Section 2-1 Qualities of Successful Employees 35
Good working relationships are based on respect for others’
feelings. Follow directions carefully. Ask questions when you do not
understand how to do a task. Do not expect your coworkers to do your
work for you. On the other hand, never assume that you can get along
without your coworkers. If you willingly cooperate with them, they will
cooperate with you. Being friendly, respectful, and enthusiastic will help
you become part of a team.
Good Appearance
Whether fair or not, others judge you by your appearance, either
consciously or subconsciously. What you wear to work refl ects how you
feel about your work. Try to look your best every day because neatness
shows respect for yourself and others.
Most employers enforce dress codes that list clothing styles and
items inappropriate for the workplace. They know the importance of
clothing to maintaining a businesslike atmosphere. Customers, too,
expect business people to dress appropriately. They do not want to
be served by workers who appear sloppy or dressed for some other
occasion. Customers often take their business elsewhere if a company
does not maintain businesslike surroundings.
Becoming a Professional
When you display all the positive qualities discussed, you are on
the road to becoming a professional. A professional is an employee
who keeps a courteous, conscientious, and businesslike manner.
When companies hire new employees, they look for people who fi t
this description. They want to maintain a good public image and seek
employees who share their concern.
Becoming a professional is not a goal reserved for certain careers.
Any employee can be a professional, no matter what his or her job is. A
professional is easy to spot, 2-2. It is the person who demonstrates the
following qualities:
•
smiles and greets everyone pleasantly
•
remembers and uses correct names and titles
•
treats everyone with respect
•
keeps a calm disposition
•
avoids talking negatively about coworkers and customers
•
wears appropriate clothing from head to toe
•
chooses a becoming and conservative hairstyle
•
avoids excessive use of perfume and cologne
•
limits jewelry and makeup
•
practices good hygiene
•
uses proper etiquette