Reality in the Workplace

Tim Flemming - President, Citizens’ National Bank

Lecture to Delta Sigma Pi, Spring 2000

I. VOLUNTEER = Opportunities = Advancement

Wannabe = someone who does not know yet, who is not there yet. You have to know the basics just to get the job, but that does not make you an asset to the firm. Until you become fully competent in your job you a 100% Liability/Expense to the firm, just taking up space and sucking up resources (your paycheck).

II. Interviews, daily dress/mannerisms, and anything else you can think of to which this might apply

A. There are NO SECOND CHANCES!!!!! So be prepared for ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that can possibly happen. BE PREPARED!!!!! (strong hint for Job Interviews and Presentations!)

B. Wear a Watch - Never go to an interview without a Watch, then set your watch to the clock in the office immediately after you get there – always work on THEIR time, regardless of what the time is on TV, the radio, etc.

C. Prepare - Research the firm ahead of time - Do your Homework BEFORE the interview. Know their products and services, the competition, how the firm is doing in the market, etc. Be prepared for the question, “What would YOU do to improve things around here?”

D. Physical Appearance - Physical Appearance is VERY important in an interview; read Dress for Success: conservative haircut, conservative suit, quiet tie, socks (no holes or thinning spots), Freshly Polished Shoes, minimal jewelry, nothing that is the “cutting edge” look (pierced ears for men, tongue pierces, no dangling earrings for women – posts only). Suggestion: find out how your prospective boss and his/her boss(es) dress, then dress similarly.

E. Directions - Follow all directions exactly – Many times they give you seemingly strange directions to follow just to see if you can/will follow directions.

F. Take control! Use a good, firm handshake, make eye contact (see lecture on 5 S’s), and put yourself in control of things as much as is possible/appropriate.

G. Discipline - Discipline is Important! Develop an Exercise Program just for the discipline of doing it regularly. Many people go through Law School just for discipline, but no intention of taking the Bar exam.

H. Egocentric Predicament – We are all very concerned about our OWN appearance and what others think of us. You need to be prepared ahead of time with your appearance so that you can forget about it during the interview and focus on the other important things. Get to your interview well ahead of time so you can Set your Watch (see B. above), find the restroom, and be prepared so you do not have to be concerned about your appearance – that will be one less thing to worry about during the interview, presentation, etc.

I. Manners – Manners are very important. Show courtesy and respect as is appropriate; say, “Yes” and “No”, not “yeah” or “huh-uh”. At lunch/dinner be prepared for proper etiquette. The university offers Etiquette Dinners each semester at a very reasonable price – make use of this resource; it is amazing how many students come back and tell of how it helped them to have attended. Some firms will actually play tricks on you just to see how you will handle yourself in stressful/uncertain/unusual circumstances.

J. Leisure time – Your leisure time is important to one person – you! To be successful you must be prepared to do what it takes to get the job done. This can lead to a conflict between Ethics and Morals – now you have a decision to make. How much are you willing to pay to be successful? Is the price worth what you get out of it?

K. Focus on what is Important! Do not waste time!

L. Energy – You need Energy to do the job and do it right – Kick Butt! Create a lifestyle that helps you develop and maintain that energy. A good daily exercise program is a good start for this (see G. above).

M. Want to be successful? You have to be better at what you do than anyone else! Attitude is the key (see the 5 A’s)

N. Do not watch the clock, just do what it takes to get the job done. If asked, “What are your ideas of good work hours?” the proper answer is, “Whatever it takes!” (Remember the old joke about the clock at the front of the classroom with the sign, “Time will pass – will you?”)

O. Do not knock the firm to fellow employees, it WILL get back to the boss. This is a career killer!