http://www.reputationcounts.com/blog Workplace behavior insights to help you thrive Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:42:39 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en When talking to employers, I often hear them say that their workers need to be more proactive.   They don’t want to have to tell their employees what to do next.  Instead, they value workers who take the initiative and ask, “What else can I do?”   Choosing to be proactive helps move your ... http://www.reputationcounts.com/blog/?p=637 Networking is no longer just a job seeking skill.  It is a professional and business competency.  In fact, it is critically important to develop these skills in order to shine on the job.   Did you know there are 8 Networking Competencies ©?      Watch the short video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6_ALNv8n-w to find out ... http://www.reputationcounts.com/blog/?p=632 I love to receive great customer service.  Who doesn’t?   Last week I went into Quest Diagnostics in Crofton, Maryland, and was enthusiastically greeted with, “Good morning, my name is Teresa.  How are you today?"   As I was leaving, she said, “You have a beautiful day.”   Then I went to Safeway down the street.  ... http://www.reputationcounts.com/blog/?p=626 One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard came from an HR director at a major corporation.  He talked about how to dress at work, particularly when you are a new employee.  He said,   “You dress up to start with, look around and see what others are wearing, and conform if ... http://www.reputationcounts.com/blog/?p=618 I often talk to workforce development professionals and hear advice about how to succeed on the job.  Some of the best tips are short and to the point.   Here are five of my favorites:   1.        Show up on time. 2.        Work hard. 3.        Do what your employer asks you to do. 4.        Ask questions. 5.        Come ... http://www.reputationcounts.com/blog/?p=609 At the grocery store this past Saturday, I went to a check out lane with its light on.  The cashier wasn’t standing there, so I waited a few minutes before going to the customer service center to ask if the lane was open.  I heard,   “Oh, I guess she left her light on ... http://www.reputationcounts.com/blog/?p=602     As they get ready to graduate from high school or college, students ask me what employers will expect in the workplace.   The first thing I say is that they are ahead of many people simply because they are thinking about how to be successful on the job.  I then tell them it ... http://www.reputationcounts.com/blog/?p=587 Today I stopped in the post office to mail a book and had an opportunity to observe two employees helping customers.   As I stood in line, I noticed that one clerk was serious and abrupt, and didn’t smile.  The trainee next to her was happy to say hello and offer assistance ... http://www.reputationcounts.com/blog/?p=581 Last week I went to a health food store to pick up a product.  When I entered the store, I noticed everyone in the back listening to a guest speaker.   I found the product quickly and went to the check out line.  There was no one there so I looked around ... http://www.reputationcounts.com/blog/?p=569 I go to Panera Bread regularly to pick up their rye bread, which my husband loves.  Each visit I am struck by how friendly their employees are.   Last Saturday I was getting the bread when I noticed that the person helping me had written “I love Duke” on his name badge.  ... http://www.reputationcounts.com/blog/?p=564