of a peach cobbler. Depth of knowledge matters.

True professionals understand that learning is a lifelong journey. They are committed to continuous improvement, seeking opportunities to expand their knowledge, refine their skills and stay abreast of industry trends. This dedication to growth ensures they remain relevant and effective in their roles, no matter how the landscape changes.

Nothing speaks louder than the voice of experience. Be able to provide examples of your experience or your co-workers on a specific topic. For example: “One time I was at this pistol competition when my dot went down and all I had was the carry-optic housing to reference. That’s when I realized that, given closer target proximity, you can acquire functional target alignment with just the shape.”

Ethical integrity is another cornerstone of professionalism. Professionals operate within a framework of moral and ethical guidelines, making decisions that not only comply with the law, but also uphold the highest standards of honesty and fairness. This is crucial in building trust—whether with clients, colleagues or the wider community. For instance, a lawyer who maintains confidentiality and represents their client’s best interests, even when faced with personal or financial temptations, exemplifies what it means to be a professional.

Reliability is often described as the currency of professionalism. A professional is someone who can be counted on to deliver what they promise, on time and to the expected standard. This reliability fosters a sense of trust and dependability, which is vital in any working relationship. However, it’s not just about meeting deadlines or targets; accountability plays a key role. Professionals take ownership of their actions, admitting mistakes when they occur and taking steps to rectify them. This ability to be accountable, even in difficult situations, sets true professionals apart from the rest.

If you are an instructor, then push your students. Identify where your student can improve—nudge them on and encourage self-discovery. Regardless of skill level, there’s always room for improvement. As an instructor, I have been hired to teach classes where some students shot above my skill level. Just because you may not be at that level doesn’t mean that you can’t coach them to their next level. It’s tough to leave your ego at the door and admit that you’re not as skilled as a student, but when it comes to professionalism, ethical integrity and reliability matter and in the long run everyone appreciates it.

Communication is at the heart of professionalism. It’s not just about what is said, but how it is conveyed. Professional communication is clear, concise and respectful; whether it’s an e-mail, a meeting or a casual conversation. This also includes active listening—hearing and understanding the perspectives of others. In industries like customer service, where interactions can make or break a business, the ability to communicate effectively is indispensable. A good communicator can de-escalate situations, provide clear instructions and foster positive relationships.

Be aware of who is in front of you and around you. Whether peers, bosses, students or instructors, you need to be able to speak specifically to your audience. Are they all fellow cops or Department of Defense? That’s a different conversation than with civilians. You might also have a mixed group of employees and/or experience levels—for example, a young-adults’ firearm class versus a seasoned-citizens class. A professional is adept at appropriately relaying information to any specific group.

While professionalism is much more than skin deep, appearance and demeanor do matter. A professional presents themselves in a manner that is appropriate for their role and industry. This isn’t just about adhering to a dress code; it’s about understanding the expectations of one’s environment and meeting them. But, demeanor goes beyond appearance—it includes the way one carries themselves, interacts with others and handles pressure. A calm, composed demeanor, even in the face of challenges, signals professionalism and instills confidence in others.

If you are an instructor, then you know there are multiple learning modalities and styles. Learning styles refer to the different ways in which individuals prefer to absorb, process and retain information. These styles are often categorized into different modes, each of which taps into a unique way of engaging with material. Understanding these modes can help tailor educational experiences to suit individual needs, leading to more effective learning.

Multimodal learning, which incorporates various methods like visual aids, discussions and hands-on activities, can cater to different preferences and reinforce understanding. Recognizing and leveraging your preferred learning styles—or those of your students or employees—can lead to more efficient and enjoyable learning experiences. Understanding these learning modes also helps educators, trainers and leaders design more inclusive and effective teaching strategies, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn in the way that suits them best.

Respect is the social fabric that holds professionalism together. Professionals treat others with respect, regardless of their position, background or opinions. This respect is shown through fairness, courtesy and a willingness to consider others’ viewpoints. In a collaborative work environment, respect fosters teamwork, innovation and a positive atmosphere. It also extends to respecting boundaries, such as personal space, time and privacy, which is essential in maintaining professional relationships.

In today’s rapidly evolving work environment, adaptability has become a crucial aspect of professionalism. Professionals are often faced with unexpected challenges, whether it’s the introduction of new technologies, shifts in market dynamics or changes in organizational structure. A true professional is someone who can quickly adapt to these changes, remaining flexible and open-minded while continuing to perform at a high level.

Adaptability also means being able to learn and unlearn skills as needed. A professional doesn’t cling to outdated methods simply because they’re familiar. Instead, they embrace continuous learning and are willing to pivot when necessary. They understand that to stay relevant and effective, they must continually update their skills and knowledge. This mindset not only makes them more proficient in their current roles, but also prepares them for the future.

Opportunities often arise from change. Those who are adaptable are more likely to recognize and capitalize on new opportunities, whether it’s a new role, a different project or a shift in the market. By being open to change and willing to step out of their comfort zones, adaptable professionals can take advantage of these opportunities to advance their careers and achieve greater success.

In a professional context, staying relevant is key to long-term success. Industries, technologies and methodologies evolve, and professionals who are stuck in their ways risk becoming obsolete. Adaptable individuals are more likely to stay current with trends and developments, ensuring that their skills and knowledge remain valuable.

If it’s your turn to run the drills today, you’re in charge of setting up a stage or covering for an instructor. Don’t come empty-handed. It’s the difference between having a plan versus having a “Hey guys, what are we working on today?” attitude. It’s hard enough to get quality range time as it is, let alone if you waste one minute of everyone’s valuable time trying to figure out what you want to work on or need on the fly.

However, if things do change, then that’s a consideration. Change often brings uncertainty, which can be a significant source of stress. Professionals are generally better at managing this stress because they are more comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty. They can adjust their expectations and stay focused on finding solutions rather than becoming paralyzed by the unknown. This ability to remain calm and composed under pressure as a direct result of immediate change is a crucial aspect of professionalism.

In a world where shortcuts and mediocrity can sometimes seem tempting, true professionalism remains a beacon of excellence. It’s about being the best version of oneself in any role, consistently striving to contribute positively to one’s field and leaving a lasting, positive impact on those you interact with. This is what it means to truly “be a professional,” and it’s a journey worth embarking on for anyone who seeks long-term success and fulfillment in the shooting world.