How to Win at Work	
• To apply for a job, wear clothes that fit the job (clean jeans for mechanic; shirt and tie for office).
•  Arrive to work a little early; leave a little later than the crowd.
•  Ask not what your company can do for you; but what you can do for your company .
•  Be careful with company supplies.  Do not take any home.
•  Do one task at a time.  Then, proceed to the next task.
•  Take time to do things correct the first time.
•  Ask questions when in doubt.  Do not guess.
•  Support your manager with cooperation and a good attitude.
•  Get along with all coworkers. Do not participate in gossip.
•  Get projects done on time — or early.
•  Do your homework — study about the business products, history, types of customers.
•  Stop smoking or never start smoking.
•  Think of solutions to problems.  Discuss solutions with your supervisor .
•  Give solutions a positive attitude.  Say, "I can do it" and "we can do it."
•  Stop complaining at work.  It is safe to complain to your dog, cat, or fish at home.  
•  The amount of your paycheck raise often depends upon you having a positive attitude.
•  Learn new high tech equipment, new software programs, and ways of doing things (called procedures).
•  Network — develop friends in the company and friends in related businesses in the community .
•  Work as a team with coworkers and supervisor to keep the business running smooth and accurate.
•  Solve conflicts with a "Win-Win" solution.  Each person gets a part of what they want, and therefore is      
satisfied (and, as far as possible, is not angry).
•  Research employers before you apply for a job.  Apply to work for only good employers.
QUICK CHECK:
1.  Describe how the following workers would dress to apply for the job:  a) auto mechanic, b) shoe store 
sales clerk, c) nurse, d) firefighter, e) race car driver, f) carpenter, g) newspaper reporter, h) hairstylist.
2.  a) To win at work, when should you arrive?  b) When should you leave?  
3.  a) To win at work, what should you not ask?  b) What should you ask?
4.  Why do you think you should be careful with company supplies?
5.  a) What should you ask when in doubt?  b) List 2 ways to support your manager.
6.  a) In what should you not participate?  b) When should you get projects done?
7.  What 2 things can you say to give solutions a positive attitude?
8.  To whom is it safe to complain?
9.  On what may the amount of your paycheck raise depend?
10.  a) Define "procedures."  b) Define "network."
11.  Why should you work as a team with coworkers and supervisor?
12.  What does it mean to settle conflicts with a "Win-Win" solution?
13.  To whom should you apply to work?
U.S. Work World
CAREER mini-lesson
College & Career Publishing. Permission to use with usworkworld.com subscription.