April 24, 2018
Sarah Bubke
The way you conduct yourself around your colleagues reflects on you.
Graduating seniors preparing to enter the workforce will realize this as they prepare for their job searches. Everything from arriving on time and dressing accordingly is important, but one rule of professionalism reigns supreme: communication.
College students should be given the opportunity to learn how better communicate with future co-workers and bosses.
Teaching students to be polite, to ask questions, to be supportive of their team and to maintain their tempers can help them stand out amongst other new hires.
Many students have never learned how to properly interact in a professional and polite way. This lack of knowledge often leaves them unprepared and only gives them the option of learning through the trial and error of their personal experiences.
According to the BBC, half of North American workers said they were treated rudely at least once a week. This can reduce productivity.Being polite communicates that you are willing to be a productive member of your workplace.
The easiest way to express this is by saying “please” and “thank you.”Being polite helps coworkers feel respected, heard and builds the overall morale in the workplace.
A study from Michigan State University found that the attitude of a single employee can easily bring up or pull down a workplace. If an employee is rude, other employees are more likely to choose to be rude as well.
Don’t be afraid of asking questions is also important because it shows an employer that you are invested in learning more about the company and are willing to work hard. Trying to fake something backfires and causes issues. Simply asking a colleague, “Can you please remind me how to…” can work wonders.
Asking questions shows an employer that you are invested in learning more about the company and are willing to work hard.
Students should also know that mistakes happen. If you make a mistake, accept it and apologize to the people that you need to. The most important thing is to learn from your mistakes.
Until workshops are offered, students can research tips on how to become a better communicator, how to be consistently respectful and how to ask questions in the workplace.
Your attitude and choices will help determine whether you will succeed or fail at a job, and whether or not you enjoy working there.
Being polite shows maturity. When you go out into the world with your fresh new degree, don’t forget to bring your manners with you.