Looking back to this Parliamentary debate on professions and professionalism from 20 years ago I am struck by both how much has changed, and also how similar things are.

The challenge to professionals has grown from those focused on social worker and teachers to doctors and lawyers. Across these elite tribes, there has been some reform emerging from within, with a new professionalism that emphasises accountability as much as autonomy.

Over the summer, I enjoyed reading US doctor, Atul Gawande’s book “The Checklist Manifesto”.           I think it speaks to many of the issues and tensions relevant to the new professionalism (handling discipline in the routine alongside freedom to innovate; the need for skilled team communication and individual skill; overcoming failures of ignorance – and especially ineptitude in complex as well as simple and complicated situations).

It is worth a read.

Tags: leadership, responsibility