By: Barbara Mackessy Georgia CTAE Resource Network

Behavior & Work Ethics Assessments

How would you rate your own behavior?

How would you rate your work ethics?

Important for Dropout PreventionImportant for Dropout Prevention

Studies show that students who can project themselves into the future and understand the consequences of their actions today are far less likely to drop out of school (high school or college), become a teen parent, or abuse drugs.(Dropout Prevention)

STUDENTS SHOULDSTUDENTS SHOULDSTUDENTS SHOULDSTUDENTS SHOULD

start thinking about their start thinking about their futuresfutures.

Community Development Coordinator— “Everyone is going to need to work,

education is the number one priority.” “They need community involvement, computer skills, be able to research on the internet and email.”

Behavior is actions resulting from your attitude, personality and environment.

• Work Ethics is a combination of values, personality, attitude and pride in work.

• Including but not limited to honesty, pride, purpose, feelings, vision, teamwork, character, productivity, appearance and communication.

A human resource director said “Workforce development with work ethics and talent management is critical

for the company to stay in business.”

Very important!

Tools may or may not be provided on the job but…

Appropriate behavior is a job requirement along with good work ethics in all occupations.

Word Wall

By the end of this unit you should have a good understanding of the importance of these words in relation to your future career.

Work Ethics

Behaviors

AcceptableAttendanceTeamworkAttitude

Cooperation

Organizational Skills

CharacterAppearance

Productivity

RespectCommunication

Pride

Ethics Include:

• your set of values• honesty• accountability• choosing right versus

wrong• doing acceptable versus

unacceptable• being on-board versus

under the table• what you do when no one

is looking

• how you feel about your job

• how you do that job or responsibilities

• attitude• behavior• respect • communication, and

interaction• cooperation with others

Work Ethics

• Work ethics include many characteristics but can be summed up with your fundamental set of values.

• Ideally, the better your work ethics the better your work position.

• Will your work ethics guide you in a given situation?

Key to Success

Good work ethics are

required for a successful

future!

Work Ethic Involves:

• honesty (not lying, stealing, or cheating)

• doing a job well

• having pride

• valuing what you do

• showing people who you really are

• having sense of purpose and feeling

• being a part of a greater vision or plan is vital

• What will you do when no one is watching?

The Number 1 priority of Georgia’s employers for their employees is to improve the work ethics of present and future employees.

• Employers are expressing concern that a strong work ethic is increasingly difficult to find among employees and job applicants.

• Two statewide surveys of Georgia employers also identified interpersonal skills and positive attitudes toward work as among the most important qualifications in hiring workers (Occupational Research Group, 1996, 1997).

What can we do?What can we do?

How can we assess work How can we assess work ethics in school?ethics in school?

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that 80 percent of workers who lose their jobs do so not because of lack of

occupational skills, but because of poor work ethics.

• The magnitude of this issue mandates immediate attention.

Some parents may say, “My child doesn’t need

to worry about work ethics…

he/she’s going to college!”

Everybody needs work ethics—no matter what!

““We are seeing an epidemic of We are seeing an epidemic of work-life unreadiness, kids in work-life unreadiness, kids in their early twenties who can’t their early twenties who can’t

figure out who they are or figure out who they are or what they need to be doing what they need to be doing

with their lives...”with their lives...”-Dr. Mel Levine on the Dr. Mel Levine on the Today ShowToday Show, , January 25, 2005 January 25, 2005

Author, Ready or Not, Here Life Comes

Meet theMeet the

TwixterTwixters!s!

Young adults that live off their Young adults that live off their parents and bounce from job to job.parents and bounce from job to job.- - TimeTime magazine, January 24, 2005 magazine, January 24, 2005

How do we help ALL How do we help ALL students recognize the value students recognize the value

of good work ethics?of good work ethics?

The key to impacting students:

What is the NEED for Work Ethics?

Competent, creative individuals are a key

resource for economic survival of our country!

At this time you have already rated your own Work Ethics

• The technical colleges in Georgia give a work ethics grade along with the academic grade in every course.

• That work ethics grade is based on the items that you had on your work ethics assessment.

• What would your work ethics grade be at this point in time?

• You are now to turn in your improvement plans hopefully you will start to work on those plans immediately.

According to Georgia Technical Colleges, business and industry leaders have identified essential work ethics that should be taught and practiced in order to develop a viable and effective workforce.

• Attendance • Teamwork• Attitude• Organizational Skills• Cooperation• Character• Appearance• Productivity• Communication• Respect

What would your responsibility score be today? What changes do you need to make?

Work Ethics

• How one feels about his/her career.• How one does his/her job or responsibilities.• Involves attitudes, behaviors, respect, communication

and interactions.• Involves characteristics such as honesty and

accountability• Demonstrates many things about whom and how a

person is.• We should not only want to do, but desire to do the

proper (right) thing in a given situation.

Why Teach Work Ethics?

• Students who begin employment with positive work ethic skills will enhance their value as employees.

• Employers desire and acquire employees with desirable work habits.

Work ethics is a major problem, we need people to come to work every day on time.

“Work ethics is a challenge for students coming out of school today”. Some

companies offer a tuition reimbursement at 100% for A’s in a post secondary institution.

A retail sales manager- “Why young people fail today – lack of work ethics”

A department manager said “the students lack work ethic skills – they can’t handle the freedom”.

“With a positive attitude, I can teach you everything you need to know about this company.” What type

of attitude do you have?

Quotes

• Manager’s statement: “With a positive attitude, I can teach you everything you need to know about this company.” What type of attitude do you have?

• Manager’s statement: “There are three important things that an employee needs when they walk through the door—attitude, attitude and attitude, they can learn the rest”.

Understanding and Following Directions

• Actually listen• Don’t talk• Don’t interrupt• Ask questions• Stay on task• Stay focused• Take notes• Make list of task• Tune out distractions• Move away from

distractions• Be specific• Be alert

• Think – how to do this• Use prior knowledge• Concentrate• Maintain eye contact• Double check when

finished• Paraphrase the

instructions• Check for understanding• Don’t be disruptive• Know where you can get

help• Read and then re-read

instructions

Tour guide said “applicants need to know that they may be working on five or six rush jobs with deadlines all at once. They must be able to multitask and deliver the products on time.” “They must know how to

follow directions on their own.”

Everything has a place and everything is in its place. Part of following directions is being organized.

Dependability• Be organized• Think ahead• Have a schedule• Do what you say• Make sure you are on time• Take responsibility• Learn to say No• Don’t gossip• Don’t spread rumors• Stay on task• Actually listen to others• Take notes• Make list• Leave messages• Use agenda daily• Keep a year long calendar• Don’t expect others to do your

work• Double check items, events

• Set a good example• Be a positive role model• Correct negative habits• Return things you borrow• Notify people of time changes• Bring all materials • Have integrity• Have hope• Good self-esteem• Acceptable behaviors• Be loyal• Responsible• Don’t depend on others all the time• Become independent• Help others• Keep the secret• Don’t double book events• Positive attitude• Excused absences only

Each new mechanic is issued a set of numbered tools. These tools are inspected at the end of every job and every shift. If a tool is lost the job must be re-inspected. If that tool is still not found the shift shuts down and inspects three more times.

Some places on the plane will be x-rayed to make sure the tool is not there. A lost tool could cause the plane to malfunction and not be able to land.

Be able to work alone, with a mechanical aptitude! You must fix you own problems and be efficient.

Initiative

• Be the best you can be• Always try• Go the extra mile• Look for things to do• Be independent• Have a good attitude• Do it right the first time• Check and recheck• Complete tasks• Don’t procrastinate• Help others• Don’t waste time• Make it a daily habit of going

beyond the regular• Do more than the routine work• Do things without people having

to urge you

• Always look for ways to improve• Try to be the best• Ask for extra• Ask for help when needed• Forget the “L” word “Lazy”• Keep an eye for something new to do• Always have plan• Have a mission• Set goals• Make lists of things to do• Don’t waste time• No long breaks• Be resourceful• Look for tasks to do• Look for new things to learn• Look for ways to do a better job

To be a part of this company, the “future employees must have self determination and the motivation to move ahead.” Do you have the skills to

enter this board room in the future?

Eagerness to Learn

• Develop new hobby• Read for pleasure• Develop your interest• Show desire to learn• Volunteer• Think “I Can”• Positive attitude• Ask for more work• Do extra credit• Do all assigned work on time• Pay attention• Dependable• Meets challenges• Makes adjustments• Excused absences only• Never tardy

• Acceptable behaviors• Study• Smile• Positive attitude• Share new ideas• Make plans• Set goals• Reward yourself for you

accomplishments• Don’t hesitate to ask questions• Be industrious• Concentrate• Don’t waste time• Don’t wait for reminders to do

a task• Make a good first impression

Manager said he “was shocked as to how many applicants there are for so few positions.”

General manager said “The more you know, the more you make”. “It’s easy to learn with the right attitude”.

A manager said “I don’t always look for four year degrees but the applicants must have computer skills. The biggest thing I look for is

communication skills, both oral and written. I check their email messages and voice mail messages. They must use correct grammar.”

Owner stated, “Students need more math skills when they enter the workforce.”

“I would like to see someone who uses their minds.” “Any advance schooling helps them use their minds”.

“We don’t have time to hold people’s hand anymore, it’s just the global economy we live in.” Director of Human Resources

Management is “very disillusioned with math skills, work ethics, and technical skills of applicants

today.”

Manager of Credit Analysis“Must be well balanced, know numbers, have people skills, and a college

graduate.” He suggest that students “take drama classes, join the debate and golf team in high school to be successful as a future business leader.”

The employees must know how to do research and relate to everyday situations. They must have computer skills, public speaking skills, letter

writing skills, and be able to speak and write clearly.

Internal process should be in place so they cut the number of resumes. They are flooded with

resumes. “Can not have misspelled words; must have analytical abilities; must have Microsoft Office computer skills, must be able to create

spreadsheets, analysis, sort and manipulate data on multiple sheets.” “Must have the ability to perform in a sales environment; demonstrate

leadership skills through organization, clubs or church.”

Loyalty

• Take up for people• Defend others• Say only nice things• Positive attitude• Respectful• Well mannered• Honest• Kind/polite• Dependable• Be a role model• Work quickly and efficiently• Get along with others• Helps others

• Offer a helping hand• Have integrity• Provide hope• Be fair• Equality• Justice for all• No discrimination• Treat others as you would

like to be treated

“As a human resource manager, I look for someone who will come to work every day!”

Bank president, “Employees must be here everyday—if an employee is not here their work does not go out, if you don’t

complete a project it could be your job”.

“Graphic designers must have the ability to turn work. They must produce and go on the next order.” - Owner

Students can only miss 10% of their scheduled class time. That 10% must be made up to the last minute. If they miss over 10%

then they will have to retake that entire class.

Cooperation

• Listen• Be on time to meetings• Try to get along• Respectful – manners• Do your part• Develop responsibility• Learn sportsmanship• Don’t be a sore looser• Be prepared• Teamwork• Offer opinions• Ask for other’s opinion• Don’t criticize

• Discuss• Reach consensus• Work collaboratively• Never say “it’s not my

job”• Plan to get along• Be polite• No negative comments• Compromise• Think before you speak• Think before you act• Share workload• Fair to all team members

Team work skills are required!

“New employees need the attributes of being friendly, a team player and self-motivated”.

Team developed to help others buy into the system. Team items displayed on factory floor.

Quality only happens when you care enough to do your best.

Honesty

• No lying• No stealing• No cheating• Do what is right• Read the rules• Follow the rules• Return things to the

rightful owner• Return items found• Acceptable behaviors

• Think before you speak

• Think before you act

• Be accountable

• Admit mistakes

• Correct mistakes

• Say I’m Sorry

• Rewards for positive behaviors

• Do the appropriate thing

Army values stressed during basic training and through out the military career.

“Our company is looking for leaders not managers any more. They must have defined leadership

competencies for success.”

Ability to Accept Criticism

• Positive corrections• Accept that we are not

perfect• Everyone makes mistakes• Correct mistakes• Control your temper• Understand what you did

was wrong• Positive attitude• Don’t let what other people

say bother you• No negative comments

• High self-esteem• Let constructive criticism

help you• Don’t be afraid of making

a mistake• Take risk• Don’t give up• Try, Try, Try!!• Self control• Self discipline• Self respect• Don’t make the same

mistake twice

Health Department Manager states, “I would rather hire someone who needs training. I can train anyone if they are

honest, with integrity and have good work ethics.”

Behaviors

• You need good and excellent behavior characteristics/work ethics to get along with people on your job in the future.

• You need good and excellent behavior characteristics/work ethics to get and keep your job in the future.

• If you can change or improve only one thing, that would be a good start.

• No one can change all negative behaviors/work ethics in one day.

Discussion Forum

• Now that you have a better understanding of what work ethics and good behaviors include, answer the following questions.

• Do you think that employers should considers a persons behavior and work ethics when employing them? Why? Why not?

• Should an employee be fired for their work ethics? Why? Why not?

• How has this unit changed you and your work ethics?

• Do you have a better understanding of how behaviors and work ethics now?

What do students think?

“I thought everything would just fall into place. Now I realize that I have to make my future happen, it won’t just work out good by itself.”

Student QuoteStudent Quote

“In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned

find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that

no longer exists.”

--- Eric Hoffer

“In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned

find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that

no longer exists.”

--- Eric Hoffer

“If you don’t know where you are going, Alice, how

will you know when you get there?”, asked the

Cheshire Cat.

--- Alice in Wonderland

“If you don’t know where you are going, Alice, how

will you know when you get there?”, asked the

Cheshire Cat.

--- Alice in Wonderland

This display was at the AFLAC headquarters outside of the cafeteria for all employees to see daily. The dress code

was strictly enforced.

Unnatural Hair Color is a NO!

Visible Tattoos are a NO! NO!

These shoes are a NO! NO!

Appropriate Dress

Appropriate Dress

Casual Friday Dress only!

Not appropriate even for casual Fridays!

Not appropriate even for casual Fridays!

Casual Friday

Casual Fridays –good choice

These shoes are appropriate to wear any time.

These shoes are not appropriate for any day!

Company Territory Director “People talk about attitude as being

either good or bad, but it’s multifaceted. It includes desire, belief in the company, discipline

and perseverance.”

Remember your behavior is your choice. Unacceptable behaviors

may get you in here!

Some look at things that Some look at things that are and ask why. are and ask why.

I dream of things that I dream of things that never were and ask never were and ask

why not?why not?

- George Bernard Shaw

“Interviews are now based on how people can exhibit characteristics in their life instead of giving yes and no

answers. They must show relevance.”

“Students must come to us ready to work. We can teach them the job if they have the attitude and work ethics

needed for the job.”