Tasks Vs Traits
Hey, listen! None of us are perfect, but don’t worry because there is always room to improve. Here is a reference for you to gauge yourself. Regardless of the job or “generic” in other words, here are the work behaviours (with examples) that seem to be important to all jobs. Wondering how I found this? I read this in a HRM module.
People use common sense and methodical approaches when compiling a list of qualifications for a job. Certainly, specific skills that are required to perform the tasks associated with the job have to be enlisted. For instance, mental dexterity and an agreed educational level will be considered as human traits specific for a job. However, we should not ignore the fact that some behaviours may apply to almost any job.
The below included two tables present both the positive and negative traits common for every employee. The good thing about this is, we all can use this to self-evaluate, no-matter which position we hold. But, the idea of negative of positive traits can differ form company to company depending on the accepted company culture.
Positive Traits
| Job-related Behaviour | Some Examples |
|---|---|
| Industriousness | Keeps working even when other employees are standing around talking; takes the initiative to find another task when finished with regular work. |
| Thoroughness | Cleans equipment thoroughly, creating a more attractive display; notices merchandise out of place and returns it to the proper area. |
| Schedule flexibility | Accepts schedule changes when necessary; offers to stay late when the office is extremely busy. |
| Attendance | Arrives at work on time; maintains good attendance. |
Negative Traits
| Reverse Behaviour | Some Examples |
|---|---|
| Off-task behaviour | Uses office phones to make personal unauthorized calls; conducts personal business during work time; lets joking friends be a distraction and interruption to work. |
| Unruliness | Threatens to bully another employee; refuses to take routine orders from supervisors; does not cooperate with other employees. |
| Theft | Cheats on reporting time worked; allows non-employees in unauthorized areas; underrings the price of merchandise for a friend. |
| Drug misuse | Drinks alcohol or takes drugs on company property; comes to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs. |
The idea is, the employees inheriting positive traits will improve efficiency and productivity of themselves and also others around them. On the contrary it is possible that employees exhibiting negative traits will spread the negativity through out the working environment with their actions, words and attitude.
If we don’t recognize or value the human attributes that really determine success, how easy will it be for us to acquire those attributes? Therefore, it is vital that we focus on improving our own understanding of what jobs entail as a whole.
