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Positive Attitude
Respondents said a positive attitude is the most important quality
everyone wants from an employee. If a person has a negative attitude
others will know it. We may need to give ourselves a pep talk before
walking into our organization each day, so we can greet and smile at the
people we see and be enthusiastic about being there.
Body language communicates our attitude. No matter how small or how
big the task is, the employee with a positive attitude does it with a
smile and not with a grudging, "This work is definitely beneath me"
look. How we dress, talk, and listen gives people an impression of our
attitude. If we are energetic, eager to learn, and perform at a high
level, people will think of us as having a positive attitude.
When we smile from our heart, others feel safe and trust us. At such
times we know we are in control of how we feel, think, and act. As we
smile at others, we feel more positive and will receive more smiles from
other people.
There are several other things that give an indication of our
attitude toward our colleagues and our jobs. Being on time, learning the
names of people we meet and dressing appropriately indicates we care and
are glad to be working where we are.
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Welcome
The economic situation shows signs of improvement. A lower number
of applications for unemployment have been reported on 11/21/03.
Last week a client (who was first laid off after 9/11) reported that
she has been hired in a position which is out of her speciality area
of technology, but she is very glad to have a job. The November 24,
2003 "TIME" magazine indicates people are finding jobs by relocating
(especially to smaller communities), changing careers, becoming
entrepreneurs, or becoming permanent "temps" (temporary employees).
Some people who are trying to stay afloat during the down economic
times have taken positions below their former job level. Recently I
met a young man who is a waiter while he is building up his
financial advising clientele. Many people have gone to school to
increase their knowledge and improve their skills.
We are all aware that these are turbulent and difficult times. I
asked representatives of organizations, "How do you recognize an
excellent employee?" In this issue, we will be considering some of
the attributes that people told me they value in their excellent
employees. If we know what is considered an excellent employee, we
can consider how we would rate ourselves. Then, we can decide if we
want to change how we are living our lives so we will be considered
excellent!
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Interpersonal Skills and Communication
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One Human Resources Director (HRD) said, "We may hire someone with
weaker professional skills who has outstanding interpersonal
skills." Those with outstanding interpersonal skills are sincere
people who know what to say to other people in all situations. They
have empathy for others and mutual feelings of trust develop
quickly.
While discussing communication the HRD emphasized excellent
employees recognize the importance of the message and the receiver.
"They communicate for connection -- not conflict." When we listen
carefully and ask questions that encourage people to share their
ideas, they feel we care about them. After learning who the
gossipers and complainers are, we can try to be around positive
communicators in the future.
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Team Player
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Reliable, flexible, resourceful team members are valued. We need to
be working toward accomplishing the mission and goals of the
organization. Sharing the credit with the rest of the group for what
is accomplished is appreciated. Above all, we need to accept
responsibility for what we do and not try to blame others if
something goes wrong.
While working for, or affiliated with an organization, excellent
employees are committed and loyal to the organization. We can
demonstrate our commitment by learning and improving our skills so
our contributions can be more effective.
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Creativity
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Creative and innovative employees can positively present ideas that
can improve the systems and/or products of the organization. When
problems arise creative and innovative people are able to find
solutions that work.
The following story is about a temporary employee. "Cynthia" was
told how to carry out a checking and filling job. She worked on the
project three days. While she was working she realized the system
could be improved. She shared with her supervisor an idea which
would reduce chances for errors and was easy to do . This creative
suggestion was adopted and is now used throughout the company
world-wide. This story describes a "temp" who demonstrated loyalty
and committment to improving the performance of a company during a
short stay!
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Change and Flexibility
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Since organizations are always changing we need to be positive
agents for change. The people who are dragging their feet are
slowing down changes that need to take place. If we help implement
changes we can expedite the changes and improve the efficiency of
the organization.
Employees who are flexible are able to shift to do what is needed
in an emergency. They quickly become aware priorities have had to
change. So they help solve the problem. Also, they are aware that
things may never go back to what they were before because new
changes will occur in the future.
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Tips Toward Excellent Performance
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(1) Listen carefully, speak and write clearly. (2) Dress
appropriatelyand neatly, even on casual Fridays. (3) Look for ways
to improve your skills and abilities. (4) Arrive at work early so
you can start working on time and clean up your workspace before you
leave. (5) Remember to smile and have a positive attitude.
Contact us today!
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING
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 This
is the month when those of us who live in the United States
celebrate Thanksgiving. Each of us can be thankful every day,
however, it is good to have a day to remind ourselves of our
blessings. Last year in early November, a 10-year-old boy asked his
mother, "Do you know what my favorite holiday is?" She thought she
knew the answer but instead asked, "What is your favorite holiday?"
"Thanksgiving -- because of the meaning of the day." The mother had
thought he would say Christmas. She was glad to learn that he
treasured a special day to be thankful.
Thanksgiving for my family was a time when friends got together
to enjoy the traditional turkey, dressing, and cranberry sauce. One
tradition that was started years ago was to play board games and
also charades. Then, after playing games and taking a walk, we would
make turkey sandwiches and eat left-over pumpkin and pecan pie.
People have special foods that they must have for it to be a
Thanksgiving dinner. It is fun to ask others around this time of
year what they look forward to on Thanksgiving day. To each of you I
send Happy Thanksgiving greetings. Mary Alice
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