Workplace Skills

Work Ethic Lesson 1

What is Work Ethic? Your definition of what work ethic is? Who are examples to you of good work ethic? Where do most people learn work ethic? Evaluate your skills Do you currently have good work ethic? What needs to be improved? Would an employer think you have good work ethic?

Work Ethics Defined A set of values based on the moral virtues of hard work and diligence. a belief in the moral benefit and importance of work and its inherent ability to strengthen character. the principle that hard work is intrinsically virtuous or worthy of reward. a belief in work as a moral good

Work Ethics Wisdom of Will Smith…

Student Work Ethics Students will be evaluated by: Site supervisor Parent/guardian Self evaluation Pre-Evaluation of School and Work Ethics Internship coordinator will review Starting point for you to improve your skills

5 Factors of Strong Work Ethics Integrity Integrity stretches to all aspects of an employee’s job, An employee with integrity fosters trusting relationships with clients, coworkers and supervisors. Coworkers value employee's ability to give honest feedback. Clients trust the employee's advice. Supervisors rely on the employee's high moral standards, trusting him not to steal from the company or create problems. Sense of Responsibility A strong sense of responsibility affects how an employee works and the amount of work she does. When the employee feels personally responsible for her job performance, she shows up on time, puts in her best effort and completes projects to the best of her ability

Strong Work Ethics cont. Emphasis on Quality Some employees do only the bare minimum, just enough to keep their job intact. Employees with a strong work ethic care about the quality of their work. They do their best to produce great work, not merely churn out what is needed. The employee's commitment to quality improves the company's overall quality. Discipline It takes a certain level of commitment to finish your tasks every day. An employee with good discipline stays focused on his goals and is determined to complete his assignments. These employees show a high level of dedication to the company, always ensuring they do their part.

Strong Work Ethics cont. Sense of Teamwork Most employees have to work together to meet a company's objectives. An employee with a high sense of teamwork helps a team meet its goals and deliver quality work. These employees respect their peers and help where they can, making collaborations go smoother. Resource 5 Factors That Demonstrate a Strong Work Ethic by Amelia Jenkins, Demand Media © Copyright 2013 Hearst Communications, Inc

Work Ethic Pre-Evaluation Attendance Punctuality Enthusiasm Honesty Appearance Friendliness Stays on task Cooperation Taking initiative

Journal Entry Describe your best quality from the Work Ethic Evaluation sheet and why you gave yourself a high rating in that category. Then, describe your worst quality and something you can do to improve upon it.

Attitude Lesson 2

Attitude Counts Attitude is the way we think, feel, and how we do things. In the world of work, employers not only look at your ability to apply your technical skills & knowledge effectively on the job, they also look at your attitude at work. Many times your values help to determine your attitude toward work.

Positive Work Attitude Is looking adversity in the eye… and laughing. Enjoying the unexpected, even when it’s not what you wanted originally. Motivating those around you with a positive word. Using the power of a smile to reverse the tone of a situation. Being friendly to those you don’t know. It’s getting back up when you fall down. (No matter how many times you fall down.) Being a source of energy that lifts those around you.

Positive Work Attitude Being happy for someone else’s success. Having a positive future vision, no matter how bad your current circumstances. Smiling. Being a team player Telling someone that they did a great job. (And mean it.) Making someone’s day. Not letting other people’s negativity bring you down. Giving more than you expect to get in return. Being true to yourself… always.

Negative Attitudes to Avoid! Making excuses for not completing work Poor time management Missing deadlines Always late Not treating your supervisors with respect Bad mouthing a job or coworker/gossiping Being Pessimistic Not caring Negative attitudes are like fire at work, they spread quickly. Most employers do not want to deal with individuals who have negative attitudes.

Pride Pride can also be thought of as “self-dignity”. Pride prevents you from doing just enough to get by. If you know everything you do at work or school has your name and signature on it, then you will give it your best shot and nothing less. Be proud of who you are and what you can do! Be proud of your accomplishments.

Passion A simple plain “interest” in any work or career you choose isn’t enough An intense enthusiasm for all things worth doing will pull you through the challenges of work You want work to not feel like work because you love doing what you do!

Belief In order to generate passion, it is important to believe. You have to take personal responsibility for your success, believe that anything is possible, and have the ability to learn from your mistakes and move on. Know that you can achieve all that you set out to do for yourself. Believe in your own capabilities!

What kind of attitude do you have? Did you come today with “just another day” attitude? Or, are you bursting with enthusiasm and positive energy? How do you think your attitude impacts your day at school? “We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. The only thing we can do is change our attitude. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. “~Charles Swindoll Dr. Viktor Frankl

Which One Are You? There are (3) types of people with (3) different attitudes in this world: Spectators- watchers, play it safe, rely on others, don’t take control Critics- sideliners, find fault, avoid change, pessimistic PLAYERS- learn new things, take risks, confident, see the “good”

~Let’s take an ATTITUDE survey!~ Which One Are You? Positive attitudes-PLAYER Lead to better jobs, achievement of goals, happiness Negative attitudes-Critic Cause failure, loss of jobs, relationship problems Neutral attitudes-Spectator Missed opportunities, failure to develop new skills, life passing you by ~Let’s take an ATTITUDE survey!~

Professionalism Lesson 3

Professional A person who is an expert at his or her work. .

Professionalism A specific style of behavior in the workplace. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Code of Conduct A set of conventional principles and expectations that are considered binding on any person who is a member of a particular group. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Employee Expectations What is expected of the employee to get the job done. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Unprofessionalism Not conforming to the standards of a profession; contrary to the accepted code of conduct of a profession. Dress Language Behaviors Work ethic Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Characteristics of a Professional Honest Skilled Courteous Reliable Considerate Dependable Cooperative Committed Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Professionalism is judged by: Unwritten rules Code of conduct Culture Expectations and standards One’s personal values Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

How Are You Judged As A Professional? Your Communication Your Image Your Competence Your Demeanor Your Appearance Your Behavior Your Attitude Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Unprofessional Behavior Conduct that could be characterized as harassment or discrimination. Verbal threats of violence, retribution, or lawsuits. Verbal outbursts. Inappropriate physical touching or contact. Arguing in front of clients and families. Physical actions that threaten others such as throwing or knocking down objects. Insults, verbal comments, or criticism intended to belittle or berate others. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Professional Skills

Professionalism Activity Pick a partner, move to a seat next to them Based on the example you are given: Decide who will act out which part Determine what each of your roles should look like to provide the best idea of what you are acting out to other classmates Discuss whether you think it is a professional characteristic or an unprofessional characteristic Be ready to discuss this aspect with your classmates Be ready to give it your best effort! Remember: attitude is important