Some Words to Work By

Having worked in the field of Social Services for many years, I can acknowledge quite openly that the way I think and interact with my clients and co-workers has changed over the years. Call it maturity, wisdom, experience, even trial and error, but I like to think it’s a sign of growth and continuous understanding. Many have guided me along.

And so, I would like to pass on some thoughts and advice to anyone interested; whether you are a client, a customer, a seasoned professional or just launching your career, I hope you’d agree that sharing such information might prove a good read and useful. Take what you will, leave the rest, add your own as you choose.

• Listen attentively in order to determine exactly where your clients are in this moment.
• Don’t assume the goals you’d have in someone else’s place will be theirs.
• Be forgiving of those who fall short. Find the positives in what they did and start anew.
• Surround yourself with positive people whenever you can; you’ll be happier.
• Trust in your Supervisor when you’re asked to. Leave things with them.
• Be observant, learn from everyone. Your teacher might be a client with a problem.
• Build a personal code of ethics and follow your moral compass. It always points North.
• Share what you can with those at any and all levels who are open to learning.
• You’re skimming without reflecting. Pause, reflect, consider.
• Make sure you only hit, “Reply All” when it’s appropriate.
• If you are in a position of influence, do so with the best of others in mind.
• Do your best whether you run a corporation or dig ditches. Take pride in your work.
• If the job isn’t for you, get out without regret over money or benefits. Save yourself.
• Hope is sometimes all people have; you may in their eyes be that Hope. Think on that.
• Be consistent with your answers and your actions. That’s your reputation growing.
• Work productively when no one is watching and a lesser you could get away with it.
• Be a person of integrity; you’ll come to admire the person you see in the mirror.
• Humour can lighten many a stressful situation.
• Smiles cost nothing to give and often have the power to appear on others when given.
• Be a Superhero and discover your super power.
• Offer to help a co-worker when you can, learn to ask for help when you should.
• If you’re lowest on the hierarchy, you influence the people who matter the most.
• Dress yourself not for your current job, but for the job you eventually want.
• Be kindest to the people who are most affected by the quality of your work.
• Even when you are at the top of an organization, you needn’t look down at people.
• Asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness.
• Being asked for help is acknowledgement of your ability to provide it.
• Do what’s right; always.
• Be punctual at all times which respects the time of others.
• Apologize when you make a mistake. It takes two words; “I’m sorry.” Done.
• When you say, “Good morning,” mean it.
• If you ask someone, “How are you today?” wait for the answer.
• No matter how much you know, you’ll never know it all; keep learning anyhow.
• Every now and then, stretch yourself and try something challenging.
• Get out into the sun and clear your head. Breathe in some good air. Repeat.
• Every so often, “No” is the word you are looking for.
• There’s always a way to say, “Yes.” “Is there the will?” is the question.
• Re-read your job description at least once a year. Surprise yourself.
• Thank the person with a note who cleans your office. Surprise them.
• Be considerate of others who share your work-space.
• Others have to find their way just as you did. Let them make small mistakes.
• People are counting on you; don’t let yourself down.
• Be proud of the scars. You survived whatever assaulted you.
• Get help before things completely fall apart. Know your limit.
• Kind words build good working relationships.
• Be someone to look up to even when you’re at the bottom.
• Market yourself, promote your skills and abilities.
• Your next job interview has already begun. Someone is always watching.
• Get over yourself; others can replace you and maybe do things better.
• On your very first day, think what they’ll say about you when you retire.
• Know when it’s time to move on and have the courage to leap.
• Even in bad times, see the bigger picture.
• Every so often, get up and watch the day break over you.
• There is usually at least one other solution than the one that you know.
• People are entitled to hold their own opinion.
• As you age, realize things aren’t black and white, right and wrong.
• You can make a difference, and it always starts between the ears.

I certainly don’t mean to come across as a philosopher or a preacher. The ideas and thoughts above are just this mornings thoughts passed on for you to take in, think about, possibly act on or share.

You I’m sure have your own intelligence, wisdom, advice, and suggestions which are also valuable. And so, I would encourage you to pass that on to your clients, your peers and me. There is much to be said for learning things on your own, trial and error excetera, but advice offered is a valued gift.

By Kelly Mitchell

*Re-posted with permission. Original can be found at:

https://myjobadvice.wordpress.com/2015/04/29/some-words-to-work-by/