[chrisbennet]

I don't think you can fix a lack of professionalism but I can't tell if that is actually the problem you're experiencing.

Sometimes management says one thing ("This is really important!") but sends the opposite signal with their actions. Companies spend money on what they actually think is important. For example, my wife worked for a famous financial company that would sometimes ask full time employees to work on weekends - but never the contractors (they won't work for free). This sends the message that the deadline really isn't that important.

A friend works for a major defense contractor. They recently stopped paying for the first 5 hours of overtime. Managers still want their deadlines met so they can get their bonuses. Unsurprisingly, "You guys need to work for free so I can get my bonus" isn't a compelling reason for the employees (who don't have the same upside) to work longer hours.

[enig_matic7]

Thanks!

In my case, there is a consistent message sent out to everyone and most people do work hard and eventually get rewarded. Some other people don't care and are OK not to grow and be at the same level for their entire life. I seem to be stuck with such people lately which is what I am trying to deal with.