[Initially posted Feb 4, 2013] I started writing about work ethic and about my husband too. There’s a reason or two for my posts on these subject matters, you can read my disclaimer here. But first, a little story about Randy.
As a teenager, one of Randy’s first jobs was as a newspaper carrier. He tells me his mother Marylin ousted him out of bed at 4:00 AM when she got home from her data processing job at a downtown Des Moines bank.
Marylin Would Then Hit The Hay
Randy donned his mail bag, left home, and waited patiently at the corner for the newspapers to arrive. He then walked all round Saylorville (the little town not the large lake!) to deliver the news for the Des Moines Register.
Here Comes Big News!
When Randy’s paper route was done and he got back home he would return the favor and try to get his father Jim up out of bed. Jim worked at AT&T in downtown Des Moines (and did so for 40 years up until his retirement). After his dad was up (or Randy gave it his best try) he then got ready for school. For three of his high school years Randy handled a newspaper route. We often revisit his route by auto!
Is that the reason he still likes to read the hard copy of the paper, or at least the sports section? Could it be the reason he has no trouble getting up early in the morning? Could it also be why he and my dad have this special bond? Click here for a blog about my dad’s work, including his Sunday morning Des Moines Register newspaper motor route delivery days.
Bottom line here, parents influence moral and ethical development. I truly believe that you develop your work ethic through the example set by your parents. My parents Ann and Dick; and Randy’s parents Marylin and Jim were very hard workers and very caring people!
The Botkin Family ~ Randy, Kyl, Marylin & Jim
Everyone in my immediate family, my brother Michael, both my sisters Julie and Janice; and my brother in-law Kyl exhibit strong work ethics. (My brother Steven did too, he never missed a day!)
Employers rank a strong work ethic as one of the top qualities they seek in the employees they hire or move up in the organization.
The best definition of ethics is: a system of moral principles and perceptions about right versus wrong.
There are ten work ethic traits: appearance, attendance, attitude, character, communication, cooperation, organizational skills, productivity, respect and teamwork.
If you have a case where work ethic is in question or certain work traits are paramount to an individual’s work background, please let me know. My number is 515-778-0634. I want to help you help your client tell their vocational story realistically, persuasively and yes, even creatively!
Thanks for reading. Now it’s time for me to consider taking a nap, especially after the Super Bowl last night! Is it ethical to take a nap whenever I want to? Yep, it is a benefit of self-employment considering I have no paid time off!
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My professional consulting practice focuses on helping attorneys help their clients with civil litigation matters.
