own, without someone constantly reminding
you. People with initiative often come up with
new ideas and ways to solve problems. Self-
motivated people often volunteer for the chal-
lenging assignments.
Teamwork
An attitude of teamwork is essential to suc-
cess on the job. An attitude of teamwork includes
cooperation, the ability to work with others, and
commitment to the team and its members, 23-23.
Cooperation is willingness to do what it takes to
get the job done. A cooperative worker follows
instructions and asks questions when he or she
does not understand what to do.
Someone who has the ability to work with
others is pleasant, agreeable, and does not create
conflict or angry situations. Such a person
understands and respects diversity. He or she
can work with people from all kinds of back-
grounds and points of view. He or she also
knows how to resolve differences of opinion or
conflict in a positive way.
Commitment to the team and its members
means that you feel an obligation to do your
part for the sake of the team and your project.
Teamwork on the job is much like being part
of a basketball team or a drill team. The success
of the whole team depends on your individual
attendance, punctuality, good attitude, and
skills. If one person does not perform well on
a team, the entire team will suffer. The same is
true of teamwork on the job.
Adaptability
Adaptability is the ability to make changes
to match new situations. The workplace is con-
stantly changing. In the hospitality business,
every day brings new challenges and problems
to solve. An adaptable person can go with the
flow. He or she adjusts to changes and new con-
ditions smoothly and with a positive attitude.
Work Habits
Work habits are the basic, routine actions that
you carry out every day at work. They provide
the foundation for success at work. Good work
habits help you be efficient and productive. Good
work habits are very similar to good study habits.
Figure 23-24 lists some good work habits.
Business Etiquette
Etiquette is more than just good manners.
Etiquette is proper behavior in social situations.
Etiquette is sometimes called manners. There are
rules of etiquette for all kinds of social situations.
For example, there are rules for greeting a person
and rules for using silverware while eating.
Different social situations have different rules
of etiquette. For example, the rules of greeting a
person at a wedding are different from the rules
of greeting a person at a business meeting.
Business etiquette is proper behavior for
business situations. Examples of good business
etiquette include confident handshakes,
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Part 5 Careers
23-22 A smile says that you have a friendly attitude. A
smile communicates that you respect yourself and
your customers.