Chapter 2 Career Opportunities in Electronics 29 2.4 WORK HABITS AND SKILLS Once you have been hired into your chosen profession, it is essential that you demonstrate positive work habits and skills. Employers will expect you to have professional and leadership qualities. Exhibiting these qualities will lead to a successful and rewarding career. 2.4.1 Professionalism Professional behavior is required for success and advancement in the workplace. A good employee will demonstrate: ■ Cooperation. An employee must cooperate with supervisors, other employees, and customers. Many projects will require you to work with others. ■ Dependability. A dependable employee is timely, completes all assignments, and sets realistic goals for completing projects. ■ Work ethic. Good employees put an honest eff ort into their work. Th ey do not spend their work time having extended casual conversations with their coworkers or visiting inappropriate websites. ■ Respect. In order to be respected, employees must show respect for others, the company, and themselves. 2.4.2 Leadership Leadership is the ability to guide or direct. Employees who manage or supervise others must have strong leadership skills. However, even employees who do not manage others benefi t from developing their leadership skills. Possessing leadership skills is a requirement for career growth. Th e following are some leadership skills: ■ Motivation. A leader must be able to motivate others. Treating others fairly, praising others when appropriate, maintaining a positive attitude, and involving others in decisions all help to motivate people. ■ Goal accomplishment. A leader must be able to defi ne goals and then see that they are accomplished. Assigning tasks according to each team member’s abilities and limitations helps to complete projects more effi ciently. ■ Problem solving. A leader must be able to address problems as they occur. A leader may involve others to help solve the problems, but must see that a solution is found. ■ Recognizing limitations. Leaders must recognize their own weaknesses, and be willing to rely on others to help in those areas. ■ Role model. A leader must serve as a role model for other employees through both words and actions. Leaders must always behave in a manner deserving of respect. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.