Job-for-life traits
By Susan Hoy

The Golden Rule says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Employees who live by that rule — by putting themselves in the place of their employers — make themselves indispensable and virtually guarantee themselves a job for life.

Imagine that you are the employer. What kind of traits would you want your employees to have? Consider these:

• Honesty. An honest employee never takes things that don’t belong to him, such as cash or office supplies, nor does he use the copy machine and computer for personal business, or help himself to books, magazines, supplements, or professional supplies without permission.

An honest employee also never falsifies hours worked nor does personal business while on company time. Instead, while he is “on the clock,” he engages in productive work.

• Accountability. An accountable person “owns up” to mistakes and errors in judgment, even those involving patients and other employees.

She comes to work on time and takes responsibility to master her job. If she doesn’t understand something, she speaks up and asks questions. This is part and parcel of holding herself accountable to do the best job possible.

• Trustworthiness. A trustworthy employee respects the confidentiality of patient records, the employer’s business, and her terms of employment.

• Open and honest communication. An employee who communicates openly and honestly discusses with his employer problems that affect the practice, no matter how sensitive these problems may be.

• Loyalty. A loyal employee treats the practice as if it were hers.

• Teamwork. An employee who has a sense of teamwork does not only what is expected, but also takes the initiative to help other team members to be successful in their jobs.

• Positive attitude. Success is 15 percent aptitude and 85 percent attitude. An employee who has a positive attitude is willing to do what it takes, possesses the desire to do better, actively helps the practice grow, and smiles when he doesn’t feel like it.

Of course, it takes a great leader to bring these traits out in an employee. I have been privileged to know many successful chiropractors. My experience is that long-term successful chiropractors attract and keep quality employees.

It is not the special events of your life that make up who you are, but the moments of your life that define you. Don’t spend too much time looking forward, but live as if every minute is special. Who you are at this moment is what matters. Appreciate every moment and live each moment with passion.

Never stop growing and never stop improving!

Susan Hoy is an award-winning team trainer and consultant. She presents training seminars for teams throughout the country and is the author of two team training manuals. The newest is entitled Systemize Organize Simplify. Susan can be reached at 215-674-0130, suzzhoy@aol.com, or through her Web site at www.beefitup.net.