Top 15 Characteristics Wanted in Workers	
Managers were asked to list characteristics (personality and attitude)
 they wanted to see in employees.  The 
results of this survey appear below in order of importance.  For example
, "Report to work every time 
scheduled, on time, and ready to work," was mentioned most often.  Re
ad this list to learn the personality 
and attitudes managers expect to see in successful workers.  Are you able to be the successful worker 
managers would hire  — and reward with raises and promotions?  
1.  Report to work every time scheduled, on time, and ready to work.
2.  Show initiative which means doing what needs doing, without waiting to b
e told, and always looking 
for work that needs to be done and doing it.
3.  Be well groomed — clean and neat hair and uniform.  Keep work station
 clean and neat.
4.  Treat customers politely and keep them happy so they return to spend more
 money.
5.  When working, concentrate on what you are doing so you don’t make a mistake.
6.  Be honest.
7.  Develop good communication skills — smile; have an outgoing, friendly
 personality; ask questions;
  let the supervisor know of any problem so that the problem can be solved
.
8.  Have energy and eagerness to learn new thing about the job and new ways to do the
 job.
9.  Have a good attitude towards others and towards work (which means that 
you act as if you like your 
  customers, co-workers, and job).  Do not gossip.  Do not listen to goss
ip.
10.  Work hard.
11.  Do quality work by doing each job the very best you can.
12.  Follow all the safety rules.  Wear safety clothing, if required.
13.  Follow your supervisor's directions.  If unclear, ask questions.
14.	 Get	along	with	co-workers.		Learn	how	to	avoid	conflicts,	and	how	to	peacefully	resolve	conflicts.
15.  Know about your company’s products so that you can answer customers' questions
  and discuss what is good about the product.
QUICK CHECK:
1. a) What characteristic is listed most often by managers?  b) In your opini
on, why do managers rate this 
as #1?  c) Write down 3 ways workers can "show initiative."  d) Why do you think supervisors like 
workers with initiative?  e) What do you think a shoe store worker can do on the job to show initiati
ve?
2.  a) What did managers list third?  b) Why do you think this is important to a grocery store manager?  
3.  a) What did managers list fourth?  b) Why do you think this is important to restaurant managers?
4.	 a)	 What	did	managers	list	fifth?		b)	 What	happens	if	you	do	not	concentrate	on	what	you	are	doing?
5.  a) What did managers list sixth?  b) Why do you think this is important to a computer store manager?
6.  a) Look at #7 to #15.  Pretend you are a manager of Home Depot.  Write down the 5 most important 
characteristics that you want in your workers.  b) Explain why you thin
k each characteristic is 
  important to help your store make money.
7.  Look at #1 to #15.  Write down the numbers that you think you can do, and will do, at a job.
U.S. Work World
CAREER mini-lesson
College & Career Publishing. Permission to use with usworkworld.com subscription.