Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 2 The Skills to Compete 37 Your daily grooming habits should consist of bathing or showering, using an antiperspirant, and putting on clean clothes. Regularly brush- ing your teeth and using mouthwash will promote healthy teeth and fresh breath. Keep your hair clean and styled in a way that will not be distracting. Employers expect workers to dress appropriately. Many places of work have a dress code. If your workplace does not, use common sense and avoid extremes. Refrain from wearing garments that are revealing or have inappropriate pictures or phrases. Some employers have rules requiring that tattoos or piercings (apart from pierced ears) remain covered. Good appearance is especially important for employees who have frequent face- to-face contact with customers. 2.5.2 Work Habits Employers want employees who are punctual, dependable, and respon- sible. They want their employees to be capable of taking initiative and working independently. Other desirable employee qualities include organi- zation, accuracy, and efficiency. A punctual employee is always prompt and on time. This means not only when the workday starts, but also when returning from breaks and lunches. Being dependable means that people can rely on you to perform your duties and meet your deadlines. If you are not feeling well, be sure to call in and let your employer know right away. If there are reasons you cannot be at work, discuss this with your employer and work out an alter- native arrangement. Many people have lost jobs by not checking with their supervisor about time off. Taking initiative means that you start activities on your own without being told. When you finish one task, you do not wait to hear what to do next. Individuals who take initiative need much less supervision. They have self-motivation, or an inner urge to perform well. Generally, this motiva- tion will drive you to set goals and accomplish them. All these qualities together show that you are capable of working independently. You are expected to be as accurate and error-free as possible in all that you do. This is why you were hired. Complete your work with precision and double-check it to assure accuracy. Your coworkers depend on the careful completion of your tasks. 2.5.3 Time Management A good employee knows how to manage time wisely. This includes ability to prioritize assignments and complete them in a timely fashion. It also involves not wasting time. Time-wasting behaviors include visiting with coworkers, making personal phone calls, texting, sending e-mails, or doing other non- work activities during work hours. While it is important to complete all your work thoroughly, you must also be able to gauge which assignments are most important. Avoid putting excessive efforts into minor assignments when crucial matters require your attention. Even though you are still accomplishing work, this is another way of wasting of time. 2.5.4 Attitude on the Job Your attitude can often determine the success you have at your job. Your attitude is your outlook on life. It is reflected by how you react to the events