Happy Mother’s Day

To the Pioneers of Work Ethic
Mother’s Day is a modern celebration honoring one’s mother, motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mother’s on society. It is a time to appreciate and recognize those who have had a positive impact on our lives. But, what we often don’t recognize or give thought to is the influence that our mothers have had on what type of employee we are in the work place.

I believe that most of us learned some, if not all, of our work ethic from our mothers. When you think of the many roles that our mother’s play in our lives on any given day, it is no wonder that there is a day set aside to honor and appreciate them. Just think about it, they can be CEO of the household, chef, housekeeper, taxi driver, coach, janitor, finance manager, teacher, personal shopper, life guard, story teller, athletic coordinator, cheerleader, interior decorator, hairstylist, nurse, doctor, and the list goes on and on…..

Work ethic is a set of moral principles an employee uses in their job. Certain factors come together to create a strong work ethic; many of these factors we have witnessed as we watched our mother’s perform their many functions in our lives. A strong work ethic is vital to a company achieving its’ goals. Every employee, from the CEO to entry-level workers, must have a good work ethic to keep the company functioning at its peak.

What does it mean to have a strong work ethic? Here are some of the key factors:

• Discipline — It takes a certain level of commitment to finish your tasks every day. An employee with good discipline stays focused on their goals and is determined to complete assignments.
• Integrity — Stretches to all aspects of an employee’s job. An employee with integrity fosters trusting relationships with clients, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Respectfulness — You display grace under pressure; no matter how tight the deadline or heated the tempers, you always remain poised and diplomatic.
• Dependability — You can be relied on to keep your promises. You are always on time and prepared for meetings, and deliver your work on schedule and on budget.
• Dedication — You don’t stop until the job is done, and done right. “Good enough” is not good enough for you and your team. You aim for “outstanding” in everything you do.
• Determination — You don’t let obstacles stop you, and enthusiastically embrace challenges like a mountain climber who ascends higher and higher until the summit is reached.
• Accountability — You take personal responsibility for your actions and outcomes in every situation, and avoid making excuses when things don’t go as planned. You admit your mistakes and use them as learning experiences so you won’t make the same ones again.
• Humility – You acknowledge everyone’s contributions, and freely share credit for accomplishments.

How many of these key factors can you identify in the various jobs your mother performed while you were growing up?

On this special occasion take a moment to pay tribute to your mother and anyone else who may have played a significant part in your life.

Happy Mother’s Day and thank you, to not only my Mom, but all moms!

Thelisa Lavergne is a member of the Regional (Texas Gulf Coast) Navigator team for Workforce Solutions. She specializes in providing training and education to the Gulf Coast community, career staff offices, and employers in assisting individuals with disabilities. She brings with her over 10 years of experience and expertise working in the nonprofit industry serving Houston’s disadvantaged community; individuals and families experiencing homelessness, victims of domestic abuse, and individuals and families experiencing hunger. However, her greatest contribution to Workforce Solutions is her compassion, commitment, and dedication to serving others. She holds a M.A. in Organizational Management, a B.S. in Training and Development, B.S. in Counseling, and a Certification as a Personal Fitness Trainer.