“If it falls [to] your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, sweep streets like Beethoven composed music . . . Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will have to pause and say: ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who swept his job well.’”

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

What is Work Ethic?

Do you have a strong work ethic? 

What does work ethic even mean? 

These are two questions we will attempt to answer in our next Soft Skills Matters series.   Previously, our series has reviewed communication skills, problem solving skills, creativity, and flexibility.  All of these, in one way or another, integrate into work ethic.

Work ethic can be defined as an attitude of determination and dedication toward your job.

Work Ethic Defined.

Indeed.com defines work ethic in this way:

“Work ethic is an attitude of determination and dedication toward one’s job…If you have a strong work ethic, you believe in the importance of your job and typically feel that hard work is essential to maintaining a strong character.”

Characteristics of a Strong Work Ethic.

People known for their work ethic typically show a high level of commitment, strong integrity, and a positive attitude.

Commitment.

Martin Luther King Jr and Bobby Stuckey both recognized how important commitment is – in whatever job you are doing.

Many people who know me understand I enjoy a fine dining experience.  One of the premier wine sommeliers and hospitality managers of our time – Bobby Stuckey – provided his viewpoint of service: “In hospitality culture, nothing is beneath you.  In my own restaurants, I’ll check coats, sign for wine, put an invoice away because I’m part of a team.”

What Bobby Stuckey demonstrated through this quote and his actions is his high level of commitment to both the job he performs and the team he works with.  Martin Luther King Jr and Bobby Stuckey recognized one important fact – be committed to whatever job you are doing.

Integrity.

One of the nicest things a client has ever said to me is, “You’re honest.”

Integrity seems to be an overused marketing term in today’s world.  In the simplest form, integrity means being honest and following through on your commitments.  One of the nicest things a client ever said to me has been, “You’re honest.”   Only two words, but two words that only came after many conversations where the client consistently saw and heard the truth.   A quality work ethic demonstrates honesty on a continual basis.

Positive Attitude.

Negativity is easy and can destroy a business.

Who doesn’t enjoy a tasty chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A?  While the food has attracted many, the positive service has kept them coming back.  “My pleasure,” is the customary ending from many (if not all) Chick-fil-A employees after they give food to their customers.  That simple phrase, said with sincerity and a smile, creates a positive attitude that keeps drawing customers back.

In addition, the “my pleasure” phrase helps to keep the customer and work environment from deteriorating into negativity.  Why is this a vital component of work ethic?  Because negativity is easy and can destroy a business; treating a job and people positively is hard but creates a lasting business.

Treating a job and people positively is hard but creates a lasting business.

Work Ethic Matters!

Throughout the last decade, many of my five sons have worked at different jobs, church events or just miscellaneous activities.  One of the greatest joys I have as a father is receiving an unsolicited comment that one of my sons is “a very hard worker” or “extremely pleasant to work with” or “has great work ethic”.

Regardless of your job or position, striving to have a great work ethic will not only benefit you individually but also the company as a whole.  And in the long run, those known to have a strong work ethic will be valued in any organization.

Through this series we have worked to demonstrate how and why soft skills are necessary for long-term success in the energy industry – or any industry. Keep checking our blog over the next few weeks as we begin a new series that expands on the ideas we’ve discussed in our soft skills posts. Find out how you can take your “soft skills” to the next level in our new series – Hospitality!