Chapter 1 Careers in Floriculture 25 Employers depend on their employees to be reliable. This means showing up on time and being ready to work effi ciently during shifts. Employees who frequently call in sick are not considered reliable. Many companies consider frequent absences from work a cause for terminating employment. Employers also expect employees to manage time wisely on the job. This includes fi nishing tasks on time, prioritizing assignments, and not wasting time. Do not use the computer or Internet for personal reasons, and turn your phone off during work hours, unless it is necessary for your job. Do not make or accept personal phone calls at work. Another aspect of professional behavior is showing initiative and being willing to pitch in when needed. Be a self-starter and begin helping, perhaps by sweeping or cleaning the work area, without being asked to do so. During slow times, try to fi nd something productive to do. Ask your supervisor for additional tasks if you run out of work. When it comes to job performance, there are numerous good habits to embrace. You can show your commitment by arriving early, staying late, and making breaks short. Stay focused and work at a strong pace without signifi cant interruptions to maximize your productivity. Keep yourself organized along the way by using checklists or project plans. Pay attention to details by following standard operating procedures. In a fl oral design shop, you may need to take a customer’s order, which includes dates, time for delivery, and desired fl oral materials. These are essential details that cannot be missed. Pro Tip After you have demonstrated your professional behavior and commitment, you can ask your supervisor about additional opportunities and responsibilities. A good time might be before busy holiday seasons. Floral shops always need assistance with preholiday prep work and projects. Syda Productions/Shutterstock.com Figure 1-21. Having a neat, clean appearance and a cheerful attitude gives customers a good impression of the fl ower shop. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.