Behavior & Work Ethics
Assessments
By: Barbara Mackessy
Georgia CTAE Resource Network
How would you rate your own
behavior?
How would you rate your work
ethics?
Important 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 SHOULD
start thinking about their
futures.
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.
Character
Communication
Attitude
Teamwork
Ethics Include:
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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:
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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?
How can we assess work
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
work-life unreadiness, kids in
their early twenties who can’t
figure out who they are or
what they need to be doing
with their lives...”
-Dr. Mel Levine on the Today Show,
January 25, 2005
Author, Ready or Not, Here Life Comes
Meet the
Twixters!
Young adults that live off their parents
and bounce from job to job.
- Time magazine, January 24, 2005
The key to impacting students:
How do we help ALL
students recognize the value
of good work ethics?
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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 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
“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
are and ask why.
I dream of things that
never were and ask
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.”