Success in the Workplace

Chapter 12

Objective

• Describe personal qualities that indicate a desire to succeed on the job.

• Explain guidelines for understanding one’s role as an employee.

• Demonstrate how to handle workplace situations with an appropriate attitude.

• Identify ways to prepare for a performance evaluation.

• Describe strategies that can improve an employee’s chance of advancement.

• Discuss guidelines for leaving a job.

Key Terms

• Work ethic

• Initiative

• Flexibility

• Workplace culture

• Constructive criticism

• Continuing education

• Mentor

What Employers Look For

• Responsibility – arrive to work on time, follow directions, obey rules, use resources wisely

• Work Ethic – have an obligation to work hard and to complete tasks efficiently

• Professionalism – being loyal to the company, using appropriate language and attitude

• Honesty – don’t lie, or steal

• Flexibility – be willing to adapt to changes in the work environment.

Customer Service

• Has there been a time when you were treated rudely while purchasing something?

• How did it make you feel?

• Did you tell anyone?

• Would you go back to that store?

Your Role Within the Company

• What are your responsibilities?

• Who is your immediate supervisor?

• Who are your co-workers?

• Whom do you ask if you have a problem?

• Workplace culture – based on the attitudes, behavior, habits, and expectations of the company‘s owners and employees.

What is Workplace Culture?

• Who is currently working?

• What is it like at your job?

• How did you learn about the how the company works?

Your Role as a Company Representative

• Your appearance is important.

• Your attitude and appearance reflect of the company that you work for.

• Be sure that you project a positive image when representing the company.• Language is also important• Your friends and family will judge the company by how you talk

about it outside of work.

The Importance of Attitude

• Show enthusiasm

• Handle problems positively

• Handle pressure

• Deal with mistakes

• Responding to criticism

• Handle success and disappointments

Showing Enthusiasm

• Take pleasure in your work.

• Work well with others.

• Be upbeat.

Handling Problems Positively

• Keep a positive attitude

• Have a “can do” attitude

• Be able to problem solve and think quick on your feet

Handling Pressure

• There will always be some type of pressure at work

• Plan ahead

• Stay calm

• If you need help ask someone

Handling Mistakes

• We all make mistakes. Own up to it and fix it if possible.

• Take responsibility for your actions.

Responding to Criticism

• Constructive criticism – feedback that suggests ways you can learn and improve.

• People criticize you to make your job better.

• Focus on the positive and come up with ways to improve.

Handling Successes and Disappointments

• You will receive disappointments and successes all the time.

• Be humble when successful, others will be disappointment.

• Don’t let your emotions rule, be mature.

FISH Philosophy

• Be There

• Play

• Make their day

• Choose your attitude

Tips for Success

• Tracking Workplace Achievements• Projects you worked on• Responsibilities on each project• New skills you acquire• Technology you used• Achievements that you would like to bring to your supervisor’s

attention

Evaluating Your Performance

• You will receive a performance evaluation when you work.

• Companies use these evaluations to recognize employees achievements and ways to improve their skills.

• They are important for performance evaluations and future success.

• Take seriously the advice you are given.

• You might have to explain your strengths and weaknesses and ways that you may improve them.

Advancing on the Job

• Opportunities to grow• Gain more skills and take on more responsibility• Continuing education – going back to school to get more education.

Some colleges have special programs for working adults.

• Mentoring• Mentor – someone within the company who acts as a teacher and a

guide.• Guide you through what is expected of you in the workplace and

can answer questions.

Advancing on the Job

• Leadership in the workplace • Demonstrate you have leadership qualities by making decisions,

problem solve, and managing resources.

Changing Jobs

• You will not work for the same company your entire life.

• You will likely change jobs due factors such as• Dissatisfaction• Downsizing and layoffs• More responsibility and more money someplace else

• When you plan on leaving, hand in your notice at least two weeks prior to leaving.

• Leave on good terms, you may return to this place of business, or want a reference down the road.