2. Objectives Be able to describe the characteristics of a successful employee, and describe why this is important.
3. Bell Ringer Exercise Read the top of your handout to find your position Join into groups with your new team, your new union, your new set of cohort comrades. Create a new Union President Create a list within your groups of 8-10 characteristics of a successful employee
5. Communication Skills The most important skill listed by employers is the ability to listen, write and read effectively. Example – Your boss is giving you an assignment and you are able to listen to what he is saying then work on the assignment. You may need to read then write the assignment Activity – You just did one!
6. Analytical / Research Skills The ability to assess a situation, look at it from a different angle, research for more information, and identify the solution Example: http://www.michaelbach.de/ot/lum_adelsonCheckShadow/index.html Activity – Analyze two sets of blocks with your team representative
7. Computer Technical Skills Basic understanding of computer hardware and software. Be able to use basic word processing, spreadsheet and data management. Example: 1-minute typing test. Activity - See if you can get the job at http://www.typingtest.com/ Stenographers require 80-120 words per minute. Secretaries require 65 wpm Telephone operators require 50 wpm Unit Clerks require 25 wpm Babies require 2-5 garbled wpm
8. Interpersonal Skills This is the ability to work well with your coworkers, facilitating the work of other employees, and working out conflicts between employees It all begins with the handshake History – We do handshakes because in the medieval times it was normal to carry a weapon with you, so it was a sign of peace to put your right hand forward to a new friend Five traits of a solid handshake: Timing – Boss first, look in the eye, smiling, speak an intro Pressure / Position – firm yet gentle enough, web to web Velocity – 2-3 shakes Plane – Perpendicular Temperature / Humidity – clean, warm, dry
9. Leadership The ability to take charge and lead your peers towards a productive climate. It is important to be able to motivate your peers and subordinates towards high standards. Example – How have you seen leadership in your class? In your workplace?
10. Multicultural / Harassment awareness A professional who embodies cultural sensitivity and knowledge. This includes an ability to create a rapport with a diverse workforce. When conduct based on a person’s age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation or veteran status unreasonably interferes with that person’s work, academics, or participation Always contact administration or HR for questions or concerns. Example - http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1890726/oops_junjaowka_new_staff/
11. Show What You Know A) The most important skill listed by employers is the ability to listen, write and read effectively. B) A professional who embodies cultural sensitivity and knowledge. This includes an ability to create a rapport with a diverse workforce. C) The ability to take charge and lead your peers towards a productive climate. It is important to be able to motivate your peers and subordinates towards high standards. 1 – Leadership 2 – Multicultural 3 - Communication
12. Show What You Know D) This is the ability to work well with your coworkers, facilitating the work of other employees, and working out conflicts between employees E) Basic understanding of computer hardware and software. Be able to use basic word processing, spreadsheet and data management. F) The ability to assess a situation, look at it from a different angle, research for more information, and identify the solution 4 – Interpersonal 5 – Analytical 6 - Computer
13. Appearance Appearance matters! Dress Stance Walk Sit Image Activity – What do you feel your uniform should look like. What should your peers uniform look like?
17. Honesty & Integrity Employees respect each other and follow the golden rule (treat others the way that you want to be treated). Examples – Numerous items in the news. Can you name a few? Activity – Answer the questions on your sheet.
18. Adaptability & Flexibility The ability to work with new ideas and situations effectively. This means being resilient even if the solutions is not initially found to a new problem. Example – Being willing to learn a new skill can mean the difference between cubicle worker and middle management
19. Dedication & Hard Work Employees who are motivated to work until the job is finished. Example – working at optimal pace and efficiency in an attempt to finish the job for the good of the company. Activity – Brainstorm 50 items that you do in your downtime at your job.
20. Attendance Check with your employer to know the specific amount of work you can miss, if any. It is never professional to miss work without calling into the office. Most states are Employment-at-will states which means that they can fire anyone for any reason (that is not illegal) Activity – Firing Everyone!
21. Characteristics for Success Remember that no one is born with these traits, and it is important to use your community and HR to improve your skills and yourself. Do you see how the characteristics are important for numerous positions? Are there any positions that do not need to worry about these traits? Which of these traits to do you feel is the most important?
