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Working Knowledge
A Monthly Column about Life on the Job |
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By Mary Pergander
American Libraries Columnist
Mary Pergander is director of the Deerfield (Ill.) Public Library. Send comments or questions to working@ala.org.
Column for May 2007 |
Setting Your Own Standards
19 questions for you to ask yourself
A librarian friend and I recently had a good-natured debate about wearing nametags. That episode got me thinking about workplace behavior standards. I often see their merits debated on the Publib discussion list and websites: Is a certain form of dress acceptable at work, etc.? Many of us chime in on these discussions, which are really about the ideals set by others and applied to us.
All this made me wonder: What standards do you set for yourself in the workplace? I have always been a fan of New Year’s resolutions. I clearly remember missing the midnight celebration when I was 12 because I was busy writing my goals for the new year, including how I would become a better person. After all, the codes of conduct that really matter are the ones that steer our lives in a better direction—if we reach far enough.
Do you have behavior standards for your work life? On the job, it seems we are always trying to meet someone else’s expectations. The most successful people I know, however, have set their own performance criteria, and these are often higher than those that are required by their supervisors. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Am I present and ready to work on time every day?
- Do I minimize personal computer/e-mail/phone time at work?
- Do I limit my work hours, take my breaks and vacations, and in other ways practice good selfcare?
- Do I set and meet my goals, and keep my commitments?
- Do I speak respectfully to and about others, even when they are not present?
- Do I exemplify excellent customer service?
- Do I use my time effectively and deliver high-quality results?
- Is my work complete, timely, attractive, and well organized?
- Do I work cooperatively and collaboratively with others?
- Do I make good use of the time of coworkers?
- Do I smile and acknowledge others?
- Do I allow others to speak without interrupting?
- Do I return all calls the same day I receive them?
- Do I follow up on e-mails as promised?
- Do I encourage others?
- Am I open to feedback?
- Am I honest and authentic?
- Would I want to have myself as an employee?
- Would I want to have myself for a boss?
Are these examples similar to the expectations you have set for yourself? How are you currently measuring up? It is likely that many of us already apply these subconsciously. By becoming aware of our personal standards, though, we can evaluate our own performance and tweak any areas that may be a bit out of line.
WORKING WISDOM
Are you conscious of the work standards you have set for yourself? Have they improved your performance and job satisfaction? Perhaps you think this whole concept is ridiculous and irrelevant. If that is the case, consider this: Are you as satisfied with your job as you could be? Would altering your behavior, by setting and meeting new expectations for yourself, increase your job satisfaction? Try it, and let me hear about your experience at working@ala.org.
(c) Copyright 2007 American Library Association
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