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It is officially finals time at school, and people are busy and stressed. I believe this context best highlights the rigors of the working world, and the resulting behaviors speak to one’s character. This post will address some of my observations during this time, and I offer some suggestions.

• When one receives an email, respond back and confirm receipt within 24 hours. Otherwise, it is hard to know whether progress is occurring. It is also a matter of courtesy.
• When one completes a task, email the team and let them know it has been completed. Inefficiency can result from other team mates being in the dark. Also, this behavior often promotes accountability and shows respect to other team members.
• When one says they will do something, do it. Not only can this be a matter of personal integrity, but it often avoids contention (someone else will likely have to pick up the slack or it might delay the project).
• Be on time. Everyone is busy, and we do what we can to respect others by being on time. When one is inexcusably late, it can send the message that one’s time is more important than the others.
• Set the framework and stick to it. If one tells someone that they will do something a certain way, they should do it. Otherwise, it likely creates confusion and tends to push the task completion to a later date. This is another respect issue as well.
• Be an owner of one’s tasks. We all have tasks. Confirm that we are owners of those tasks. Then set a date for completion that meets the requirements of the project. If one does not set owners and completion dates, then the project will likely to be sloppy and mismanaged. Also, if the project manager asks for these specifics, and team mates do not comply, it can show disrespect for the individual, and a lack of regard for the project.

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