Why you should balance your professionalism and how!

Professionalism is essential for success. As a tutor you need to be professional but there is a thin line between being a pro and being plain stiff.

So what defines professionalism in this field? How to balance things out so you don't look like a snob or like a total slob? Why is this balance important?

Check out our answers in the short text below.

What defines pro tutors?

1. Being punctual

Be on time for your scheduled classes, for your payment notifications, for the parents updates

2. Being polite but loud and clear

Say it as it is in a nice polite manner. Be very clear about your rules and standards when approaching new students.

3. Being flexible (but not too much)

When you can, if you can try and do a good deed by making some wiggle room when students need it. Just don't over do it no good deed goes unpunished.

4. Being straightforward

Tell your students what you can do for them and what you expect them to do in order to achieve their goal. Set the goal, praise them on their way to it and always update them as to how far you both have come.

How to balance it out?

On one hand, if you are too loose, too friendly, too forgiving, too nice you might be taken for granted or even considered to be a bit of a slob. On the other hand if you are too strict, too formal, not approachable or unwilling to bend your rules just a bit you will come out as a snob.

Our advice - strive towards the middle.

Be relaxed but firm when the situation needs it. Bend the rules sometimes but only when it feels right to you. Be formal but don't be corporate.

Why is balance important?

Two reasons.

1. For your own good! There is a thin line between a burn out person and a superhero. You can't please everyone and make all their wishes come true (trust me I've tried) . You'll end up with a burn out that will last a long time.

2. For the good of everyone else!

"Did you know that the universe contains millions of planets? Millions of planets revolving around millions of suns revolving around millions of galaxies all revolving around one point in the center of the universe. That point…. IS NOT YOU! " - Barbara Jean (Reba, Season 4)

We are only human, people make mistakes, life happens, things come up so don't be too stiff on other people. After all you would appreciate the same understanding if (or better yet when) you need it. So cut some slack every now and then.

That's about it. So go ahead and keep your sanity intact while being an absolute pro!