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12 Steps to Being A Great Employee - Episode 61
21 Plays4 months ago
While we love talking all things business owning and entrepreneurship over here, we also have a huge passion for perfecting your work ethic, no matter your current career. Whether you're about to be working in food service, retail, other customer service, or are about to pursue the corporate world, we wanted to create a crash course all about how to be the best employee you can be in anything you dive into. We break down the whole journey of starting a new job, from dropping off a resume to your first week, and let you in on small things that your employer is looking for that you maybe didn't know already. We encourage you to work hard and do your best every day, and to be a light in whatever career you're in right now.
Got a tip we missed? Let us know by email at [email protected] or reach out to us on instagram @artofintentionpodcast
See you next week!
Xo - Beth and Ayla
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Transcript
The Decline of Work Ethic
00:00:00
Speaker
As you know, we love everything regarding business and entrepreneurship here. And while this podcast is definitely a place for the business owners, the dreamers, the go-getters, something else Beth and I are super passionate about is how to be a good worker and the power of good work ethic. We did recently cover what we believe is kind of the epidemic of a new lack of work ethic in society today, and especially in younger generations. That's episode 58, kids don't want to work these days. But that discussion sparked something else in us. We have both spent several years working at multiple jobs. We've held different management positions. And I personally have also had experience in mentoring new photographers and of course working with second shooters, which for a short time is kind of like having a mini employee for a second. All of this experience has given us a pretty good idea of what we value and what should be expected of employees.
00:00:51
Speaker
I believe there's such a war on hard work these days and the power of being a good employee is not being understood, valued, or passed down the way it
Becoming an Excellent Employee
00:01:00
Speaker
should. We are big believers in entering any workforce prepared, prepared to work hard, to do your best, to earn your growth in the business and to leave each workday satisfied with the work you put into it. Even if you're unsatisfied with maybe the work other people didn't put into it. So whether you're just about to get your first job, thinking about getting one, or if you've been working for a while but you're feeling unsatisfied in it or sometimes have poor work relationships, this episode is for you. Keep listening for 12 ways to be the best employee you can be.
00:01:31
Speaker
Welcome to the Art of Intention podcast with Beth and Ayla. Two best friends turn creative entrepreneurs. This is a place for us to discuss everything business friendships and faith and occasionally more. We're so excited for today's episode. We think you're going to love it. Stay tuned.
00:01:50
Speaker
All right. All right. We are pretty much just going to jump right into this. This is 12 ways to be the best employee you can be. And I just want to preface this episode with a couple of things before we get into it. ah First off, I personally, Ayla here, hello. I am approaching this episode from the lens of someone who's worked in customer service for nearly a decade. I've trained several employees in customer service, specifically food service and coffee preparation with some retail experience. And I really wanted to compile a list of what I personally look for when helping bring on a new employee and what can be a turn off right from the get go. Like what are a couple of things when you're dropping off your resume or starting your first day that make me go, nope, not them.
00:02:32
Speaker
Yes. So essentially if you're listening and you're someone who has not yet had their first job, or if you ever generally just wish that someone would have given you like a list of things to expect when first learning how to be a worker. Well, this list is for you. That's what we got for you. We wanted to break down key points of being a great employee in the easiest way possible. A lot of what we will be listing can be applied to just probably most general customer service positions, which I think is an important area to cover. I keep coming back to customer service, and when I say customer service, I mean food and retail mostly, and then lots of things that encompass that being a secretary, you know whatever. A huge amount of people are age and younger either start out in customer service or stick with it for a long time, like myself.
00:03:15
Speaker
I truthfully don't have a lot to say when it comes to more corporate positions such as big tech companies or other big business. I've never worked in an environment like that, so you'll have to go to somebody else's podcast for that one. However, I am confident that a lot of our tips here will benefit you in any career you choose, any one. Work ethic and dedication never goes out of style, no matter where you're working. If anything, the big companies are going to be demanding 10 times what I'm about to be explaining here. so probably exactly. And like we sort of noted earlier, this is a list of what we and many other business owners expect out of the people they employ. So if you're a business owner looking to hire, you could also take this list as a few things to just keep in mind, a little refresher, maybe something you
00:03:59
Speaker
Maybe you didn't think of when hiring. So as normal, we're just going to alternate between items here. This list isn't really in any specific order, but all points are very important. So definitely get ready to take some notes, download and save this episode for later. And let's get into it. Number one. Let's start actually with getting
The Art of Resume Delivery
00:04:16
Speaker
the job. I have a few points in general about when you're trying to actually get the job. That starts with your resume. Now, I'm not going to bore you about resumes this whole episode. Hopefully we all have some idea of a resume by now. Hopefully your high schools maybe taught you something, but if you don't, there's lots of resources online for writing your resume.
00:04:34
Speaker
maybe we'll cover this at a different time but you know go check a lot of those things out do your research but in a nutshell your resume should be clear concise and try at your best to keep your experience closest to the job you're applying for so say you've been working for a little while and you want to apply at TJ Maxx and your resume, you've got a babysitting, dog walking, flower shop, and waitress. You're probably better off putting that flower shop job and waitress job on your resume. Rather, TJ Maxx isn't really going to care if you did dog walking or babysitting. you know Just put the things closest to what you're applying for. I totally understand if you're new to working and you don't have a lot to throw on a resume. That's kind of weird, but a lot of entry-level positions get that, and they're not going to expect a huge resume from.
00:05:17
Speaker
a seventeen year old so but generally once you've worked for a bit just keep the job you're applying for keep the jobs that are most relevant to that on your resume but yeah just have a good resume that's where it starts yep very very good um okay so number two when providing your resume if you are applying for a customer service position like coffee shop you know restaurant clothing store boutique a florist really anything like that always always and we're not kidding Always deliver your resume in person, even if that business has a portal to apply online. I promise you so many employers probably have like DMs to their business page asking if they're hiring. They have an email inbox filled with resumes because it's just the easier way to do it. It's convenient for the person who's applying. They probably have submissions to an online folder. It sounds old school. I know you guys, but
00:06:09
Speaker
When you can deliver your resume in person, even if they have the portal set up online and they ask you to do that, the worst that can happen is you personally drop off a resume and then they'll ask you, oh, you know, please submit this online. We're really strict about that here specifically this time. um I will say personally, I actually have a little rule with myself where I do both or I have done both in the past when I was applying to jobs and I advise other people to do both too. Even my husband will do this when he's applying to jobs and he is in corporate jobs. He's not in customer service jobs. so Like Ayla said, a lot of the tips we're going to give today apply to not just the jobs we're talking about, but go out aside into a corporate world and stuff like that. This is one of them. Even if you're like, if you're applying to be like a manager at a hotel, walk in there, find the person you're supposed to talk to and you deliver that. Also what we're saying is deliver it, not just to the front desk, ask to speak to the hiring manager and give it to them in their hand. That's a big role with this as well. Thank you so much for saying that. And for Chad's example, I love that. Cause like I said, corporate The corporate world, i love I know less. I don't always know what they want. So that's exciting to know that there's still power in that. I will die on this hill of delivering your resume in person, if or at least beyond a DM asking if you're hiring. Come on. i'm I've been close with some business owners over my life, and you'd be surprised how many people DM. Are you guys hiring and think that's enough? Uh-uh. Come on now. yeah oh yeah If it's your friend owning a business, that's different. But you know anyway, um listen to me. I have submitted
00:07:39
Speaker
a job application online to a specific business before. Kind of like you Beth, I did both, but not necessarily at the same time. I'll expand. So I have submitted a job application online to a specific business before and I never heard back from them. I've been friends with employers who have gotten submissions online and guys, but not to like throwing one into the bus. But they haven't gotten back to those either, because they've got a lot of things going on. yeah i took ah re So I was looking for jobs, submitted one online, never heard back from the business. um I took a resume in person to a different business, and I actually got the job on the spot. I was pretty excited about that. They happened to really desperately be hiring, so it kind of worked out. But anyway, I took it physically in person to a different business, caught the owner while she was there, got the job on the spot. A couple of years later, when I was job hunting, again, I handed in a resume to the same business I
00:08:30
Speaker
had applied for online a couple of years prior. This time i I went in in person, handed off a resume, and they called me within a week for an interview. I never actually enabled working for them because I was you know job hunting multiple places, but I'm just saying I submitted online, heard nothing, gave them a resume in person, got a call within a week. That might speak to the owner, but I'm just saying that's my, that's my story. That's a story. No, I, I think that's so valid and there's a reason this is kind of a general rule. Uh, and you know, we're not the only ones who have this rule for ourselves and it's because thinking about how much effort that shows if you're walking in in person, that means you have put in the effort to print out your resume. You're, you know, showing up.
00:09:13
Speaker
driving all the way there, asking to speak to the right person. like That is world's more effort than submitting it online. I'm telling you that sets you apart more than you can imagine to people who are busy, who are really trying to find the best worker. That sets you apart. but Automatically, you hit two categories that other people get. Yes, that's exactly it. you will stand up You will stand out so much more by hand delivering your resume. I've landed five different jobs by showing up in person. i've landed wow and like and They're not hard jobs. Again, it's all in customer service. But I'm just saying, I've gotten each one that I've showed up personally for. um you can Sometimes the owner of the establishment is there for you to meet. Now they can put a face to the name.
00:09:53
Speaker
Sometimes you will get an interview on the spot if they really need people. um It's just worth it to at least try. Again, the worst thing they can say is, oh, we've got a portal for let. If you just submit then, then you can go if that's their better system. But yeah it's literally no harm to just try and show up in person. And this is just a side note, but dress nice when you're dropping off your resume. I'm not saying you got to be dressed to go to a wedding or anything, but dress presentable, simple clothes, brush your hair, you know, Let me tell you right now. Have I got to tell you something about this? That's so true. Listen, one time I was working ah at one of my customer service jobs I had years ago. I won't say the specific one because I don't want to out anybody. right but, uh, this girl walks in and she is just like, she looks really nice. Like she looks like a nice person and and she is just wearing like athletic gear. Like maybe she had just gotten off of some kind of sport practice or something. And she walks in and asked to speak to the hiring manager, which is good. That's the right thing to do. And, um, I just happened to be standing right next to the hiring manager. And so she's like, Oh, I have a resume for you. I want to apply to the job.
00:11:00
Speaker
And the hiring manager was like, thank you so much. What's your name? And blah, blah, blah. There's like a tiny little interaction. The girl leaves and then the hiring manager turns to me and she's like, do not ever show up to drop off your resume in person wearing casual clothes, like sports clothes, sweat pants, anything like that. She's like, she's like, I'm going to go throw this resume away.
Dressing for Success
00:11:19
Speaker
She's like, I do not care. ah If you show up like that, it shows me you don't care enough about this position to be the right person to get it. And I was like, Oh my God, the same exact thing. I've been around for exactly the same thing at a different job place. Yeah. Different one. A girl came in sweatpants and a hoodie and like slides and dropped off her resume and the owner did the same thing. She was like, okay, thank you. Like if, if they're, I think we also like happened to not really be hiring, but she was like, you know, if something opens up, we'll be reaching out.
00:11:44
Speaker
And then the girl left and she, it was the same thing. And I know for sure Beth and I didn't have the same employer, but completely different people who probably didn't even know each other. And she looked at me and she was like, I'll never hire anybody who comes in dressing at least put on jeans. Yes, exactly when i dress nice. I mean, again, it depends on what you're applying for, you know, if you're applying for corporate big business, you know, wear a suit suit up, you know, you know, whatever is professional wear for that. But if you're applying for like coffee or retail or something, the power of just clean jeans and a plain black top or white top.
00:12:17
Speaker
brush your hair. like It's not too too hard. Exactly. You could even dress up, but there's also not going to be any shame to dressing up a little bit nicer if you want to. like Even if you are worried like, oh, what if jeans and t-shirt is too casual? Okay, fine. Then put on slacks and a blouse. Go ahead. like They're not going go to punish you for being nicer. Yeah. Yeah. and I actually do have a point with that, um kind of with our next one. so I'll let you get into the next point, Beth, because I do kind of revisit dressing to impress. so That's just for the resume part. Amazing. Yeah. Now we're getting to, let's get into the interview. Okay. yes So show up dressed for the job you want. Like we're saying it's cliche, but it really works you guys. This should go without saying, but you cannot show up for an interview in sweat pants or even like jeans, um, casual clothes. Just don't do that. You know, have your hair out of your face. Don't have clothes with like anything offensive on them. You know, you can't do that and expect to be hired.
00:13:07
Speaker
A good way to assess how you should look for your interview is to visit the establishment before even handing in your resume or going in, you know, for your resume, like we said, and, you you know, go in before you want to do your interview and look at the other staff. Is this workplace more casual? um yeah Are they wearing flannels and jeans? Maybe if so, you know, that'll tell you you can maybe go a little more casual. Congrats. You can keep it casual for the interview. But we still recommend a clean put together outfit, you know? And again, I just, there's never any shame in going above and beyond, even if they're wearing casual clothes in the work environment, you're going in for an interview. This is your best. You're presenting your best. And so your best in the interview should be a step above at least what you're going to do with the job because they want to know if you're presenting your best in the interview and you show up a little more casual, that means you're going to be a couple of steps lower during the job and they don't want that.
00:13:56
Speaker
Um, nice jeans and a plain white or black top can go a long way. You know, slacks and a plain black or white top, you know, something like that is the staff in uniform and they all look really spiffy, really nice. Step it up a little bit more. Okay. And be prepared to show up in, like we've been saying, slacks may be like a nice dress, business, uh, attire, um, or business casual. Are they fully suited and dressed professionally? Okay. Let's go a step further. Okay. Then you show up suited and professional really looking nice. Okay. Yeah. Like I will say when I've gone to apply for like coffee, just cause I've been in the industry so long, I'm usually pretty comfy wearing like clean jeans, plain black, long sleeve top, hair brushed. Um, and I'm pretty confident in my choices there, but I will say I was once involved in hiring a girl at this one shop, little, little coffee shop. We didn't do very much. It was like just coffee, like not even really food little spot. And she was new to the coffee industry, but she had worked a frick ton of other jobs before she had done retail. She'd been a secretary. She,
00:14:53
Speaker
Um, had been corporate and she was so sweet. She was so wonderful. And she came into her interview for, you know, a coffee position, business casual slacks, flats, a button down shirt, her hair in a nice neat bun. Okay. She looked, she looked great. You know, she looked like she would interview for an office job or something like that. And this isn't like, uh, I don't praise the manager at the time for this. I think it was not very good. you know she shows up looking like this to apply for coffee cuz she's applying for a job or this was her interview so yes she showed up to her interview dress and i I really liked that I was looking I was like look at her she knew this was coming she clearly prepared for it this is great and then she left and the manager was like uh-huh isn't she so cute like she dressed up like a little office worker like to you know and you know, kind of put her down for that and not to scare anyone from doing that. I didn't believe in that, in what that manager said or that movement. She was like, Oh, isn't she so cute? And I said, I was like, she tried like, and I told her the same story. I was like, if she showed up in, in leggings and a hoodie, I wouldn't want to hire either. I would rather have somebody show, showing up. So don't ever feel
00:15:55
Speaker
Yeah, look you're going to look like a dork or anything like that. um And if the manager doesn't hire you because you dressed too impressed, then you know they probably weren't worth your time like because you were there to put in the effort and they obviously don't care about that. So then yeah their their loss, not yours. you know I was just going to say that. Exactly. They're probably not the not the right job for you and you may even be aiming lower than you could could do because you know if you're ready to be professional and go a step above and they think that's laughable, then Han, apply to a better job. Yeah. And there's a lot more I could say about the actual interview process. And I got to move on to when you're actually an employee, but, um, yeah, just like, I didn't even write these down, but a few rapid fire tips for your interview.
Acing the Interview
00:16:36
Speaker
Of course, be, be confident, you know, yeah it's, it's, it's quite a turn off to an employer. And I know this is hard being social and stuff is hard and interviews are scary. It's quite a turn off to the employer when you're,
00:16:50
Speaker
when you've got your head down and you're fussing with your hands and you mumble, you are allowed to be nervous for an interview. You are completely allowed to be nervous. No sane person ever is going to be like, Oh geez, they were nervous. I mean, they might, yeah if you're working in competitive business, they might not want to see that at all. But generally entry level positions, it's like, it's fine. I'm not, I don't care if you're nervous. I don't care if you're a little bit like, whoa, you got to settle into the interview a bit, you know? Cause usually after you talk for a few minutes, that goes away. And, and things are fine, but nervousness is fine, but mumbling and looking down and going like, oh, well, I just, and not being able to put some of that aside is, it's just a good way to tell them you can't handle pressure. It's it's just a, it's a good way to tell them all that. So confidence really is key.
00:17:36
Speaker
confidence and friendliness. Like I, as someone who's very, very, very, very shy, I understand what it feels like to walk into an interview and want to throw up just because you have to interact with somebody else and you're on the spot. And like, it's like a nightmare when you're shy, but I'm telling you right now, the best thing you can do in your interview is be in credit. Like you said, confident and very friendly. You have to be friendly. People hire people. yes Yes, exactly. People, interviewers hire people. They like to hire people. They get along with people that they like, um that they click with. ah You will have to find a way to be communicative. If they ask you a question, don't just respond with one word.
00:18:15
Speaker
You need to be a storyteller. You need to be like friendly, fun, inviting to talk to. like You really have to turn up the charisma in a job interview. And I'm telling you right now with that trait, this applies to every job in the world. You could have very little work experience and the most charismatic people, people who know how to totally just take hold of that trait. they can get jobs they are absolutely unqualified for. And I think it's one of the biggest secrets to finding a job is being able to learn how to be very charismatic and friendly and know the psychology of people. You can get any job you want.
00:18:48
Speaker
Yeah. And like practice in your car on the way there or the day before, and you might not always know the questions they're going to ask, but there's the basics. Tell me about yourself. Um, tell me about this job on your resume, whatever, and just practice even just speaking a little bit to yourself. And ah generally most interviews that I've been a part of, it starts out with a conversation. How was your day? How was your drive here? And just like really settle into that and let that be a time to like get yeah pull nerves out. It's totally okay. Um, And yeah, like one time I got asked on an interview, I totally didn't expect this, but the employer had pulled up like my Instagram, which happens by the way, say, Oh yeah, every single employer, I'll check out your Instagram before I interview ah like these days. Absolutely. So if I didn't know they pull it up in your job interview. I didn't know they could, Oh, not like they're in front of me. Like he had but boat pulled it up. Oh, okay. sorry i'm Sorry. I might've said that wrong, but yeah, like he had checked it out. So, you know,
00:19:39
Speaker
ah If your Instagram's public, just know that employers most likely will look at it. um I didn't mind. Everything on there was fine. um I just had a lot of my travel on there. So he was like, oh, like your Instagram seems super put together. It looks like you've been a lot of places. Tell me about that. So I had to like have that ready to go. And then, um, on my resume, I had likes trying new things and he was like, what's the new thing you've tried lately? And I was like, Oh, like I had to, you know, and I took a minute. Also don't feel like you need to respond in two seconds. It's, it's kind of a, the trait of a wise person to take a minute and be like, Hmm,
00:20:15
Speaker
Well, off the top of my head, here's something, you know, take a minute and pause. Like that's okay. Yes. That's so true. And you know what? I was just thinking in those moments when you are truly caught off guard by a question that they probably also made up on the spot, or it's a creative question that you're going to need to think about, don't be afraid to take those more casually to and conversationally. Like not every answer has to sound so professional and like thought out. Some of them should be because you should know your stuff. Um, well, unless it's like your first job ever, it's fine, but that's a good time to kind of, especially if you are nervous, be like, you know what? I tried recently. You should totally try to, you know, and just try it again. That's the care. That's click with them. Yeah. Yeah. They just, they're just trying to get to know you. They don't actually,
00:20:57
Speaker
care what the new thing was. like They do, but you know they're just they want to get to know you. I think what I ended up saying was I had just been doing like murals and street art a little bit. so I was like, oh, like well, I've grown up being interested in art and this was a new kind I tried lately you know and and told that. and It ended up being a wonderful job. I loved that place so much. Don't be scared of some of those questions. Sometimes they're just like fellow really creative people. They're trying to get to know you. that i I've chilled with interviews. Like I'm okay because I like the connection. I do pretty well with it. And I get nervous every single time, but it really only takes like 30 seconds before I get the other person's vibe. So yeah. Anyway, yeah. I don't know, Beth, do you have anything else quickly about interviews or?
00:21:38
Speaker
I probably have so much more, but I mean, I think we cover the basics in my opinion. The most important thing is just make sure you can, even if you're shy, pull yourself out of your shell, learn about charisma. I don't care if we need to read a fricking book or watch a YouTube video on how to be charismatic. The person who the interviewer clicks with the most is the person getting the job. I don't care how much experience you have. That's it. That's it. Period. Initiate a handshake. Don't wait for them to do it. You do it. one 1000%. I've always been that, you know, like going in, ah usually an interview format is like, you're going to go in. Usually the person who's interviewing you isn't going to be right there. Somebody has to go like find them because they're off doing important people things. So they might be like, Oh, they'll be right out, have a seat. So then you're going to go sit most likely. And you're going to like maybe have your resume, you're going to be sitting, you're going to be a little nervous. And they'll walk in and say, uh, Beth Schweitzer or something like that.
00:22:29
Speaker
And you'll stand up and you'll be like, yeah, I'm here. Nice to meet you. Put your hand out and give them a handshake. And I sound like and a 65 year old man when I say this, but like a good firm handshake. Yeah, you know, like and I'll always do that. Like I'll go in to shake someone's hand and I'm not like yeah yanking on him or anything. But one time I feel. I don't even know if I should tell this story, but one time I was working somewhere. I was managing, so I was training new employees and someone had gotten hired. I wasn't hiring, so like somebody had gotten hired and then was sent to me to be trained. Sweet, sweet little teenage kid. First job. And I was like, for sure. And so he comes in. Granted, this was during pandemic times and handshakes. People were a little weird about that, but you know whatever. I'm still going to shake your hand. And so he shows up for his first day with his parent who introduced him.
00:23:17
Speaker
So cute. But I was like, Hey, I'm Ayla, like, I'm going to be with you today. Nice to meet you. And I went to shake his hand and he gave me the limpest little like, it's the kind where your hand moves, but there doesn't, there's doesn't, and they he didn' they don't grip it at all. And I was just like, all right. You know? Yeah. And again, that shouldn't doom you. I don't think a lot of people operate like that anymore, but I'm just saying no employer is ever going to be like, Oh, they wanted to shake my hand. That's a completely normal interaction. And it just says a lot again about the effort you're putting into yeah to be there. so Exactly. Okay, so that was number three that was point number three, but that was like the the resume and interview. So we're on point number four. Let's say you get the job. We're at the job now. Here we are. Here's what those first few weeks look like. I was initially going to make this point be ready to work and that's true, but actually my first point, my priority when you're starting a new job
00:24:10
Speaker
is be ready to listen.
Navigating a New Job
00:24:13
Speaker
A lot of the tips we have later are to take initiative. Don't stand around, ask what to do next, but that for the first week or so, however long you're training, especially in like the retail and food service world, listen. It can actually be really counterproductive to try and predict the needs of your boss or whoever is training you while they're trying to teach you. And it's kind of complicated because I've had some kids show up really eager, ready to learn. They're good. And so I'm going to teach and I'm like, all right, next, what we're going to do. And they'll be like, wipe the counters. And I'm like, uh, no, like what we need to do before that is, Oh, we need to start the machine. And I've had to tell kids, I'll be like, can you let me explain this? You're guessing and your guesses aren't going anywhere. So just be ready to listen.
00:24:52
Speaker
And especially if you have experience in the field before, even if you have a quote unquote better way of doing something, you have to listen and absorb how this company does things first. Your new coffee shop job doesn't care how you made things at Starbucks. Your new resale job doesn't care how you folded clothes at Kohl's. um It's pretty unprofessional to be getting trained and being like, oh, well, at my old job, we did this, or at this job, we did this. Just listen to the new instructions they're giving you. Once you've kind of proven yourself with your work ethic, with you catching on to the job, there might be room for you to be like, hey, what do you guys think about doing it this way? Because I've done this before or whatever. but
00:25:28
Speaker
That's a good point. Yeah, that kind of leads into the next point that you have, Beth. So I'll kind of stop it there. Just listen and absorb to the way this company does things first and just like let them explain things through before, kind of before taking initiative, actually. That's perfect. I like that. And that leads right into the next point. Let's see. We're on point number five, but so yeah, you're not there to change things, at least not right away. Sometimes you may be entering a new job that you have lots of experience in like retail or food service or whatever it may be. This also applies to any really corporate, any, any kind of job, honestly.
00:26:00
Speaker
um But your first week on the job is not a good time to try and implement change yeah changes or implement your way of doing something that's a pretty good way to become the least favorite employee, to be honest, in a workspace. So stay humble, listen, and obey how the company does things already. Don't try to shake up their whole routine unless you were hired for the role of implementing change or in you know improving a service or processes, just as a general rule, just stick to that. Yeah, sometimes your position may be you know packaging manager or quality manager. You're getting like a new management position, and then your role would be to improve their systems and processes. But if you're hired as brand new checkout person, register person, it's not really a time to be like, oh, well my last job, we did it this way. You'll you'll become everyone's least favorite pretty quickly. OK, next. This should go without saying, but we are going to say it. Do not be on your phone.
00:26:52
Speaker
Especially if you're starting at a new job, listen to me. ah I don't care what the rest of your company does. I don't care what the other employees do. Your boss should not see your phone one time in your first week of training. I'm not kidding. That first week that you're training, your boss should not see your phone at all. If I see a phone when I'm first training somebody, if I was in charge, I'd kick them out. I'd be like, come back when you're ready to work. Like, sorry, period, full stop. If I were hiring and somebody knew was on their phones within working hours and they had not previously communicated an emergency to me, that's different.
00:27:25
Speaker
If you're like, um hey, my grandma's on her death bed. She might die today. I might need to take that call. you Do what you gotta do. It doesn't even have to be that serious. Just let your employer know. But yeah, if I had hired, I don't wanna see it. You're supposed to be there and be listening and paying attention. Eventually you will scope out the vibe of your workplace and learn what level of phone usage is acceptable. Some places are super casual. Some places are like, no, absolutely not. um But until then, keep it away. Your employer may tell you while you're training that they're pretty casual, phones are all right, but you're not the one to decide that they are. yeah And then I would argue, of course, even if it is like, oh yeah, you know, some businesses are slow and sometimes people do go on the back and they're on their phone for five minutes straight. I would encourage you, I'm not telling you, you know, at that point it's up to your boss. I would encourage you to still be a good example of somebody not on their phone.
00:28:15
Speaker
yeah At work, I will say I'll pull mine out at work. Sometimes at my day job, the vibes are very casual. I'm not, and even I as a boss, once you've kind of proven yourself to me as an employee, I'm not opposed to checking the time, checking your texts real quick. That's completely fine, but scope out the vibe and even then just take advantage of being a better example. If all the employees are like, oh yeah, well we go stand on our phones because there's nothing to do. that's going to go into our next point. But like it doesn't mean you have to do that. It would still take that as a time to just not be on your phone. They're just so poisonous. like just well just They're all jumping off a cliff. You don't have to. Oh my gosh. Not the mom line. ah but yeah no And actually going off of that.
00:28:54
Speaker
The next point I'd love to make is to absolutely not stand around and with that to take initiative. um So again, learning the standard of your workplace will come like the longer you're there, but I can safely say that in most situations there's always a task to be done in downtime. Your boss may have it like an actual physical list of tasks. It may be communicated among the staff um You may have to find them yourself ah But there's always something to do if you work at let's say a cafe You see dirty dishes on a table ask if you should go You know bus it if you're training ask another employee just to see if they have a certain way of doing it maybe there's a reason you shouldn't do that, but you know or
00:29:33
Speaker
If you you know the bathrooms need to be cleaned, go check those. Make sure the bathrooms are cleaned up. That it needs to be done periodically throughout the day. There's stuff like that. If you work in retail and you see clothes off of a hanger or on the ground, go rehang them. you know Like I said, when you're starting out, ask how you you know if there's any extra things you can do. Be observant. But the goal is over time to start taking initiative yourself and without having to ask. This is also just a general rule. I think in life that I like to have, if I'm like cleaning up after a party or a gathering, We've talked about that before, I think in other episodes, but ah yeah, it applies to jobs. It really applies to jobs. Yeah. Yeah. And with this one, um in today's day and age, you might sort of stick out by finding filler tasks, but just do them anyway, especially in entry level jobs. Unfortunately, people are like.
00:30:19
Speaker
you're getting entry level pay. So people have this attitude of like, well, I'm not going to do anything extra. If I'm not going to pay for it, memer we do not subscribe to that. Nope. Stay busy. Take initiative. You will stand out so much more. Um, it's all great if where you work is casual and the owner doesn't expect you to be going 100% all of the time as an inspiring business owner and a employer. Like I said, I've always known that I would welcome chatting, friendship, and even like a tiny bit of downtime throughout the workday. like I'm really all for a positive work environment if my employees have shown me that they can work hard and accomplish tasks without my help. Work hard, play hard. Yes. But even then, if you're a part of a very casual workplace, extra task and extra tasks aren't really required.
00:31:01
Speaker
but you see something like a spill somewhere or something out of place or unorganized or dishes that need to be put away, just do it even if you stand out. Even if they're like, oh, she's doing extra work and we're all being lazy. Like that's a weird thing for people to judge you over anyway. So just do it. I promise you that most of the employers, especially of those small local businesses and small offices too, Beth, it sounds like Chad, you know, I know he works for smaller offices and that probably stands out a lot too for something like that. We'll see and value your extra work. Now, I just really want to drive this home. I know the internet is full of companies who don't value that, who is full of people who take initiative and putting the extra work and they don't get that promotion or don't get that pay. I don't want to hear it. Go do that at the job you're in. I don't want to hear what the internet said or what somebody else's experience was. I don't care. It's still better to do
00:31:48
Speaker
the extra work and to be the best you can be, then assume that your hard work isn't going to be seen. Generally, you can expect to be given more or better hours, be involved in other decisions, and work your way up a company light years faster than employees that sit around because ah things are just like casual. like I've gotten to really speed along and be involved in business decisions and wow um things like that. Just by showing I'm a good worker. And again, it's not to toot my own horn. It was a lot of learning and some parents who ah gave me no other no other option but to be a good worker to get here. And this means taking initiative. And like Beth said before, doing tasks without asking what needs to be done. um I love this with training. When somebody's brand new, I love when they ask like, oh, is there anything else you see? Because then they learn, like, here's what you can do with your time filling.
00:32:38
Speaker
But learning how to do that without asking, what should I do next? What should I do next? Then you just start yeah doing it. That's when you become a freaking magical employee. And I'm telling you right now, there's not a lot of that around right now. So if you can go into your new company and be the person who's getting stuff done without asking, you will be invaluable. That is the most difficult thing to teach new employees. I can teach you how to make craft coffee and have customer service in a few weeks, but you have to take teach yourself how to take initiative. I can't instill that in you. It's either there or it's not. so That's very true. and it Yeah, you got to make that choice.
00:33:09
Speaker
Um, amazing. I'll continue with, uh, what are we on point eight? Okay. So once you learn how to do something at your job, aspire to do it as fast as possible.
Avoiding Workplace Gossip
00:33:18
Speaker
Of course I'm talking about this. I gave you, I gave you the points. You know, I thought ahead. I'll be loving fast work. So, uh, okay. She's a speedy one. It's so true. Guys, okay. When she was at my house a few weeks ago, she was helping me cook dinner and I asked her if she could like cut up some bell peppers. And I was like, can you just cut them like kind of fine so I can throw them in this? I turned around like two minutes later and she was like, pop bu but but with the knife with like the finest cut bell pepper I've ever seen. It was so fast though. I'm saying. Not that it's being way too big of a compliment. Although two minutes is way too long to take on a bell pepper, but that's fine. um Maybe it was a minute. I don't know. It was too fast. I couldn't even tell the time.
00:33:59
Speaker
yeah Thank you. I appreciate the compliment. I get that from my mama. We were always told to write to race the clock on any task we had to do. That was her phrase. Race the clock. Anyways, um but so not rushing to clarify. but ah Working fast is not the same as rushing or going about it in a disorganized or sloppy way or just doing it as fast as you can um in a crazy way. But you can almost treat it like a game. This is what my mom would do when we were growing up. So like how fast can I accomplish this task? you know um Because I guarantee you, if you haven't ever tried that before, you can probably be a little bit faster in some of the tasks that you're doing, especially the ones that are a little more maybe mundane or more muscle memory. um So yeah, believe me, business owners are not hoping that you take
00:34:42
Speaker
half of your shift to accomplish one thing. And and it's noticeable when you do, even as an employee, I have noticed when fellow employees take honest, oh on go twice as long as they should on a simple task. And I'm like, didn't your mama ever tell you to absolutely move faster? Like I just lit, we used to get in trouble for moving too slow. I hate, you know, the dilly dallying, all of that stuff. Like we would, you know, it was really ingrained in us I will say, I think that's a super unique trait of your mom in a really great way. like i I mean, like doing things quickly, I've learned in working, but I think your mom was a really awesome and rare case of somebody who was just like everything you do, just just get it done. you know I think my mom had to be patient with my distracted self, but yeah, no, i i yeah I love that. And I just totally get what you mean when you work alongside people who I guess
00:35:31
Speaker
didn't have that. And it's just like, why are you folding 10 napkins? Why is this taking 20 minutes? Like let's go. Exactly. No. And there's so many things I could vent about this. I could, I will restrain myself, but this is actually a pet peeve of mine. And I'm going to be honest, not just in the work life, but in personal life too. I don't like when someone is either helping me or just we're doing a task together, whatever it may be. And people are moving just so slow. I just, it really grinds my gears and I just wish that people clean. Oh, okay. I won't. I know I'm getting too close to venting, but cleaning. Come on. If you can't clean faster, like physically move your legs faster. Okay. I'm done. This is going to turn through. See, that's why you and I couldn't be roommates. It takes me so long to clean my house. It takes me such a long time. I'd probably just do it for you. Honestly, we'd be fine. And I would truthfully prefer that. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And we'd be fine. I just feel like, look, look, just let me do it. It's been so rough since you left. I've had to do my own dishes.
00:36:26
Speaker
because Beth would just do them. And at first I felt bad, but then eventually I was like, you know what? She probably prefers this. She likes to feel helpful. I don't want to do them. You would do them so quick. Like I always feel like cleaning up after dinner is a whole thing. And then you would just go do it. It'd be like five minutes later and it would be like sparkling. And I know you clean as you go. And I swear I do too, but still you would just like, you would do it so effortlessly. And it was just like cleaner than when I do it effortful. compliments are you're being way too generous honestly that's I'm telling you right now, that's why my mom taught us that. Because she's like, win those with those smaller tasks that you hate doing, why are you going to spend more time on them? That's literally why I move fast and why I've taught myself to be fair, or my mom taught me.
00:37:12
Speaker
to be really fast with like the motor tasks, because I don't want to do them either. Honestly, I'm telling you, I don't love doing, there are some chores I don't mind doing, but dishes, I don't love doing it either. But I do it so fricking fast, because I'm running more than five minutes on this. Yeah, I'm not wasting my time on this. Like you get five minutes dishes, that's it, you're done. I'm doing more. So that's why. That's amazing. I love this. And when I'm training someone, this is an actual conversation I have with people. like Oh, really? I do have a conversation about speed and efficiency. yeah and let's see and ah that's a conversation i was told at my very first coffee shop job i was there for like three years and after months once i could go some days without making mistakes guys fun fact i can't remember if i've said this on the show or not but at my very first job ever it was
00:37:56
Speaker
four months before I went a day without making a mistake. Like I am a very human error. Not disastrous mistakes, nothing terrible, but as simple as, oh, you put for here instead of go on that person's ticket or, you know, little things. That's so true. It was four months. I remember tracking it because I was like, they're going to kill me. They're going to fire me. I suck. And then here I am. I love it. I love that you said that. I said whoa not because that's actually like more than average. I said whoa because I'm like that is so powerful that you're saying that because everybody makes those little mistakes all the time and it's about that's so sweet that you're worried they were gonna like hate you for it. They didn't get you in trouble right did they? No I was every job I've had I've always worried that I'm gonna like be fired for a tiny mistake every single time. I've been in the coffee industry for eight years now
00:38:41
Speaker
and I make a mistake and I'm like, they're gonna fire me. Like, you know, cause I'm still, like I said, I'm a very human, airful person and I'm working on it, but I just like, it's just easier to kind of accept that about myself and like know that um I'm prone to those little mistakes to be able to fix them. Like at my job now, still sometimes I accidentally make the ticket to go instead of for here, not every day. That's like not nearly as often, but I just say that more so to be like, oh, like I made mistakes. And then once I was getting to the point without mistakes, then it was time to work on speed and efficiency. oh Sorry, I don't know if I cut you off and something else. just No, I guarantee you I cut you off. I've been doing that a lot today. I've been interrupting everything that breathes today. We're passionate. We like working, man. Exactly. No, but I just want to say thank you actually for sharing that because ah
00:39:26
Speaker
I think those small human errors happen pretty much daily actually for a lot of people. and um I think the reason that they bother you in your own heart for yourself so much is because you actually have such a strong work ethic. and I don't think it's because you have more mistakes than the average person. I think it's genuinely because you notice it because you want to be better. and A lot of people just either don't notice that they make those mistakes and that's frustrating because then the employer or someone else finds it later and they have to clean up that mess. like You notice it. all Right or even if you don't again most people don't so I think that's actually amazing that you mentioned that and it's also yeah There's a difference between little human errors and the intentional stuff. We've talked about that make you a bad employee
00:40:01
Speaker
Yes. so Yeah. Yeah. All that to say, just when you enter, like mistakes are going to be made and that's okay. But, um, to finish out the point on working quickly and efficiently, like I said, that was a conversation that was told for me, like once I was done with those mistakes and doing my job correctly, my employer said, she was like, you I can see your improvement. You're doing a lot better. I want to see more speed from you. I want to see faster. I want to see more efficiency. That is a real conversation. And that's someone I give to almost every single person I've trained. Once I see that they're understanding something and they can do it without me, I keep going back to coffee because that's what I do. So pardon me for being redundant. Again, this should apply most places ever. But once I can see that they do it without me, then I can tell them it's time to work on speed. So let's say I've been training someone on making coffee and I can see that they can prepare a shot, steam milk, throw some syrup in the cup and serve the drink without me, without my help or I or anything.
00:40:52
Speaker
Then we dive into workflow and speed. Then I can show them, here's the most efficient way to go about that. I'm noticing that you are pulling one shot at a time. Get both you know group heads out and pull two at a time, whatever, and start working on speed and efficiency. and I will challenge them. It should not take you more than three minutes to make a simple milk drink. Amazing. and Again, if they don't do that in their first month, that's fine. That's not what I'm saying, but I'm saying that's the goal. And then I say, make it a game. See if you can get it faster. It shouldn't take you more than three minutes. A customer shouldn't be waiting more than three minutes for a milk drink. Then how much faster can you do it? I can do one in about a minute if I'm calling, but that's just practice. And that's not cause I have to, I challenge myself cause it's fun to be like, okay, I got that three minutes. Can I do two and a half? Can I do two minutes? What's the most? And sometimes a customer will come in and they order like six lattes. I'll grab a kid who's new and I'll be like, here's six drinks. Here's, here's what we're going to do. We're going to get these out in 10 minutes.
00:41:45
Speaker
And that's amazing. Wow. um If it takes you more than three minutes to say take make a simple milk drink after a few months, I'll probably kick you off the bar in a rush. You don't get to work the bar and rush. You get to go. do dishes that's fair no that's fair that's really fair i like that amazing okay number nine we're shifting gears a little bit from actual hands-on stuff um i think yes this is kind of just more other expectations the things you should bring but number nine who do not gossip in the workplace and it's going to be hard because that's a part of the culture but
00:42:17
Speaker
Just, I was going to say if you can help it, but I'm going to, I'm going to stand firm in this one. Just don't ever gossip in the workplace is such it's so messy and it ruins what can be such a good work environment. It can, it can get disgusting. It can get so bad so quickly. Um, if you're an employer and if you're an employer listening, do not gossip about your staff to other employees, your employees to other employees. You would be surprised. how comfortable some staff is when an employee leaves being like, gosh, they were remember today or whatever. um And shut it down. If you hear it, you don't have to be rude about it. But if an employee leaves and their co workers like, Oh, gosh, she was so annoying today, I'd be like, Whoa, what's that coming from? Is this a problem you need to address? Are you just, you know, being a
00:43:02
Speaker
Bad word um it just causes so much damage and hurt and a trick. I actually learned this applies just in life But the way so somebody talks about someone else is most likely how they will talk about you So and that's usually what you'll do to other people Even if you hear gossip about other employees in the workplace, even if your boss does it, do not engage in it. Find something else to talk about, leave the conversation. This is another way you can not only stand out to your employer, but you know, we're all, you know, Beth and I are Christians here. It's a great way to be Jesus to others and to just be a light in your workplace and people will notice what you don't participate in.
00:43:38
Speaker
And employers maybe who are even fueling some of the talk will notice, man, Halo just really doesn't have a bad thing to say about anybody else. Bringing up problems in the workplace is different. You do that privately to the employer, whatever you need to do, but just gossip in the workplace. Don't do it. Stay away from it. It will turn a great work environment into a terrible one that you will want to quit. Very true. Exactly. That's a really good point. I like that. Okay. And to move on, switch gears a little bit to ah to number 10. So your employer is not toxic for telling you what to do. They are your boss, my friend. And sometimes the reality is that they may not always ask super kindly with a lot of butterflies and marshmallows, you know?
00:44:20
Speaker
Of course, they don't have the right to be awful when asking you to do things, but there's actually a distinct line between an employer crossing boundaries and being rude to you and them asking you efficiently and sternly to do something. They can very well show up to their own business, notice something wrong, and say, hey, can this please be taken care of by the end of the day? Or even just like, I noticed it's a task that gets missed missed, and it's really important that you have it done, okay? They're paying you to work and take their direction. There's mutual respect that's required between both of you, but they're not bossy for telling you what to do, even if they don't say it in the most flowery way. yeah And Ayla, actually on the last episode we did that kind of was similar to this topic, episode 50, like you mentioned the beginning of this one, Ayla gave a super, super good summary about um what a toxic
00:45:07
Speaker
boss would look like that's being too overbearing versus one that maybe they're a little bit matter-of-fact when they speak but that's not them being disrespectful. Oh, thank you. Yeah, go listen to that another episode. I kind of go more in depth on this, but um I also mentioned in that episode at some point I was asking somebody to do something and I got a yes, mom. Never. That's a quick way to... I don't know if you'll get fired on the spot, but they'll think about it. Yeah. I don't know what world you'd call your hurt manager or boss mom, but I'm telling you right now, don't do it. Just listen to them.
00:45:41
Speaker
um They get to be bossy. They're your boss. That's their job. All right. This one is short and sweet, but be on time. After, a like I said, almost a decade working customer service, I noticed the employees who show up five minutes early versus the employee versus the employees that show up just at their shift or five minutes late. Now, this is another thing where I think TikTok's been a poison and people are like, don't show up early. You're not getting paid. Like I'm going to show up right on time to my, shit whatever. You're not legally required to show up five minutes early. Of course not. No, but I'm just saying your employer notices people around you notice. It's not that hard. yeah Like I just, I, as someone with no authority at all notice who shows up five minutes early and who shows up right at right on time or just after and it matters a lot. So just be on time, be a little bit early.
00:46:32
Speaker
Easy, boom, exactly. Okay, we are on the last tip, folks. And we're gonna get a little bit spiritual on you, that's right.
Starting the Day with Positivity
00:46:41
Speaker
But here's one that we have for you. So pray before showing up to your shift. A huge way to do everything for the glory of God and a way to be Jesus in the workplace, which we've talked about before, is just to dedicate the day to Him. So whether your drive is five minutes or 30 minutes, take the time you have to welcome God into your day, welcome the Holy Spirit into your day, And you'd be amazed at the shift that happens ah from there forward, ah not just in your mindset, which also can make a big difference on your day. But um the direction your entire career can go with this one action is incredible. It can be so simple, something like, God, please be with me at work today, you know at your workplace today. ah Let this day honor you. Please let my actions and conversations reflect you. Give me patience where I need patience. you know Give me wisdom where I need wisdom.
00:47:28
Speaker
Please give me your joy during the tasks that I don't always want to do so I can have a good attitude around others and bless the other people that I get to work with today and thank him for this this day and this opportunity. you know Whatever else you want to say, just trust us. That's something that's really important and I just want to reiterate, ah it's going to take you far in life if you do that, not just your job, but with your whole career and your life in general. Yeah, absolutely. I've noticed a huge day, especially in a job where I may be struggling to get it. It's a new one and I'm struggling a bit. There's a huge difference in my day and it doesn't always have to be your entire drive. I don't know. It's really up to you how long you want to make it, but I just noticed a huge shift. and
00:48:09
Speaker
This is completely up to you, but I noticed a huge shift when I kind of pray for the other people I work with too, like whether or not they're believers, I'll just kind of say like bless our conversation. I play for your piece in the whole place today, not just for me. yeah And it just puts your brain in a really good state of mind, like something that I really like about myself, and Beth, you're probably very similar, is generally I approach each day with like a good attitude. And it's not because I try. I think I just am naturally like that. like I don't really walk into work ready to just be mad at everybody or be mad at everything. And it's the same with my editing job too. like I generally wake up most days happy to be there and happy to...
00:48:46
Speaker
to be there and be going, in and I'm i'm happy to to see people I like working with and help the customers I like helping. and do And small actions like that just kind of help further that a little bit. Maybe if you're not feeling it and you're you're not feeling so much like you want to go do this job, you have to do just a little prayer of like, thank you. God for giving me this job. Thank you for this opportunity. opportunity be just like And you can tell him, I'm not really feeling it right now, but just please like come into that. you know Whatever. it just yeah it's It's a huge shift. Even just saying the words out loud and acknowledging that to him is a huge, yeah huge thing. Agreed. That's what I have to say about that. In a day and age where work ethic is changing, and amazing employees are hard to come by. We hope this episode motivates you and challenges you to be the best you can be. No matter what job you're in or what career you choose, wherever life takes you, we fully believe that hard work and dedication does pay off. Even if it doesn't feel like it in the tiny day-to-day things, even if the internet tells you that it shouldn't pay off, it really does. And we believe you're capable of great things, but it starts with looking inward and working on yourself and bettering yourself and challenging yourself.
00:49:49
Speaker
Yeah. Do you have any tips that you think we might've missed? Got a topic on your mind that you want us to cover, or if you're just curious about being a guest on the show, you can reach out about all of those things to art of intention podcast at gmail dot.com and make sure you're on our Instagram at art of intention podcast for episode resources and more posts about the episodes we are working on. We are available to listen on Spotify, Apple podcast, and Zen caster. We post every single Tuesday and we will see you again next week. Bye. Bye.
00:50:21
Speaker
you