This document discusses personal qualities that are important for working well with others, including integrity, reliability, self-acceptance, maturity, and developing a strong work ethic. It also covers attitudes that support quality performance like participation, cooperation and continuous learning. The document provides tips on making a good impression through appropriate appearance and avoiding annoying habits. It concludes with sections on basic work manners and general work courtesies.

1. WORKING WITH OTHERS Ch. 14 Topic 1 Personal Qualities at Work

2. Your Personality at Work Personality – combination of traits that distinguishes one person from another Character – your reputation, basic values and principles that are reflected in the way you live your life. Ethics – a system of moral standards or values Integrity – honesty, sincerity and trustworthiness – people with integrity are valuable at work because they can be trusted to use the company resources for company purposes Reliable – being dependable and doing what you have agreed to do including not ignoring your duties or dismissing them as unimportant

3. SELF-ACCEPTANCE Definition – attitude toward yourself Be honest with yourself Do not deceive yourself about your behavior and beliefs Admit your weaknesses and acknowledge your strengths Understand you are unique You have same wants, needs and fears of others Others may not appear to have same problems but they usually have their own

4. MATURITY Having the emotional and mental qualities that are considered normal to a socially adjusted adult. You are mature when you are willing to: Accept criticism or disappointment tactfully Acknowledge that you do not know or understand something Admit that you made a mistake Learn from your mistakes Face your weaknesses and determine how to overcome them Be considerate of others Demonstrate respect for differences of individuals Be objective and honest in your relationships with others Value the worth of every person and do not act superior to another person

5. ATTITUDES THAT SUPPORT QUALITY PERFORMANCE THE WORK ETHIC Deep belief in the value of work in one’s life Willingness to meet the demands of work Strong work ethics give value to both tangible and intangible rewards at work Tangible rewards – pay and benefits Intangible rewards – enjoyment of work performed or pride in a job well done Positive attitude toward work, willingness to work overtime and low error rates PARTICIPATION AND COOPERATION Willingness to participate in what needs to be done to achieve a goal Workers often need to perform tasks not included in their job description LEARNING Companies expect worker to be independent learners Be aware of new technology and methods that relate to your field Ask about opportunities for training that will improve your job performance

6. IMPRESSIONS INFLUENCE OTHERS APPEARANCE AFFECTS HOW OTHERS THINK OF YOU Dress Appropriately dressed make others think you are giving proper attention to your job duties Sloppily dressed gives impression you are not an efficient employee Some companies are specific Others expect new employees to note how the majority of other workers dress Your appearance should reflect good taste and suggest you are a responsible employee Annoying habits Can have a negative effect on your interactions with coworkers Drumming fingers on desk, twirling hair, chewing gum, and certain facial expressions can be annoying to others The PITCH (high or low sound) of your voice can indicate your emotion, lower-pitched voice is more pleasant, work on keeping the voice pitch at a lower level. Consider your behavior and identify what you believe might be annoying to others Ask a trusted friend or coworker to help you identify any habits you have that others might find annoying.

7. BASIC WORK MANNERS What you know about manners will be valuable interacting with others at work Extending you hand to another person when being introduced is considered a gracious gesture Electronic Etiquette require the use of good manners just as face-to-face meetings Voice Mail Speak slowly Keep message brief Include complete name and number Explain why a return call is essential Cellular phones Do not use phone in places where conversation will disrupt activities If at a conference, move away from where others are talking Do not discuss confidential business in public area

8. BASIC WORK MANNERS, cont’d Speakerphones Be sure the matter discussed is not confidential Establish whether person on phone does not mind using speakerphone Give full attention to the caller, do not multi-task even though hands are free Fax machines Do not read other co-worker’s incoming messages Read only to identify recipient Conference calls When speaking always identify yourself Do not interrupt someone who is speaking

9. GENERAL WORK COURTESIES Beware of responsibilities of coworkers – doing so does not cause them to waste time Limit conversations to matters of work during work time – wait for breaks or lunch for personal talk Employees often face deadlines – when seeking assistance, inquire if it is appropriate to interrupt Do not monopolize shared equipment so as to keep others from completing tasks Be alert to needs of coworkers