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Going Pro The Deliberate Practice of Professionalism
Going Pro provides a clear definition and pathway to "extreme professionalism" for individuals and organizations. Kern introduces the concept of Level III professionalism and provides a detailed improvement path with self-assessments and action steps throughout.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
331 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
6 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Tony Kern
15 books20 followersDr. Tony Kern is the Founding Partner and CEO of Convergent Performance, LLC, a small business, veteran-owned, think-tank located in Colorado Springs. Convergent Performance was formed in 2003, and is specifically dedicated to reducing human error and improving performance in high risk environments such as aviation, military operations, surgical teams, law enforcement, and firefighting. Tony is one of the world’s leading authorities on human performance in time constrained, error intolerant environments and has lectured on the subject around the globe for nearly two decades.
Dr. Kern has authored seven books on human performance, including the award-winning “Plane of Excellence” trilogy (Redefining Airmanship, Flight Discipline, and Darker Shades of Blue; McGraw Hill 1995, 1997, 1999). Over the past five years, Dr. Kern has broadened his approach beyond aviation. In his latest “Empowered Accountability” series (Blue Threat: Why to Err is Inhuman and Going Pro: The Deliberate Practice of Professionalism; Pygmy Books 2009, 2011) he creates a 21st century guide to extreme professionalism for individuals and organizations “while remaining true to themselves and growing where they are, with the resources at hand.” A prolific writer, Tony is also a featured columnist and Contributing Editor for Skies and Vertical 911 magazines. In addition, Dr. Kern has been interviewed regarding his Human Factors and Pilot Training methodologies by the Fox Business Network, Bloomberg TV, and the Los Angeles Times.
Despite his numerous advanced degrees, Dr. Kern does not consider himself an “academic.” He has deep operational roots in the U.S. Air Force as a Command Pilot and Flight Examiner in the B-1B bomber, as well as diverse senior staff and leadership experience, including service as the Chairman of the U.S. Air Force Human Factors Steering Group. Upon retirement from the Air Force in 2000, Dr. Kern served as the National Aviation Director for the U.S. Forest Service, where he directed the largest non-military government aviation program in the world in support of federal wildland fire suppression. Tony is a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute and the U.S. Federal Government Senior Executive Service Development Program.
Dr. Kern has received multiple awards for his research, program management, speaking, writing and leadership. He holds Masters Degrees in Public Administration and Military History, as well as a Doctorate in Higher Education specializing in human factors training design. Tony enjoys hunting, fishing, sports of all kinds, and writing.
Dr. Kern has authored seven books on human performance, including the award-winning “Plane of Excellence” trilogy (Redefining Airmanship, Flight Discipline, and Darker Shades of Blue; McGraw Hill 1995, 1997, 1999). Over the past five years, Dr. Kern has broadened his approach beyond aviation. In his latest “Empowered Accountability” series (Blue Threat: Why to Err is Inhuman and Going Pro: The Deliberate Practice of Professionalism; Pygmy Books 2009, 2011) he creates a 21st century guide to extreme professionalism for individuals and organizations “while remaining true to themselves and growing where they are, with the resources at hand.” A prolific writer, Tony is also a featured columnist and Contributing Editor for Skies and Vertical 911 magazines. In addition, Dr. Kern has been interviewed regarding his Human Factors and Pilot Training methodologies by the Fox Business Network, Bloomberg TV, and the Los Angeles Times.
Despite his numerous advanced degrees, Dr. Kern does not consider himself an “academic.” He has deep operational roots in the U.S. Air Force as a Command Pilot and Flight Examiner in the B-1B bomber, as well as diverse senior staff and leadership experience, including service as the Chairman of the U.S. Air Force Human Factors Steering Group. Upon retirement from the Air Force in 2000, Dr. Kern served as the National Aviation Director for the U.S. Forest Service, where he directed the largest non-military government aviation program in the world in support of federal wildland fire suppression. Tony is a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute and the U.S. Federal Government Senior Executive Service Development Program.
Dr. Kern has received multiple awards for his research, program management, speaking, writing and leadership. He holds Masters Degrees in Public Administration and Military History, as well as a Doctorate in Higher Education specializing in human factors training design. Tony enjoys hunting, fishing, sports of all kinds, and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 22, 2025
This book was recommended by a pilot who had recognized (like most probably have as well) that professionalism is a very vague term today, and it is absent within most workplaces.
Kern talks about how crucial professionalism is for every industry, and how it ultimately starts with recognizing that professionalism is a viable and achievable choice. His examples focused primarily on the aviation and medical industries because the cost of unprofessionalism is so significant within the two. Every organization, worker, and customer long for safety and efficiency within everyday operations. And this goal is only achievable when a culture of professionalism is prioritized, put forward, and held in place with set standards.
Kern breaks down the different areas that comprise a professional as: Vocational Excellence, Professional Ethics, Continuous Improvement, Professional Engagement, Professional Image, and Selflessness.
He ultimately concludes that professionalism must start with the individual, and that it is a continuous process that we must strive after all the time - it is not something that we put on during our work day, but rather it is a way of life that breeds trust, respect, and efficiency inside and beyond the workplace.
Kern talks about how crucial professionalism is for every industry, and how it ultimately starts with recognizing that professionalism is a viable and achievable choice. His examples focused primarily on the aviation and medical industries because the cost of unprofessionalism is so significant within the two. Every organization, worker, and customer long for safety and efficiency within everyday operations. And this goal is only achievable when a culture of professionalism is prioritized, put forward, and held in place with set standards.
Kern breaks down the different areas that comprise a professional as: Vocational Excellence, Professional Ethics, Continuous Improvement, Professional Engagement, Professional Image, and Selflessness.
He ultimately concludes that professionalism must start with the individual, and that it is a continuous process that we must strive after all the time - it is not something that we put on during our work day, but rather it is a way of life that breeds trust, respect, and efficiency inside and beyond the workplace.
January 19, 2025
Going Pro by Tony Kern is an absolute game-changer for anyone aspiring to take their career or personal performance to the next level. Kern masterfully combines practical advice, real-world examples, and an inspiring call to action that challenges readers to embrace a professional mindset in all areas of life.
The book’s structure is clear and actionable, with Kern breaking down the concept of “going pro” into digestible principles that are easy to understand but profound in their impact. Whether you’re in aviation, business, or any field requiring precision and discipline, his insights resonate deeply.
What sets this book apart is Kern’s ability to motivate without resorting to clichés. His emphasis on accountability, continuous improvement, and integrity feels genuine and achievable. I found myself reflecting on my own habits and priorities, with practical steps to elevate my performance in both my professional and personal life.
If you’re looking for a book that pushes you to grow, challenges you to rise above mediocrity, and equips you with the tools to sustain excellence, Going Pro is it. This is a must-read for anyone serious about becoming their best self. Highly recommend!
The book’s structure is clear and actionable, with Kern breaking down the concept of “going pro” into digestible principles that are easy to understand but profound in their impact. Whether you’re in aviation, business, or any field requiring precision and discipline, his insights resonate deeply.
What sets this book apart is Kern’s ability to motivate without resorting to clichés. His emphasis on accountability, continuous improvement, and integrity feels genuine and achievable. I found myself reflecting on my own habits and priorities, with practical steps to elevate my performance in both my professional and personal life.
If you’re looking for a book that pushes you to grow, challenges you to rise above mediocrity, and equips you with the tools to sustain excellence, Going Pro is it. This is a must-read for anyone serious about becoming their best self. Highly recommend!
September 29, 2025
This is probably the best leadership book I've read. Devoid of pretentious preaching, it gives practical advice for achieving advanced leadership skills.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews