Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint] Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson Sandra B. Bolt ACCOUNTABILITY AND WORKPLACE RELATIONSHIPS Chapter 10

Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint] Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson Sandra B. Bolt OBJECTIVES Define and link the concepts of empowerment, responsibility, and accountability Describe how best to deal with your boss Describe how to respond when a workplace relationship turns negative Identify appropriate and inappropriate relationships with your boss, colleagues, executives, and customers Identify basic workplace expectations regarding social functions and gift-giving

Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint] Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson Sandra B. Bolt EMPOWERMENT Empowerment: pushing power and decision-making to the individuals who are closest to the customer in an effort to increase: –Quality –Customer satisfaction –Profit

Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint] Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson Sandra B. Bolt EMPOWERMENT Responsibilityemployees accepting the power being given to them and the obligation to perform Accountabilityreports back on accepted responsibility –Employees are accountable to perform their best to: Each other Bosses Customers Investors

Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint] Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson Sandra B. Bolt WORKPLACE RELATIONSHIPS Workplace relationships include: –Coworkers –Bosses/executives –Investors –Vendors –Customers

Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint] Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson Sandra B. Bolt EXECUTIVES AND SENIOR OFFICIALS May interact during: –Meetings –Corporate events –Social functions In meetings: –Do not dominate a discussion –Politely introduce and do not interrupt –Objective is to create a favorable and memorable impression –Do not speak poorly of anyone –Let executive guide the conversation

Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint] Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson Sandra B. Bolt YOUR BOSS Three types of bosses: –Good boss –Incompetent boss –Abusive boss Bosses are human –They are learning and developing their skills –They are not perfect –Assume they are doing their best –No matter what type of boss you have, give your personal best

Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint] Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson Sandra B. Bolt COLLEAGUES Be friendly and respectful to all Be cautious –Do not base friendships on work-related issues – When close work friendships occur, others assume favoritism When personal friendships go sour, it will affect workplace performance –Awkward for both parties

Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint] Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson Sandra B. Bolt WHEN RELATIONSHIPS TURN NEGATIVE 1.If you harmed the other person (intentionally or unintentionally), apologize immediately 2.If apology is accepted, demonstrate regret by changing your behavior 3.If apology is not accepted, move on and demonstrate regret by changing (improving) your behavior

Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint] Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson Sandra B. Bolt WHEN RELATIONSHIPS TURN NEGATIVE (cont.) 4.If the relationship is lost, do not hold a grudge; continue being polite, respectful, and professional to the offended co-worker 5.If your offended co-worker acts rudely or inappropriately, do not strike back by returning the poor behavior; respond with kindness 6.If rude and inappropriate behavior impacts performance or is hostile or harassing, document the situation and inform boss

Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint] Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson Sandra B. Bolt DATING AT WORK Many companies discourage co-workers from dating each other Dating your boss is highly inappropriate Use caution when dating vendors/customers You are representing the company 24/7 Do not share confidential information Do not speak poorly of company/co-workers It is best to keep your romantic life separate from work

Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint] Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson Sandra B. Bolt SOCIALIZING Picnics, potlucks, and other celebrations Some enjoy social functions; others do not It is rude to not attend/acknowledge functions taking place at the workplace –Stop by, even briefly, to send regards Attendance at work-related social events occurring outside of the worksite is optional Use caution when alcohol is being served –It is best to refrain from alcohol

Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint] Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson Sandra B. Bolt SHARED WORK AREAS Cubicles and open work areas Respect privacy of each workspace as if it were an individual office In shared work areas avoid: –Loud noises –Smells –Distractions that interrupt or annoy others Stand at entrance to work area and wait for invitation to enter work area Do not take or use items without permission

Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson [imprint] Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e Lydia E. Anderson Sandra B. Bolt BREAKS AND THE BREAK ROOM Contribute to community coffee/snack fund if you partake Do not eat others food being stored in the refrigerator Throw out your unused or spoiled food at the end of each workweek Clean up after yourself Leave things clean for the next person