How We Behave in Our Second Home Matters. Change Your Life by Developing Excellent Work Ethic.
We hear this word a lot… ethics.
What’s the big deal anyway? We rock up at work, do our job, go home and that’s that. Or we’re only happy because we know it’s Friday and we mess about waiting for clock out time.
If that’s you Aluxers, then your work ethic is quite frankly, sh*t. It’s time to up your game, and by doing so, opportunities will start opening up.
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With that out of the way, let’s begin with the first principle that’s going to rock your life at work.
1
Always Put the Company First
Aluxers, if you’re working for a company – any company – you are a representation of the company. If you speak badly of it, what does that say about you?
We’re not suggesting you sell your soul for the company, but when you are out and about living your usual fabulous life, you’re still representing the people you work for.
So, saying they’re awful, management is crap, and working there is the pits… resign! Find another job. One that aligns with your values and vision. Let someone else take that position that will be a better fit instead of holding onto it because you feel you must or can’t find better. It says more about you, then the company you work for.
2
Work Ethics Starts From the Top Down
Well done you, you’ve made it to a top managerial position. What it’s like up there? We’re sure it’s good but it takes dedication and self-motivation, especially because you’re setting the tone for everyone else.
If you’re in a managerial position and you’re arriving late and leaving early, what example are you setting? Or you’re the one having a not so secret affair or having a sneaky little desk-drawer beverage at 10am or shovelling in a few extra pens and staplers for the kids at home.
Aluxers, people see this sh*t. And you’re meant to be the one they look up to, so how on earth can you expect the staff to show excellent work ethic when you don’t do the same?
It starts from the top… so do what you’re paid to do and show others how to behave ethically and responsibly in the workplace.
3
Don’t Waste Company Time
Time is money. You’re getting paid to do a job, do it. Stop scrolling social media, chatting too long at the water fountain or nipping out for a smoke or wee break constantly.
Not only does it cost your company money, but it costs you productivity. We all know how difficult it is to get back into the work routine once we’ve broken our flow.
Best is to give yourself a time limit to complete your tasks in. You will be amazed at how you will flow. This is especially useful when you are tired and a bit unfocused.
Like American writer, Dale Carnegie said, “Do the hard jobs first. The easy jobs will take care of themselves.”
4
Avoid Being the Office Gossip
We’re not innocent either Aluxers, and our ears do prick up too when we know we’re about to hear something juicy – but we’re constantly working on improving ourselves. Unless of course it’s Trump news we’re picking up on, and in that case, we’re all ears. I mean for goodness sake, the man just tweeted, “A total and complete sign off from White House Doctors yesterday. That means I can’t get it and can’t give it. Very nice to know!!!”
So, basically don’t be the office gossip, don’t listen to the office gossip and don’t encourage the office gossip. Instead, get to know those that are straight talkers and whose values align with yours. These habits will be good addition in your work ethic arsenal, if it’s not already a part of it.
5
Respect Others and Yourself
Confucius once said, “respect yourself and others will respect you.”
It’s no point coming to work looking like a dog’s breakfast and exhausted. It shows you don’t respect yourself enough to look decent and get a good night’s rest.
Respect yourself enough to work for a company whose values align with yours. Like we said in our first point, if it doesn’t, then leave. You’re not doing yourself or the company any favours by sticking around.
Respect yourself enough to say No. Don’t be the person that gets lumped with all the work others don’t want to do. Know your boundaries and stick to them. If you don’t, you’ll burn yourself out and people will walk all over you.
On the flip side, respect your colleagues. Show empathy. Which leads us to our next point.
6
Be Culturally Sensitive
Cultural awareness in the work force can lead to higher productivity and a strong, united workforce. So, what does it take to be more culturally sensitive? It’s easy. It’s taking the time and making the effort to understand people’s cultural background that is different to yours.
There are simple steps to do this properly.
- Educate yourself about a different culture. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask them until you really understand.
- Acknowledge your own biases.
- Celebrate all the meaningful days in every culture.
- And most importantly, make a concerted effort to learn to pronounce names properly. None of this, “I’ll just call you x for short” nonsense.
As American educator, Stephen R Covey said, “strength lies in differences, not in similarities.”
7
Maintain a Neat Workspace
Nothing screams unproductive more than a messy desk. It doesn’t mean you are unproductive, but that’s not what your colleagues see.
There are many benefits to keeping a good desk space. For one, if your work area is filled with crumbs and leftovers, you’re attracting cockroaches and rats to the building. We wish we were making this up, but we’re not. Cockroaches spread E. coli, salmonella, 33 kinds of bacteria, 6 parasitic worms and several forms of human pathogens.
Don’t be that guy.
And while we’re on not being that guy, keep your kitchen usage neat. Don’t be the jerk who never rinses a cup or leaves dirty containers for someone else to clean up… or worse… leaving old food in the fridge for days! Remember the cockroaches.
8
Be an Independent Thinker
Aluxers, your boss already has children at home and doesn’t want to spoon feed you too! Show initiative. Like we said in our video, 15 Necessary Skills for Students in the 21st century, “If you have an idea to save the company money, share it. If your idea can increase turnover, speak up. And if you can improve things within the workplace, do it. All of this reflect what valuable work ethic you possess. Initiative is all about being resourceful and being able to work without being told what to do and how to do it.”
Banksy once said, “A lot of people never use their initiative because no-one told them to.” Well, we’re telling you to “use your initiative,” Aluxers.
9
Speak up for the Less Vocal
This is not the time to remain silent when you see things happening in your workplace that you believe are not acceptable.
You’ve seen The Morning Show, Late Night and Bombshell… don’t be complicit in the cover-up.
If you see a colleague harassing anyone or being forceful, do something about it. Speak up and stand up for your colleagues.
It may not directly affect you, but working in any toxic environment will wear you down in the long run, and we need to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and equally.
10
Look After Your Physical and Mental Health
If you want to perform well at work and at home, you need to ensure that your mental and physical health are at their peak. You won’t be a good employee if you’re burnt out and not coping well.
It’s not about how much time you spend at the office, but how productive you are in the hours dedicated for the work you’re meant to do.
You’re getting paid to work 9 – 5, and if you stop wasting all that time we mentioned earlier, you should be able to finish the work in the allocated time. Of course, we all have to work late from time to time, but then take the vacation you’re meant to!
It’s an integral part of keeping your mental wellness in check.
If a vacation is a long way off, invest in our meditation course at alux.com/mindmastery. This will help both your physical and mental health enormously.
While starting good physical and mental health habits is essential, don’t skip what fuels it all. Become a Modern Gentleman: Start Eating Healthy.
11
Don’t Be the Jerk Who Makes a Fuss About Teamwork
Teamwork makes the dream work, there is no I in team, teamwork – it gets sh*t done… ok, you get the point.
Most people roll their eyes when they hear “teamwork,” but it doesn’t have to be that way. The beauty about working in a team is that you get more ideas, better diversity, share the workload and you have a common goal connecting you. What better way to get a job done?
Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and this is your opportunity to shine and highlight the strengths of everyone and help in areas where people need guidance. It’s really a no-brainer.
And when your team has done well, even if you feel you did most of the work, share the credit. Don’t be egotistical and take all the glory. Don’t be a Karen, Steve, Ken or Terry… just be cool.
12
Avoid Being Erratic With Your Work Performance
Indian cricket commentator and journalist, Harsha Bhogle once said, “across professions, consistency is a direct product of work ethic.”
Aluxers, excellent work ethic means keeping a constant flow of great work. If you’re erratic and all over the show, people will not be able to trust that you will deliver the goods.
You won’t be picked for a promotion; you won’t be getting staff member of the month and you certainly won’t be getting a raise anytime soon.
If you always do and give your best, you leave no room for “shouda, woulda, coulda’s.”
13
Integrity and Honesty Go Hand-in-Hand
Integrity is another word that is thrown around a lot, but what does it even mean, really? Simple – being dependable and following through on commitments. If you say you’re going to do something, then bloody well do it.
Being open and honest in all your communications and being accountable for yourself and areas where you know you’re lacking. We’ll go into more depth next!
14
Be Accountable for Your Work
Aluxers, we’ve all worked somewhere where the only games people know how to play, are “blame games.” And often, these games start from the top down, and sadly, there are no winners in this game… only losers.
The rule of the blame game is simple. If something goes wrong, pin the fault on someone else. And it’s all fun and games until you’re the recipient of the blame… are we right?
So, if something goes wrong, which you can bet will happen… take responsibility.
Take to heart what author, Shane Parrish said, “Amateurs blame others, professionals accept responsibility.” And you Aluxers, are not amateurs.
15
Don’t Procrastinate
Speaking of amateurs, Stephen King said, “amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of just get up and go to work.”
There are so many negative effects of procrastination:
- You waste your time
- You miss out on opportunities. Your friends are all going out, but you’re at home having to finish a project that should have been done ages ago!
- You jeopardize your career.
- You make hasty decisions.
- It’s bad for your overall health.
If you’re an expert procrastinator, be sure to check out our video: 10 Ways to STOP Procrastinating!
Question:
We love hearing from you Aluxers, what are your thoughts on work ethic and what do you believe makes for excellent work ethic?
