Work Ethic and Soft Skills by AgriLife’s Johanna Hicks

Work Ethic and Soft Skills

While preparing for my upcoming retirement and gathering resources for the individual who will fill my position, the thought of work ethic crossed my mind.  According to Jennifer Herrity, career services professional, work ethic is an attitude of determination and dedication toward one’s job. Those with a strong work ethic place a high value on their professional success. They exhibit moral principles that make them outstanding employees in any position.  Individuals who have a strong work ethic believe in the importance of their job and typically feel that hard work is essential to maintaining a strong character.

Herrity indicates that individuals with strong work ethics exhibit a particular set of values and behaviors. These characteristics make them stand out as highly coveted team members and praise-worthy employees.  Here are the top attributes:

1. Reliability:  You can expect these individuals to be on time for shifts and meetings. They meet their deadlines and offer quality work. A reliable coworker makes an excellent teammate because they contribute fairly to projects.
2. Dedication:  Part of a good work ethic is commitment and dedication to the job. They know how to focus on tasks without being distracted. These employees usually work until they finish their duties. They stay with one company for long periods.
3. Discipline:  Highly disciplined employees show determination and commitment to the job. They strive to meet or exceed expectations and seek opportunities to learn new skills and improve their performance.
4. Productivity:  A strong work ethic translates to outstanding productivity. Productive employees often have a higher output than their counterparts. They complete projects early and do more than the minimum requirements.
5. Cooperation:  A good work ethic is exhibited by cooperating willingly on projects, showing good teamwork and readily assisting others when needed.
6. Integrity:  Professional integrity means holding oneself to high moral principles, exhibiting honesty, politeness and fairness to others.
7. Responsibility:  Those who are ethical and responsible hold themselves accountable for their actions. They will accept the blame for errors they’ve contributed to and proactively work to fix these issues.
8. Professionalism:  Employees with a good work ethic almost always maintain their professionalism. They exhibit a professional attitude clear in the way they dress, speak and carry themselves. They’re respectful, focused, organized and neat.

Many businesses are hiring, not only in our community, but across the country.  The number of notices posted throughout the communities indicates a need for employees.  I’ve heard others say that people can get paid more by relying on government funds than by actually working in a reputable job.  But is that the direction we want our society to take?  With a whole new group of high school and college graduates coming up, we must instill strong work ethic in that generation beginning with the home setting.  A firm handshake, good eye contact, exhibiting confidence, and a smile can go a long way in making a good first impression with a potential employer.

My career as a Family & Community Health Extension Agent has been a good one!  I look back at the great people I have met throughout the years, the friendships that have formed, and the kind words of so many.  The awards and accolades have been nice, but the people with whom I’ve worked and taught have made it a great career.  The support from the community has been fabulous and I know that the person who fills my position will be blessed.  And to answer the question that so many have asked, the position will not be officially open until mid-February internally.  Then, if necessary, the position will open up to the public sometime in March, with interviews taking place in April or May.  It is not a quick process, unfortunately, but I’ll still be on hand to assist if needed.  In the meantime, the Master Wellness Volunteers will be active in various events throughout the county.

Closing Thought

A year is basically 365 opportunities for something great to happen.

Contributed by Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed. 

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