Keeping and Succeeding in Your Job

Discussion: On-the-Job Etiquette

Below are common areas that cause problems for people new to to workplace. You need to decide how you will avoid these problems.

Use the following categories to describe how YOU will manage each of these for you and your job. If possible, you can also use these topics to lead a discussion about etiquette in your job. Answer on your own, or discuss in large or small groups or with a partner.

Personal hygiene: hair clean, neat, and trimmed; teeth and breath clean; body showered and no colognes; clothes clean and appropriate:

Show up each day, on time: keep track of your schedule; set an alarm; arrange reliable transportation ahead of time; get there a few minutes early and ready to work:

Right attitude: helpful and positive; cooperative and listening; offer compliments and encouragement:

Socializing: stay focused - work comes first; appropriate language; no touching; move social activities away from work:

What other etiquette best practices did you, your partner, or your group think of?

Top 10 Reasons People Lose Jobs, and How You'll Avoid Them

In each of the following, write how you'll avoid these problems. Remember, no one is perfect, and everyone has problems occasionally. The important thing is to deal with these right way, if they ever become a problem.

1. Not showing up and not calling

2. Excessive absences

3. Being late

4. Acting rude or make trouble on the job

5. Doing a poor job

6. Poor hygiene, manners, or appearance

7. Conflict with coworkers or supervisors

8. Laziness, lack of energy, or low productivity

9. Too many errors or mistakes

10. Theft or dishonesty

Learn How to Excel: Interview Your Supervisor

The best way to learn how to excel in your job is to ASK. In this Activity, you'll interview your boss to learn how to do better and get ahead. Simply asking your supervisor these questions will earn you credit.

Click the red button to print an Interview Form. Follow the instructions on the Form. Then, after the Interview, decide on a few goals from you what you learn.

First Goal, Today:       

Second Goal, 1 Month:

Third Goal, 3 Months:  

Essay: Power of a Positive Attitude

In many job situations, your skills and experience are not as important as you attitude. YOU choose your beliefs and your response to people and events. YOU decide if you're approach will be positive, helpful, patient, accepting -- or something else.

You may do this activity alone, with a partner, or with a group.

Write a couple paragraphs on when you've practiced a positive attitude in the past. Write how you'll maintain the right attitude now and how it will help you.