Rules to Work By

As this milking season comes to a close, one of our employees will begin a new phase of her life as a stay at home (and work from home) mom.  She has been with us a little over three years and we wish her all the best in all her new endeavors. 

We have been blessed with low employee turn-around over the past couple of years, but that has not always been the norm.  We have had people work as little as one week after hiring.  We have seen all sorts of personalities and work ethics -or lack of- along with exceptional character traits and some that...well...lets just say they could use some improvement.

With the recent uptick in people looking for work, I have seen a lot of articles on resume writing, and interviewing.  But what about keeping that job you land? What about climbing up the ladder in both position and pay?  Ever wonder what keeps employers from moving you up?

We have an employee handbook that clearly states all the rules that we expect everyone to follow when working here.  What we haven't had is a standard for conduct and/or character expectations.  If we did, this is what I would include, from an employer's perspective:

1. Don't leave tasks assigned to you undone for others to finish.
2. Don't leave a mess for others to clean up.
3. Do a complete and thorough job.
4. Be at work both mentally and physically.
5. Show up on time...or 5-10 minutes early so you are "ready to work" at the appropriate time.
6. Leave work at work and home at home-unless its an emergency or serious situation. Your boss actually cares about you, believe it or not.
7. Don't be the office drama queen/king or gossip central. 
8. Only say positive or encouraging words. If you don't have something nice to say....just be quiet.
9. Don't be a minimalist.  Do a tad more than what's expected. Something about the extra mile....
10. Own up to your mistakes, and then correct them. Don't pass the blame.
11. Say "I'm sorry" when you need to. We all make mistakes.
12. Take initiative.  Learn what needs to be done, then do those things without being asked.
13. Do not be wasteful of time or supplies.  These things cost money, and the more money spent on these things, the less money spent on employee compensation.
14. Treat the company as if it were your own. This will pay dividends. Literally.
15. Remember, your current boss is who your next boss will call for a reference.

So what if your boss isn't the easiest person to work for?  Why should you do all these things, and strive to be an excellent employee?  That depends on who you think you're working for.  As Christians we're instructed to work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23).

We are also reminded:
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Proverbs 14:23 In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. 

 Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the  midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among who you shine as lights of the world.

If you find yourself in a rut at your workplace, consider doing a little self-check using the items above.  Is there something you can improve on?  Even if you feel your effort goes unnoticed, at least at the end of the day you will know that you have done your very best-from that point on its out of your control.

Because every blog needs a picture-

"For someone with no thumbs, it certainly seems as though that's all you have."
Courtasy of Rubes Cartoons 2013 Leigh Rubin