Attitude and Work Ethic

• January 02 2020

We often talk about tangible skills necessary to land the job, but what we fail to discuss are the non-quantifiable attributes important to ensure success in the workplace. This article aims to do just that, focusing primarily on attitude and work ethic both during the job interview and after you’ve obtained said job.

Interview

Find your attitude

Often, employers emphasize attitude over skills, training and experience. Mentally prepare yourself to show your enthusiasm for the job, willingness to learn, spirit of cooperation, and respect for the employer. Rehearse how you will present yourself in a positive, truthful, and realistic manner. Because companies have limited information from which to make a hiring decision, do all that you can to convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the job.

Other than a paycheck, what makes you want to get up early and go to work each morning? Is it the satisfaction of doing a good job and being productive, or is it being around like-minded people? Figure out what motivates you and why.

A Northwestern University survey of personnel directors from 153 companies showcased reasons behind why people didn’t get hired, and many of those reasons had to do with attitude. Take a look at some of the reasons why people didn’t get hired, and see how you might be able to avoid doing these things.

• Lack of interest and enthusiasm.
• Lack of planning for career; no purpose or goals.
• Making excuses.
• Lack of tact and courtesy.
• No genuine interest in company or job.
• Work Ethic

Already on the job

Find your attitude

If you already have the job and aim to climb the corporate ladder, having the proper attitude is just as important. Take a look at the list of things below that you can do to showcase your positive attitude in the workplace.

• Always be courteous to reception staff - Let your enthusiasm for being part of the team show to every person with whom you interact.
• Be polite and friendly to fellow employees and customers.
• Try to avoid gossiping and complaining.
• Don’t grumble about having to do less appealing tasks.
• Act a level higher than your actual position.

When it comes to applying and interviewing for the job, everyone claims to have a strong work ethic, but how can you truly show that you mean that? Take pride in your work and show a willingness to learn. Be someone that others can depend on; if you say you are going to do something, do it without procrastinating. If you finish with all of your assigned tasks, don’t just wait to go home or work extra slowly to stretch out your task. Ask to help out others in your unit or ask the supervisor for additional assignments. The more you learn, the more valuable you will become as an employee. Some of the tips below will show your employer that when you say you work hard, you mean it. This could ultimately end up landing you that valuable promotion you’ve been angling toward.

• Be a self-starter: When you feel you are ready for a heavier workload, take the initiative to ask for more assignments.
• Establish a good attendance record: Try to make it to work every day, especially during those first weeks/months on the job.
• No matter how you feel about your current job, do your best: You will need references to get better jobs, and former bosses are the best sources. Also, your current boss might offer you a better position if he or she sees what a terrific worker you are.
• Take on extra tasks.

Positive thinking

More than just helping you achieve success in the workplace, having a positive attitude at work and in life can have positive physical health benefits as well, according to the Mayo Clinic.

“Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health,” says the Mayo Clinic. “Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include: increased life span, lower rates of depression, lower levels of distress, greater resistance to the common cold, better psychological and physical well-being, [and] better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease.”

Along with these positive health benefits that the Mayo Clinic highlights, the organization also gives tips when it comes to identifying negative thinking. Take a look at the table below from the Mayo Clinic to see how you can turn negative self-talk into positive thinking.

As you can see, maintaining a positive attitude and displaying your strong work ethic can get you far in your career while also allowing you to maintain a certain level of health.

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