A long noticed weakness in human nature is our willingness, even eagerness, to trust in others too soon. Our deeply rooted belief in the good of ourselves begs for the reassurance that others are of the same mold. This is rarely the proper attitude in the ultra competitive, high paced business world. Making Professional Skepticism a well-oiled tool in your job finding toolbox will go a long way towards the advancement into the position of your choosing. While the practice of the Professional Skepticism may be a bit more abstract than the theory, the mastery of its finer points now will surely save many a headache later.

Professional Skepticism, by definition, is an attitude and approach that includes a questioning mind, careful thought, and critical assessment of all information. Few things will help you more than trusting your instincts. Professional Skepticism, as covered in this entry, is the growth of that idea. It’s not an easy skill to master; overuse could easily lead to paranoia, underuse to a naivety that will have you out the door in short order. Be it people, data, or the accumulation of your personal feelings, you will be well served carefully absorbing, reflecting, and reviewing this information without bias.

Though our society relies on trust, it’s your job to be sure that trust is well placed and well deserved. In business relationships, past dealings and relationships are the building blocks for growth. They are where we reflect and learn from our own personal use of Professional Skepticism. Did I trust too much? Was the risk justified?  Hopefully the answers suit you and your career well. If not, learn from them and apply the lessons and theory to future enterprises. An example that lends itself to our topic, as well as being a position many may find themselves in, is the task of gathering referrals and credit references. When thousands if not millions of dollars are moved by key strokes and business deals are made through emails as opposed to pen strokes and handshakes, the verification of past business references and company credit history has gained immense value. Few things are more important to your employer than the execution of Professional Skepticism in these situations. To whom are you really dealing with over email? Should this person gain access to your company’s private information? Can the past creditors word be taken at face value? Do the numbers in actual production match those promised to justify the loan? Does your contact have anything to gain by the acceptance or termination of business with the client in review? These contacts and answers are often the sole factor in the acceptance of loans or accounts between companies. This arena can be a playground for those propagating fraud; your value and growth in your field will be determined by your ability to apply your skills to the expansion of business, the protection of company interest, and the upkeep of your employer’s reputation.

Much of this may seem as common sense, but as with many things, familiarity can lead to complacency. Don’t be lulled by your desire to trust. Too often our human want for acceptance and friendship end without the desired result. Success and prosperity go hand in hand for employer and employee alike, the application of your carefully and skeptically gained experience will work wonders for both. Go and use your freshly sharpened sense of Professional Skepticism, apply the theory when needed and make the practice a part of your everyday business life, with it your career path can only lead up.