To be successful at any job, from the most menial to the highest executive position, a good work ethic is essential.

Some folks, however, do not understand the meaning of a work ethic. Someone asked me once if I loved my job, and I answered that anyone who really loves his or her job would perform it without pay. So there’s your answer. If you eliminated the financial motivation for working, the workforce would disappear in a hurry.

However, if you are employed and are being paid, you must conform to the standards of a work ethic, or you’ll soon join the unemployed.

First, show up. If there is an emergency which prevents you from coming to work, call as soon as your workplace opens. Second, do the very best you can, no matter what the assignment. This concept was drilled into me by my parents at an early age concerning school. Aim high. In other words, don’t do a sloppy job. If you’re scrubbing floors, make sure they’re super clean. If you’re responsible for customer service, have a good attitude and satisfy the customer. If you are supervising other workers, be strict but fair.

Years ago, I taught a job preparation course for women who had just completed a government-sponsored office work training program and were committed to going from welfare to work. We discussed interviews, what to wear and what to say to prospective employers. I found the participants eager to take the suggestions I offered, and we employed role-playing to illustrate the correct responses to questions.

When a student had an interview, she was thoroughly prepared, and I was astounded at how seriously the students took suggestions. It frequently brought tears to my eyes when I saw a young woman dressed and ready for an interview. She would be attired in a business suit, conservative hose and shoes and only one pair of earrings and armed with the necessary resume and advice. Everyone in the class beamed with pride and wished her luck.

For those students who could not afford the proper clothing, we had an assortment of gently-used business attire available. If the student got the job, we all celebrated by going out to lunch. If she didn’t, we discussed the possible reasons and offered upbeat suggestions for the next interview.

One session of the course consisted of what to do when you are new on the job and the meaning of a good work ethic. The class discussed the right and wrong way to react to various situations that arise in an office. Ideally, a good work ethic should be taught at home. But if this guidance is missing, it can be supplied by employed or retired people who can share their experiences and work ethic with motivated prospective workers who have the desire to succeed.

-- T&D Correspondent Shirley Upton can be reached by e-mail at writer@ntinet.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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