:[you better work]: Pt. 2

Here are four simple tips for working. And since the WORD says in "WHATEVER" we do, that means these four tips are not just for a paying job. It's not just for babysitting, mowing the yard, flipping burgers, sweeping the floor, running a cash register, designing a poster or prescribing medication... it is also for cleaning your room, writing an essay, helping in church or volunteering at the YMCA.

1. BE ON TIME There is a reason for schedules. They need you at that time. Be on time! In fact, be five minutes early. And if you are going to be late-- CALL. This shows professionalism, excellence. Working as a roleplayer in FLETC (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center) we would have to be at different locations at specific times. If you were late, you would be holding up a whole class of Border Patrol agents or ATF students or CIA trainees. You would make their teacher mad, the students late and your boss upset. If you were late to a role, you would be fired! To many people were counting on you to be on time!

2. FOLLOW THE RULES When making a Double Whopper with cheese, there is a certain procedure. You first place the bottom bun with the two patties and cheese in the microwave and push #1. After the microwave beeps, you take it and put everything else on the burger, close it up and slide it in the bin. If you make the burger first and then place it in the microwave, you'll have hot soggy lettuce and tomatoes. If you don't put it in the microwave you'll have cold cheese. If you don't follow the rules, you'll do it wrong! Follow the guidelines, the rules, the directions your boss gives you. It shows you are dependable, responsible. Do not cut corners. Do it right!

3. DRESS APPROPRIATELY Each job has a dress code. Don't bend it. If you are required to wear a uniform make sure it is clean and worn properly. While working at Rack Room Shoes, I had to wear a tie, dress pants and dress shoes every day. That was part of the dress code. I didn't like it. Standing up for 8 hours in dress shoes is not fun. Especially when the pain is no longer just at your feet, but it has crept up to your knees. But since I worked there, I had to dress appropriately. I know that in some places, you must wear there clothing while on the job. If you work at the GAP they sure don't won't you sporting American Eagle shirts. And if you are working at HOT TOPIC, they don't want you looking like Martha Stewart. Find out what is expected of you when it comes to dress, and then adhere to it.

4. BE KIND This will get you far. Kindness is being polite. Not participating in gossip or backstabbing. Being pleasant to work with. I am not saying kiss rear ends or having a plastic smile on your face. I am saying, do your best to be a good person at work. You are representing yourself and God. When I worked at Central Supply and receiving in Arstrong, the other three guys knew I went to church and knew I was involved in Youth Ministry. One day, one dude, his name was Trey, pushed the subject of hypocrisy so far that I went over board. We had words and the outcome was not pretty. I felt bad. The next day, I went to him and apologized. It was very hard to do. But I had to show that although I messed up, and we all do, that I still was trying to be Christ-like.


I know it's just four simple rules. I know books have been published about work ethics and long lists have been writen on work tips. But I thought, If you just start off with these four simple rules, you will be on your way to making sure that in "whatever you do, you work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." [Colossians 3.23]