Good Work Ethic – Episode 15

Audio Posts

In this episode of 180 Mentoring, have I got a story for you! I know my audience appreciates stories, so listen up. Recently I had an unwelcome process which I had put off, but when I finally accomplished it the results were great. However, the job had some major aggravations, likely caused by some previous workers who had a poor work ethic. In my thirty years’ experience leading and mentoring, I have seen first-hand how it doesn’t pay to cut corners. For better or for worse, your habits reflect on you as a professional as well as on those who lead you. And now for the story . . . .

Do the kind of work that makes you proud, not ashamed, years later.

Recently I installed two new one-piece toilets in my house. The first one went pretty well but the second toilet project became a nightmare when I realized that the previous installer had used a kind of adhesive that looked like the proper silicone-based sealer, but was in fact like super-glue. I had to spend hours hacking away at this stuff, and I still cracked the old toilet in half before I finally was able to remove it. It seems like the installer was just doing the minimum to get by and wasn’t careful to use the right product. I’m guessing he abandoned a good work ethic in order to save time. Whether it was an ignorant mistake, a case of being unprepared, or a cunning trick his work reflects so poorly on him. His haste became my waste – of time. Avoid this mistake!

Keeping your cool saves your time, money and reputation.

Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying, “When angry count to ten before you speak. If very angry, count to one hundred.” This goes for words or actions. In my toilet installation aggravation, I recognized that I was very frustrated. I had to choose to back off and let myself cool down. It takes time and money to repair or replace items broken in frustration. And if your angry tongue gets you in trouble with people, you may not be able to repair that damage. Whether you’re doing home maintenance or earning your living, patience is essential to a good work ethic. Hear more in this episode of 180 Mentoring.

The measure of a person is the work that no one sees him do.

Here’s an example from my personal life. When I used to work on cars, I would take a little extra time to tighten wires that couldn’t be seen in addition to wires that could be seen. This habit brought me great satisfaction, knowing I had done quality work for the customer. I hope you would be displeased, not smug, with low quality work from yourself. The work that you produce is a direct representation of you as a professional, as well as of your leaders and mentors. Though people might not notice specific small actions you take, they will notice your habit of excellence. This is priceless.

Here’s how leaders can make an average workplace into a great workplace.

Creating a solid work ethic in your workplace depends on you as a leader. Be confident – there are some basic steps you can take. Treat the individuals on your team well. Let them know you value them. Then continue teaching them in various ways and circumstances about growing as professionals and as individuals. It’s not a one-time lesson. Teach them that the measure of a person is the work that no one sees them do. Taking time to complete tasks the right way builds the kind of character that supervisors and customers value, even if no one ever sees the small conscientious actions. If your team sees you paying attention to integrity, they will be inspired to do the same.

Outline of This Episode

  • [1:25] Beginning of Terry’s two-toilet story
  • [7:01] Lesson #1 – Haste makes waste
  • [7:42] Lesson #2 – When angry count to ten
  • [9:37] Lesson #3 – First impressions are the most lasting
  • [11:36] An example of Terry’s own integrity
  • [13:36] Here’s how leaders can make an average workplace into a great workplace
  • [16:16] Closing comments

Connect With Terry at 180 Mentoring

 

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