Achieving Excellence in the Workplace

1
Achieving Excellence in the Workplace

• A Virginia International University CPES Career
  Success Program

2
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence,
then, is not an act, but a habit. -- Aristotle
3
Introducing.
4
VIUs Executive Director of University
Advancementand English Professor

• Laura Hills, M.A.

5
Introducing.
6
Why should we achieve excellence in the
workplace?
7
Benefits of Workplace ExcellenceThe
Organizations Point of View

• Increased productivity
• Improved quality of services and products
• Improved teamwork, trust, and respect
• Eliminates need for micromanagement
• Lower stress and anxiety in the workplace
• Better crisis management, and

8
-- an enhanced reputation/image of the
organization
9
But Take a Closer Look
10
How does workplace excellence benefit you?
11
Benefits of Workplace ExcellenceYOUR Point of
View

• People will take you more seriously
• People will trust you
• More secure job opportunities
• More chances for promotions
• More leadership opportunities
• More pride in your work
• Improved job satisfaction/quality of life
• More confidence, and

12
-- more happiness!
13
What exactly IS excellence in the workplace?
14
Workplace excellence has three components
15

Professionalism
Workplace Excellence
Skills
Attitude
16
Lets look at these closely, one at a time
17
Excellence Component 1 Professionalism

• Professional image
• Professional conduct
• Professional communication
• Professional production

PROFESSIONALISM
Workplace Excellence
Attitude
Skills
18
How professional are you? Take our self-quiz
19
How can you increase your professionalism?
20
Admit when you need to make some changes
21
Look for and emulate role models
22
Seek a mentor
23
Read more about professionalism
24
Take VIUs CPES Career Success Program
Professionalism What Does It Mean?
Monday, September 15, 2008 400
530 pm
25
Your Personal Excellence Plan (PEP)
26
What is One Thing You Will Do to Increase Your
Professionalism?
27

Professionalism
Workplace Excellence
Skills
28
Excellence Component 2 Skills

• What skill set do you need for the job you have
  now?
• What skills do you need for the job you want?
• How can you get those skills?

Professionalsim
Workplace Excellence
SKILLS
Attitude
29
Communication Skills
30
Analytical Skills
31
Quantitative Skills
32
Technical Skills
33
How can you increase your skills?
34
Teach Yourself New Skills
35
Learn Skills from Others
36
Take a Course
37
Take VIUs CPES Career Success Program
Earn a CPES Career Success Diploma
with as little a nine hours of training
38
Your Personal Excellence Plan (PEP)
39
Which One Skill Do You Most Want to Develop?
40

Professionalism
Workplace Excellence
Skills
Attitude
41
Attitude is the most important component of
excellence
42
and the hardest to change
43
Why?
44
Excellence Component 3Attitude

• Positive, can-do attitude
• Open to new challenges/learning
• Open to feedback
• In control
• Commitment to quality
• Values hard work
• Truth

Professionalism
Workplace Excellence
ATTITUDE
Skills
45
Pair Work Activity Find a Partner
46
Your Personal Excellence Plan (PEP)
47
Which Attitude Characteristic Do You Want to
Develop Most?
48
If you are going to achieve excellence in big
things, you develop the habit in little
matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is
a prevailing attitude. Colin Powell
49
And remember!

• You have the most
• to gain when you
• achieve excellence
• in the workplace

50
Questions?
51
Achieving Excellence in the Workplace A VIU
CPES Career Success Program Thank you!