34 Chapter 2 Skills for Career Success
Being courteous and showing respect
for others are positive qualities to have.
Dependability
If you are dependable, your
employer can count on you to be
reliable and responsible. You get your
work done and do not expect others
to do it for you. You have a good
attendance record and start work on
time every day.
Honesty
Another personal quality of a good
employee is being honest. Employers
want employees they can trust. That
means telling the truth, keeping any
promises you make, and dealing with
people fairly. Being honest also means putting forth your best effort on
the job. You do the job you are assigned and do not waste time. Employers
expect you to give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.
Ethics
A work ethic is a standard of conduct for successful job
performance. Your concepts of fairness, right and wrong, and good and
bad affect your work ethic. A strong work ethic will help you achieve
personal satisfaction. Successful employees work not only for the
company but also for personal satisfaction. Chances are that your boss
will not compliment you daily for your work. Consequently, you need to
develop personal feelings of satisfaction from the work you do. You need
to set high standards for your work and take pride in meeting them. In
turn, personal satisfaction will make your work seem more important
and more enjoyable.
Cooperation
An ability to work well with all people is important for job success.
This means you can work with people of all ages, of both genders, and
of different backgrounds. You show respect and courtesy to your boss,
coworkers, and customers.
Part of getting along with others is working as a team member. To
show others you want to be cooperative, you accept your share of the
work. You make an effort to contribute to the group’s goal. Each group
member should feel free to make worthwhile contributions. Combining
the special traits and skills of each person allows the group to achieve
the best results.
21st
Century
Skills
Ethics. Elena is careful to
never spread rumors. She
believes that loyalty to her
employer is important, thus
she avoids destructive
comments.
2-1
People who have positive
attitudes are willing to
tackle any job task.