Meaning: The quote "Our worst comes out when we behave like robots or professionals" by Fernando Flores, a Chilean politician, philosopher, and entrepreneur, invites us to reflect on the nature of human behavior and the potential pitfalls of conforming to rigid roles and expectations in our personal and professional lives.

At first glance, the quote may seem puzzling. After all, isn't professionalism a desirable trait in the workplace? Don't robots represent efficiency and precision? However, Flores' quote challenges us to consider the negative consequences of excessive conformity and the suppression of our individuality.

When we "behave like robots," we are engaging in mechanical, repetitive actions without genuine thought or emotion. In a professional context, this could refer to the tendency to prioritize productivity and efficiency at the expense of personal connection and creativity. In our personal lives, behaving like robots might manifest as going through the motions without truly engaging with the world around us or with the people in our lives. In both cases, the act of behaving like a robot can lead to a loss of authenticity and connection, as well as a sense of disconnection from our own emotions and experiences.

Similarly, when we "behave like professionals," we may fall into the trap of prioritizing appearances and adhering to societal or organizational norms at the cost of our true selves. This can result in a suppression of individuality and a tendency to prioritize conformity over personal values and authenticity. In the pursuit of professionalism, individuals may feel pressured to conceal their vulnerabilities and conform to a pre-defined set of behaviors and expectations, leading to a lack of genuine expression and connection.

Flores' quote suggests that when we adopt these robotic or overly professional personas, our "worst" selves emerge. This could refer to a range of negative outcomes, including a loss of authenticity, emotional detachment, and a sense of disconnection from ourselves and others. By suppressing our individuality and conforming to rigid roles, we may find ourselves less able to empathize, connect, and communicate effectively with those around us.

In the context of Flores' background as a politician, it's possible to interpret the quote as a commentary on the dangers of political or organizational conformity. In political and professional spheres, there is often immense pressure to adhere to established norms and expectations, sometimes at the expense of genuine dialogue, empathy, and creativity. By challenging the notion of "behaving like professionals," Flores may be urging individuals to resist the temptation to prioritize appearances and conformity over authenticity and genuine connection, particularly in the context of leadership and decision-making.

Ultimately, Flores' quote serves as a reminder to embrace our humanity, to resist the urge to conform to rigid expectations, and to prioritize genuine connection and authenticity in our interactions with others. By acknowledging and expressing our individuality, emotions, and vulnerabilities, we can strive to cultivate deeper connections and more meaningful experiences, both in our personal and professional lives.