3 Ways to Build a Strong Work Ethic

Do you have in yours CV written that you have a high work ethic?

Let it! A strong work ethic is not something you can mention on a resume or cover letter. Instead, you have to demonstrate it every day, and building a strong work ethic can be harder than you think.

Work ethic can be a very subjective term. What one person defines as good work ethic may be very different from what a colleague, supervisor, or organization defines as good work ethic.

It's okay if a professional reference, such as a former colleague or boss, praises your work ethic. But you should never just assume that you have a good work ethic. We can always do better.

However, there are some things we can all do to put ourselves in a position to be praised for our work ethic.

Always be humble

This applies to long-serving employees with a lot of experience as well as to talented newcomers with fresh ideas. You should always remain humble.

As a newbie, you may have great training and all the confidence in the world, but you can't just walk into a new job like you already own the place. You need to take time to get a feel for the workplace and expectations. Take the time to listen and learn, and then you can slowly carve out your place in the workplace.

For experienced workers, it doesn't matter how good they think they are at their job, they must be ready to adapt to change at any time. When you work in a job for a long time, it's easy to get stuck in old habits. But that's not just bad for them professional development but it comes across as arrogant and stubborn when workplace expectations change.

Take control of your career

Many employees still have an outdated idea that their employer is responsible for coaching them and helping them advance their careers. However, the fact is that once an employee starts a new job, he or she must be the driving force in learning the job and ultimately progressing.

The only reason you were hired was for your ability to provide a service, and it is your responsibility to provide that service. But that doesn't mean you can't ask your boss or supervisor for advice. But you should do this when you take the initiative, not sitting at your desk waiting for help or feedback.

The same goes for career planning. You should always look for opportunities to advance your career and make suggestions on how you can advance in your position and workplace. If you go to your boss with a good plan that will ultimately make the company more efficient and profitable, you will get his support.

Be willing to help others

While it's important to do what you need to do to advance your own career, it's also important to share your knowledge and experience with others. Taking the time to mentor or help a colleague shows that you are a good leader.

It shows that you're not just trying to improve yourself, but that you're a team player and trying to make those around you better, which ultimately benefits the entire workplace. By taking the time to lead by example, you will become an important resource to your colleagues and may position yourself for a promotion one day.

Plus, a willingness to help others reflects well on your character and work ethic - two things you'll want everyone to praise if you ever decide to pursue a new opportunity.

The little things you do every day to care for yourself and your... Workplace improvements add up over time and have a big impact. That's what it takes to build a strong work ethic. Take the opportunity to lead by example every day, and ultimately your accomplishments and credentials will speak to your work ethic, so you don't have to!