Developing Your Work Ethic
“The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Work is the key
to success, and hard work can help you accomplish anything.” ― Vince Lombardi
What is “Work Ethic” exactly?
Work ethic is a reflection of the values and guidelines a person uses to pursue a task, activity or project
pertaining to life or career. It is the practical demonstration of hundreds of little character traits that
flow from a person’s heart into the work they do, whether it be taking out the trash, cleaning the house,
writing a book, completing a homework assignment or cleaning the windows of an office building. It is
based on hard work and diligence.
Work ethic, then, is extremely important. Why? It demonstrates your many moral principles that come
together to help you perform at the very best of your ability. It is important to maintain a high standard
for yourself as “who” you are translates into the type of work you will produce. For instance, if you are
selfish, then your work ethic will reflect your selfishness. If you care about people, accomplishing a goal,
or being responsible, then your work ethic will reflect these traits as well.
Important Traits for Developing a Strong Work Ethic
There are hundreds of traits that will promote a strong work ethic, among them are:
 Integrity
 A sense of responsibility
 Goal-setting
 Dedication
Other important traits include: the desire to produce quality work, hard-working accountability, task
completion, autonomy, reliability, cooperation, communication, honesty, effort, timeliness,
determination, leadership, volunteerism and discipline.
Benefits of Hard Work
In addition to helping you develop a strong work ethic, being dedicated to working hard will lead to
several positive outcomes as well:





Skill Development
Recognition/Reward/Award
Recommendations/Promotions
Sense of Accomplishment
Increased Self Esteem
Work Ethics Self Evaluation
Student Name:
Date:
Needs Improvement
Unacceptable
Meets Expectations
Needs Improvement
Unacceptable
Work
Ethics
Traits
After 4 weeks
Meets Expectations
Current
2
1
0
2
1
0
Attendance: Attends ClassConnects, arrives/ leaves on time,
any absences are excused.
Character: Predictable, honest (no lying, cheating, stealing or
attempt to deceive) trustworthiness, dependability, reliability,
initiative, self-discipline, and self-responsibility
Teamwork: Respects the rights, property and work of others;
respects confidentiality; is a team player; is cooperative; seeks
opportunities for continuous learning; demonstrates
mannerly behavior.
Conduct and Appearance: Follows school and class rules,
displays appropriate dress, grooming, hygiene, and etiquette.
Attitude: Demonstrates a positive and optimistic attitude; has
realistic expectations of self.
Productivity: Follows directions and procedures; follows
safety practices; conserves materials; keeps work area neat
and clean; makes up assignments punctually; participates,
remains alert
Organizational skills: Completes assignments on time, brings
required class materials, manifests skill in prioritizing and
management of time and stress
Communication: Displays appropriate verbal (proper
grammar, no profanity) skills good listening skills (doesn’t
interrupt, pays attention & responds when asked a question);
Checks and responds to Kmail regularly.
Cooperation: Maintains appropriate relationship with teacher
and peers, appropriately handles criticism and conflicts;
demonstrates problem-solving capability; follows chain of
command.
Respect: Has respect for authority, is courteous, polite; deals
appropriately with cultural/racial diversity; does not engage in
harassment of any kind.
Subtotal:
Score: __________________ __________________
Current
After 4 Weeks
Explanation of Work Ethics Score
Meets Expectations: 17-20 > All work ethics standards are met. The quality of student’s work ethics
performance is that of a good student/employee/team member.
Needs Improvement: 14-16 > Some standards were not met. Additional training in specific areas is
recommended.
Unacceptable: 0- 13 > Work ethics performance is below average. Additional training in skills is a must if
the student is to survive in the work environment.
WORK ETHIC IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Highlight the 3 areas that you are weakest in and list 2 things you can change over the next 4 weeks to
improve your score.
Work Ethics Traits
Attendance: Attends ClassConnects, arrives/ leaves on time,
any absences are excused.
Character: Predictable, honest (no lying, cheating, stealing or
attempt to deceive) trustworthiness, dependability, reliability,
initiative, self-discipline, and self-responsibility
Teamwork: Respects the rights, property and work of others;
respects confidentiality; is a team player; is cooperative; seeks
opportunities for continuous learning; demonstrates
mannerly behavior.
Conduct and Appearance: Follows school and class rules,
displays appropriate dress, grooming, hygiene, and etiquette.
Attitude: Demonstrates a positive and optimistic attitude; has
realistic expectations of self.
Productivity: Follows directions and procedures; follows
safety practices; conserves materials; keeps work area neat
and clean; makes up assignments punctually; participates,
remains alert
Organizational skills: Completes assignments on time, brings
required class materials, manifests skill in prioritizing and
management of time and stress
Communication: Displays appropriate verbal (proper
grammar, no profanity) skills good listening skills (doesn’t
interrupt, pays attention & responds when asked a question);
Checks and responds to Kmail regularly.
Cooperation: Maintains appropriate relationship with teacher
and peers, appropriately handles criticism and conflicts;
demonstrates problem-solving capability; follows chain of
command.
Improvement Plan
1.
2.
1.
2
1.
2
1.
2
1.
2
1.
2
1.
2
1.
2
1.
2
Respect: Has respect for authority, is courteous, polite; deals
appropriately with cultural/racial diversity; does not engage in
harassment of any kind.
1.
2
At the end of 4 weeks give the chart to someone you trust/respect to evaluate you. Don’t let them see
your original score. See if you’re showing any improvement. Repeat this process as often as necessary to
get your work ethic up to a high standard.