by Carol Gioia

Created on: June 19, 2009   Last Updated: December 21, 2010

Possessing a good work ethic encompassing honesty, self-motivation, initiative and a positive attitude will serve you well in all apects of your life.  High quality core values based on the moral virtues of hard work and perseverance is intrinsic to determining your value to an employer and your own self image. 

Being productive and working hard is evidence of an individual's high standards and principles, displaying the level of integrity in his/her character.  Practicing a good work ethic is an ongoing character-building trait.

Possessing a good work ethic means not being a clock watcher, doing whatever it takes to accomplish a goal and taking pride in one's activity and achievements. Persons with a good work ethic compete only with themselves and continually strive to do better.

There are many advantages to having a deep commitment to personal responsibility:

*   Opportunities for advancement

The person who possesses a good work ethic will have the greatest opportunities for advancement. The resume of an individual with a good work ethic progressively grows with outstanding experiences and learned skills, and makes that person most desirable as a new job candidate, or worthy of moving up in current employment situations.

*   Enhancing professional image

A good work ethic demonstrates reliability and trustworthiness; two assets employers seek and value. All the attributes of work ethic listed above encompass the all around professional attitude toward productivity that is irresistible to employers.

*   Being viewed as an asset

When it comes time for reviews and raises, the employee possessing a good work ethic will be viewed as an asset to the company and might potentially benefit with accolades and monetary rewards.

*  Surviving economic turndowns

When unfortunate economic circumstances dictate lay-offs, cutbacks and down-sizing, the individual with a recognized strong work ethic is liable to be high on the list of valued employees to be retained.

*  Future career potential

When you consistently display commitment to responsibility in the workplace, it is inevitable that you will be continually in a position of trust and your days will be spent in a fulfilling career, as opposed to simply working at a job.

Not only does it behoove you to adopt the attributes that will garner you the reputation of having an outstanding work ethic, but you also want to role model those virtues to offspring, to ensure they enjoy productive futures abd fulfilling careers.  One of the greatest gifts you can bestow upon your children is to instill in them a positive attitude toward being productive and working hard. 

If you  aspire to make a difference in the world, the best contribution you can make to society at large is possessing a good work ethic, and, by example, passing it on to future generations.

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