Lesson 4: Work Ethic (John Maxwell Leadership)

Proverbs 14:23 says that all hard work leads to PROFIT, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Important Keys to Developing Good Work Ethic:

1. Turn your dreaming into Doing.

2. Take Responsibility for your work.

3. Develop greater Consistency.

4. Learn to Love your job.

With consistency, you become more valuable with time. People who enjoy/love their work tend to live longer and happier lives.

“The average person puts only 25% of his energy into his work. The world takes off its hat to those who put in more than 55% of their capacity, and it stands on its head for those few souls who devote 100%” - Andrew Carnegie

Definition of a Hard Worker:

It’s more than just doing your job. Many put in some effort but not their best effort. Hard workers give their best effort everyday. They take pride in their work and look for ways to do it even better.

Talent is good, Skills are valuable.But hard work takes them to the next level, which will not only bring you success; It will also give you deep inner satisfaction.

Recognize that you are your most important Boss. Seeing yourself as your own boss is the key to working hard.

Do the difficult tasks, others avoid. By doing tough jobs with excellence, you develop a reputation for helping your team and become indispensable.

Work harder than required. John C. Maxwell tells the story of the advice he gave his nephew Troy, who was starting his first job after graduating from university. John encouraged him to do 3 things:

1. Work a little bit longer than he had to by arriving at work thirty minutes early, taking less time than allowed to eat lunch, and staying thirty minutes later at the end of the day.

2. Do something everyday to help his colleagues without being asked.

3. Tell the boss that he was available to do extra work anytime he was needed.

By following this advice, Troy advanced rapidly in the company.

Make it your practice to exceed expectations. People who work hard don’t simply meet the requirements of their positions or customers; they exceed them. They have a high standard and go above and beyond. This will be appreciated, remembered and rewarded by your customers, colleagues, and boss.

Poet Ralph Waldo Emmerson wrote, “ Big jobs usually go to the men who prove their ability to outgrow small ones.”

BENEFITS:

1. You experience personal satisfaction in a job well done.

2. You are rewarded with more opportunities.

3. People remember what you’ve accomplished for the organization

4. You are seen as a valuable member of the team.

5. You increase the chances that you will be rewarded financially.

STEPS TO FOLLOW:

1. Do 10% more.

2. Rely on your strengths to do your job better.

3. Make your job your own.

Take pride in what you do and how you do it.