One of the most valuable lessons that I learned at work was to show up early and stay late. No one taught me this lesson, I just learned it through experience. This has helped me in every job I have had.
I have heard it said that being early is on time, being on time is late, and late is unacceptable. Managers expect every employee to be punctual and dependable. That means that you come in when you are supposed to and on time. That is the minimum expectation, but good employees exceed the expectation.
A job is a transactional venture. An employee is hired with the promise of pay and benefits for a reasonable expectation of work. My first job was delivering the local paper on my bicycle. My customers payed a monthly fee for me to deliver their paper every afternoon. If I was late or they could not find their paper (for any reason) they would call my home and complain. I hated hearing from customers. They never called to tell me how good a job I was doing, but they did let me know by the size of the tip they left each month. I quickly learned that my performance impacted customer satisfaction.
Each job I have had since then has reinforced the fact that my performance affects my superior's decision when it comes time for bonuses and advancement. If a company has two employees doing the same job for the same pay, but one is always on time to arrive and to leave, where the second employee arrives early and stays until the work is done. We have to assume that is factored in when it comes to deciding bonus pay and promotions.
Being on time is better than being late, but showing up early always reflects better on the employee's work habit. People say that there is nothing wrong with leaving the exact time they are supposed to. Workers that punch clocks often do not have a choice and may even be reprimanded for staying late. However, employees that are out the door the second the clock clicks 5:00 pm (or whenever) are often viewed in a negative light.
Yes, I am guilty of generalizing. There are many factors that may cause an employee to be late to work or that causes them to take off early. The attitude behind the cause is what matters. The attitude behind the reason for coming in on time or leaving early or late usually is indicative of their overall work. The attitude of the employee effects their behavior, their behavior effects their performance, and ultimately we are judged by our performance at work.
An employee with a history of high performance usually has a good attitude. An employee with a history of poor performance often has a poor attitude toward their work, the company, the manager, or all three.
Does it really matter if an employee shows up early or on time? Maybe or maybe not! Why take the chance?
Personal Development
- Is it your habit to be early, on time, or late to work?
- Do you leave early, on time, or when the work is done?
- Is your behavior fair to the other employees?
- Does your manager or coworkers joke about your tardiness?
- Is your work reputation good or bad?
- What can you do this week to improve your work habits?
A job is a transactional venture. An employee is hired with the promise of pay and benefits for a reasonable expectation of work. My first job was delivering the local paper on my bicycle. My customers payed a monthly fee for me to deliver their paper every afternoon. If I was late or they could not find their paper (for any reason) they would call my home and complain. I hated hearing from customers. They never called to tell me how good a job I was doing, but they did let me know by the size of the tip they left each month. I quickly learned that my performance impacted customer satisfaction.
Each job I have had since then has reinforced the fact that my performance affects my superior's decision when it comes time for bonuses and advancement. If a company has two employees doing the same job for the same pay, but one is always on time to arrive and to leave, where the second employee arrives early and stays until the work is done. We have to assume that is factored in when it comes to deciding bonus pay and promotions.
Being on time is better than being late, but showing up early always reflects better on the employee's work habit. People say that there is nothing wrong with leaving the exact time they are supposed to. Workers that punch clocks often do not have a choice and may even be reprimanded for staying late. However, employees that are out the door the second the clock clicks 5:00 pm (or whenever) are often viewed in a negative light.
Yes, I am guilty of generalizing. There are many factors that may cause an employee to be late to work or that causes them to take off early. The attitude behind the cause is what matters. The attitude behind the reason for coming in on time or leaving early or late usually is indicative of their overall work. The attitude of the employee effects their behavior, their behavior effects their performance, and ultimately we are judged by our performance at work.
An employee with a history of high performance usually has a good attitude. An employee with a history of poor performance often has a poor attitude toward their work, the company, the manager, or all three.
Does it really matter if an employee shows up early or on time? Maybe or maybe not! Why take the chance?
Personal Development
- Is it your habit to be early, on time, or late to work?
- Do you leave early, on time, or when the work is done?
- Is your behavior fair to the other employees?
- Does your manager or coworkers joke about your tardiness?
- Is your work reputation good or bad?
- What can you do this week to improve your work habits?
---------------
PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS
BY CLICKING ON THEIR ADDS.
THANK YOU!
This blog is dedicated to development topics that will make you a better employee.
Join the discussion.
If you have a question, leave it in the comments section below.
If you have a comment, leave it in the comment section below.
If you have a suggestion for a topic, leave it in the comment section below.
Join the discussion.
If you have a question, leave it in the comments section below.
If you have a comment, leave it in the comment section below.
If you have a suggestion for a topic, leave it in the comment section below.
No comments:
Post a Comment