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Work Style Assessment Report for: Sample Only (user name inserted) Completion: Month, Day, Year, Time (time stamp)

How would one define a "model" employee? While there are a number of traits and skills that are considered important, the best candidate to hire is the person whose traits and skills will be the most successful at helping a company accomplish it's goals and fulfill its vision.

Taking the time to hire the right employees for a job not only reduces turnover but can save a lot of money in the long-term.

Every position in company, regardless of whether it's a high or low-level one, contributes in some manner to the success of the entire organization. This is why it is essential to choose candidates who possess the type of characteristics that will allow them to thrive in the company's established work environment and protocol. The Work Style Assessment is designed to evaluate whether a person has the traits and skills needed to be a productive and successful worker. Depending on the job, organization, and work environment, there are certain types of workers that can either be an asset to a company or a liability. This test assesses what type of work traits you possess, your primary, secondary, and minor traits/skills, and offers some helpful work tips. Work Style Assessment

Report for: Sample Only (user name inserted) Completion: Month, Day, Year, Time (time stamp)

Social Skills Forcefulness Industriousness/Assiduity Openness to Improvement Openness to Change Conformity Resilience Level-headedness Need for Supervision 36 44

56 63 61 62 58 61 52

Results Breakdown Compliance Trainability Steadiness Conscientiousness Integrity Approval-seeking Adaptability Coping Skills Emotional Stability 53 53 57 56 55 73 63 61 69

Creativity Open-mindedness Innovation Drive/Success Orientation Calculated Risk-taking Street Smarts Initiative Independence Leadership Potential Dominance Authoritarianism Extroversion Soft Skills Agreeableness Dynamism Fair-mindedness Abrasiveness Tension/Nervous Energy Accident Proneness Hotheadedness Generalist Specialist Technical Skill Kinesthetic Skill Visual/Spatial Skill Linguistic Skill Analytical Thinking

50 57 50 65 63 70 67 67 60 68 59 66 73 50 65 62 63 56 54 68 66 69 65 59 54 65 62

Work Style Assessment Report for: Sample Only (user name inserted) Completion: Month, Day, Year, Time (time stamp)

Social Skills (score 56) In terms of your social skills, this seems to be an area in which you are doing adequately well, but there is still Ability to interact room for improvement. You seem to know what it takes harmoniously with and how to behave in order to put people at ease in people; to build a social situations, but may not be applying this rapport with others. knowledge as often as you should. Professionally, people with good social skills are more likely to deal well with clients and co-workers. They are aware of social rules, are better able to adjust their behavior according to the situations they find themselves in, and are generally congenial individuals to interact with.

Forcefulness (score 63) If something needs to be voiced, you generally don't appear to be the type of person who will mince words. Assesses whether Your responses seem to indicate that you are the type of you possess a more person who is often forceful with others, asserting your commanding and opinion or ideas rather strongly. In group work, you controlling may take it upon yourself to dictate the pace and what disposition, or an needs to be done. Less strong-willed individuals may be accepting and hesitant to voice their opinions, while more strongacquiescent one. willed ones may often find themselves bumping heads with you. While you can certainly take charge of a situation, the manner in which you do so may not always be the most harmonious.

Industriousness/Assiduity (score 61)

Assesses degree to

Your responses seem to imply that industriousness is which you are hardgenerally one of your strongest traits. You are likely a working and fairly determined and purposeful person, and strive to diligent. complete your work to the best of your ability. When it comes to getting tasks done and meeting objectives, you are not likely to disappoint. You seem to be quite dedicated and motivated to do well.

Openness to Improvement (score 62) When it comes to your current skill set and performance, you show a rather strong enthusiasm to Assesses improve. While you may prefer to settle for the status willingness to quo in a few areas, you do show a lot of potential and continuously learn desire to go above and beyond the call of duty - you and grow. might just need a little encouragement from time to time. Overall, your fairly strong motivation to further improve and potentially advance your skills could open doors for you. Reaching the top of the ladder often requires a dedication to self-improvement and the desire to go that extra mile.

Openness to Change (score 58) You seem to be neither change-averse nor a changeembracer; in essence, you would likely thrive in an Extent to which you environment that has both routine tasks and some are comfortable variability. You are likely the type of person who can with variability in deal with ambiguity, but to a certain extent. Overall, your environment. you may prefer having a basic set of schedules, tasks, and duties, but would enjoy some variability and new projects to tackle. You seem to have the best of both worlds, a versatility that could be an asset in many companies.

Conformity (score 61) You are likely the type of person who acts in accordance with others and is willing to follow a proper code of conduct at work. Companies with a lot of structure or where you are under someone's strict authority probably wouldn't be too much of a bother for you. Even if you are at the top of the ladder, there will always be someone to answer to and a code of conduct

Refers to obedient, unquestioning, and responsible conduct.

to follow, and fortunately, conforming to these standards likely wouldn't be a major problem for you.

Resilience (score 52) When it comes to dealing with adversity, you may occasionally take longer than others to bounce back. Ability to bounce Depending on the situation or your mindset at the time, back from you may have some difficulty staying focused and adversity. resolute in the face of difficulties. Demanding work environments with a lot of complex and high-stress assignments could sometimes take a toll on you; when faced with obstacles or failures, you likely become a little frustrated and discouraged now and then. It may benefit you in the long run if you learned to view setbacks as a challenge to beat, an opportunity, or a way to learn something new. People who view setbacks and new undertakings as exciting challenges rather than a hardship are usually able to move forward from difficult situations sooner.

Level-headedness (score 44) In jobs with a great deal of ups and downs or lastminute problems, staying focused and poised is Ability to maintain essential - making sensible decisions during such times poise and control in requires good judgment and level-headedness. Based on during difficult your responses, this is not one of your strongest areas, situations. but your mid-range score indicates that improvement may not be too much of a challenge for you. You may sometimes act on impulse or emotion during stressful times, but there are likely occasions when you are able to take the time to calm down and put things in perspective. Learning how to stay cool, calm, and composed during tense situations can prove to be invaluable, particularly in companies where you need to take risks or make complex decisions.

Need for Supervision (score 36)

Assesses whether you possess certain traits or behaviors that would make a

Your score indicates that you could potentially flourish supervised in an environment with little supervision. You seem to environment more be a worker who can generally be left to your own beneficial. devices and can usually be depended on to put in an honest day's work. You could set a good example for others, and may even prove to be a good choice for a position with a little more authority or decision-making power.

Results Breakdown

Compliance (score 63) According to your results, you are generally a compliant person. You would likely give your employer Willingness to and colleagues little trouble, usually abiding by what is abide by rules and asked of you. While you shouldnt entirely avoid do what is asked. questioning some work practices (especially if you feel something unfair or unjust is occurring), as a paid employee you are expected to complete your tasks, follow rules, and sometimes go above and beyond your normal duties. Your responses are reflective of someone who would be a model employee and would set a good example for others.

Trainability (score 61) You seem to be the type of person who is generally interested in and open to improving your skills, which is Willingness to very important in terms of your professional growth. learn/improve skills The more you build your skills, accept guidance from and accept guidance others, and strive to improve your performance, the from others. greater your chances of success. A promising employee would be open to and optimistic about the possibility of continuing his/her training and constantly seeks self-improvement. Without a strong motivation to learn more, it can be difficult for someone to reach his/her full potential in his/her field.

Steadiness (score 69)

Your work effort, based on your responses, is fairly Tendency to put in good. A consistently strong and industrious work a constant, performance is the mark of a hardworking employee, consistent, and and a characteristic that is highly sought after by unwavering effort employers. Individuals with the steadiness trait are the into one's work. types who can always be depended on to put in a strong days work, staying late when necessary to get a task done, and can be counted on to come through for the team when it comes to crunch time.

Conscientiousness (score 56) You scored in the mid-range on this scale, which indicates that you are generally a conscientious worker, Refers to a but likely cannot be counted on to behave as such all competency and the time. Perhaps when you are stressed out or busy, productivity you may not be as assiduous and productive as you can orientation. be. Conscientiousness is an important characteristic, predicting success in a variety of areas. Although being laid-back is certainly a positive trait in many instances, it can hold a person back in some areas of life, particularly at work.

Integrity (score 55) According to your responses, you likely do consider integrity rather important, but may not always practice Tendency to behave it. If you cannot be fully trusted to be a responsible and in an honest and truthful individual, this will certainly be a concern for responsible manner. your employer. In addition, colleagues may end up feeling that they cant always rely on you, and may get the impression that you are somewhat irresponsible and careless. Without question, this is an area where improvement is extremely essential.

Approval-seeking (score 73) According to your responses, you often turn to others for approval. Rather than relying on your own personal sense of satisfaction, you would likely prefer to be reassured by others that you are doing a good job. Whether its out of fear of messing up, a desire for recognition, or simply to feel good about yourself, a strong need for approval can have a significant impact

Tendency to require approval and reassurance from others.

on the stability of your self-esteem. While its important that your employer approve of your work and effort, you need to believe in yourself and your abilities, and be your own cheerleader too!

Adaptability (score 53) You are somewhat amenable to change. You are generally willing to adapt your plans or behavior based Refers to the ability on what the situation requires, and are fairly good at to adjust to dealing with changes in your environment. Your ability different conditions to adapt can really come in handy, especially if you are or situations. required to temporarily change positions or take on duties that arent normally part of your daily tasks. It would likely take you a little time to adjust, but you would be able to handle most changes fairly well.

Coping Skills (score 53) Most jobs cause at least some degree of stress, so it is important for employees to be able to deal with ups and Ability to downs in their environment. Those who are better effectively and equipped to handle pressure are able to come out of productively deal stressful situations with their physical health and peace with stressful of mind intact. Your responses imply that your ability to situations. cope is adequate at best. There will likely be times when you will have trouble dealing with hardship at work. It would be a good idea to pick up some good stress-relieving tips, as it will get you through tough times at work in better shape.

Emotional Stability (score 57) Your responses allude to the fact that you are generally a composed person, even under stressful situations. You Refers to overall likely experience fairly stable emotions, but this is calmness and probably not always the case. At times, this emotional security. inconsistency may interfere with your ability to handle the stresses inherent in everyday life. Learning to keep yourself at a slightly more even keel would certainly contribute to your overall happiness. Emotionally stable individuals are generally reliable and self-assured, even under stressful situations. They are not prone to extreme or inappropriate displays of emotion in comparison to their less stable counterparts.

Creativity (score 50) You seem to be moderately creative; you may sometimes opt for more logical rules and principles rather than creative ones, which can occasionally limit your ability to come up with imaginative ideas. In general however, you seem to be rather good at generating inventive thoughts. In any case, these are certainly abilities that can be improved upon with time and practice.

Ability to use one's imagination to come up with new ideas, concepts, and ways of thinking.

Open-mindedness (score 57) You scored in the mid-range for open-mindedness, indicating that you are generally comfortable with Extent to which a opinions and experiences that are new and outside your person is receptive comfort zone, but there are some occasions when you to novelty and to identify a more conventional atmosphere or conditions. different views. You are likely the type of person who enjoys, to some extent, an unpredictable work environment or working with people who dont have a great deal in common with you, but in small doses. An unstable job future or unclear work role would probably make you a little nervous.

Innovation (score 50) You appear to be a generally innovative thinker. Although you likely sometimes prefer practicality and Ability to develop conventionality, you are still open to ideas and ways of novel ideas and put thinking that are somewhat off the beaten path. them into action. People with this characteristic are generally fairly good at coming up with innovative opportunities and ideas, which is an important facet of business success. Although practicality can also be an asset in some situations, innovative approaches can pay off more in the end.

Drive/Success Orientation (score 65)

The degree to

Your score on the Drive/Success Orientation scale is which a person quite high. You seem to have a suitable amount of strives to achieve determination to push yourself to go beyond your goals. current capabilities. This likely helps boost your performance and potential for success in your career, as you seem to want to give it your all. When it comes to setting goals and persevering despite obstacles, you rarely come up short. You probably realize that success, no matter what the field or job, does not come easy. With your relatively strong drive orientation, you will likely have little difficulty getting noticed by higher-ups and really making a name for yourself.

Calculated Risk-taking (score 63) Your responses indicate that you possess most of the traits that characterize a calculated risk-taker. There Ability to take may be the occasional time when you either jump into sensible, well situations without fully considering the consequences thought-out risks. or, on the contrary, are reluctant to take any action at all, but overall you would likely be a smart risk-taker. Risk-taking requires a delicate balance; a reckless risk-taker is just as much a liability as someone who is unwilling to take any chances at all. If a job you desire requires you to take risks, it would be a good idea to obtain some additional training to ensure that you do so responsibly.

Street Smarts (score 70) Your responses indicate that you are fairly street smart. While possessing an academic or vocational degree can certainly come in useful in numerous job fields, street smarts are considered by many managers to be an invaluable asset. People with this type of practical intelligence seem to inherently understand how the world works, tend to possess a good sense of judgment, and seem to be able to acclimatize to variability quicker than others. This can come in handy in several fields, especially in the marketing and entrepreneurial field.

Practical knowledge, common sense, and intuitive knowledge that is not necessarily related to formal education level.

Initiative (score 67)

According to your results, you seem to be fairly Willingness and comfortable acting on initiative, although you may be a ability to take little uneasy doing so on some occasions. For the most action and make part however, youre likely not one to wait for others to decisions take the lead or show you the way. While it's true that independently. taking action can be risky, sitting around and doing nothing (or doing the minimum) wont get an employee far in most jobs. By demonstrating that you want to improve your performance and contribute to the companys success, you are proving to your employer that you are truly a valuable worker.

Independence (score 67) A position in which a worker is given a lot of independence is often also one that carries considerable Assesses whether responsibility. This could include making key decisions an individual is without the help of management, and generally being comfortable being able to handle being left to ones own devices when on his/her own. tackling projects and tasks. Although the level of independence offered depends on the type of job and position, an employee who constantly requires assistance can significantly impact efficiency and productivity when placed in a position requiring the ability to act autonomously. Your responses indicate that you are the type of person who is generally comfortable being independent. Having your roles and tasks clearly identified is important, but not necessary for you to be productive. If you really need help, you will likely turn to others when necessary, but you probably prefer relying on yourself most of the time.

Leadership Potential (score 60) You appear to possess many of the qualities of a great leader. Whether you've worked hard to develop your Assesses skills and leadership qualities or you're one of the lucky few who traits necessary to to be born that way, you are in a good position to lead a be an effective group towards success! Leadership abilities are in high leader overall. demand, and you've got what it takes. Your score indicates that you are quite capable, and would likely know how to handle diverse groups of people with finesse. While being a leader may be a lot of weight to carry on your shoulders, you appear to be rather well equipped to deal with it.

Dominance (score 68)

Your responses seem to be reflective of a rather dominant personality. You appear to be the type of person who often prefers to take charge of situations, and who is generally determined to get what you want. You would likely be a fairly persistent, no-nonsense, and to some, maybe even a somewhat intimidating person to work with.

Desire to be in control of a situation and/or of others.

Authoritarianism (score 59) Your responses imply that you occasionally behave in a domineering or dictatorial manner. If given a position Refers to a stern, of authority, an urge may arise in you to dominate the commanding and group and be a little overbearing. Based on your tough disposition. responses, you might sometimes force your opinions or desires onto others, and dont always make it a point to interact with those around you with respect and a desire to hear them out.

Extroversion (score 66) Your score indicates that you display many of the characteristics of an extrovert. You are likely the type Refers to an of person who generally prefers to focus on the outer outward orientation. world of people, activities, and interaction. There is nothing wrong with this orientation. There are many job positions that require regular contact with people, so you will likely be able to cope well with this type of occupation. However, for positions in which you are sometimes isolated from others, you may need an outlet to let out your extroverted side (for example, break times to talk to chat with colleagues, opportunities for networking or to participate in conventions, etc.).

Soft Skills (score 73) Your results indicate that your soft skills are quite good - you seem to have what it takes to deal with people effectively in social situations. Although, there may be an area or two where some improvement is needed, you seem to possess a majority of the traits and skills that make up a great conversationalist. Whether you are working with the public or are only in contact with colleagues, communication is an important part of building strong relationships. People with good social

Assesses the ability to interact appropriately, effectively, and productively with others.

skills not only possess a gregarious nature, but they are also quite at ease interacting with others, getting their point across to people in a comprehensible and articulate way.

Agreeableness (score 50) Based on your responses, you are relatively agreeable. People likely find you approachable and take little time Assesses whether to warm up to you, although there are still likely some the demeanor that a occasions when this is not the case. While you are person displays to generally a pleasant person, you may become others is affable. disagreeable on occasion, perhaps when you are tired, frustrated, or simply not in the mood to interact with others. If left unchecked, this may cause problems for you at work, especially if interacting with others is a requirement. Consider improving in this area.

Dynamism (score 65) Your responses indicate that you do possess a rather strong joie de vivre an exuberant and energetic Refers to an disposition. No matter what you do, you likely approach energetic, vigorous, it with excitement, energy and interest. Employees who and active are very energetic can really catch the attention of disposition. customers and can make good group leaders. A dynamic personality may not be essential for all job positions, but it can go a long way to making your job more enjoyable to begin with.

Fair-mindedness (score 62) You generally appear to be a fair-minded person. As a result, in situations in which you need to make a Ability to make decision or find a resolution to a conflict/disagreement, sound, sensible, and you will likely strive to remain neutral, making a impartial judgments judgment based on what would be best for everyone and decisions. concerned. If given a leadership position or any position where important decisions rest on your shoulders (especially those that affect other people), you need to be able to make fair and sound judgments.

Abrasiveness (score 63)

Your responses indicate that you may often rub others the wrong way, saying or doing things that could Refers to a harsh sometimes hurt or offend those around you. Although and tactless this doesnt mean that you deliberately go out of your disposition; a way to be mean to others, you dont seem to be putting tendency to "rub in a great deal of effort to be endearing either. While others the wrong there may be several underlying reasons for an abrasive way". disposition (for example, putting up a tough outer wall to prevent others from getting too emotionally close; treating others harshly to feel better about personal faults), this is certainly a side of your personality that you need to be more aware of. An abrasive personality can become a serious problem in most jobs, causing unnecessary conflict with clients and colleagues, making teamwork difficult, and resulting in an overall negative work atmosphere.

Tension/Nervous Energy (score 56) Your score indicates that while you are generally a calm and composed person, you sometimes experience a little Tendency to be on nervousness. This is likely a function of the edge and restless. circumstances you are in rather than a permanent staple of your personality. If youre going through a tough time or facing a major challenge, this tension or nervousness will creep up. Learning some relaxation techniques could really benefit you in this area and help keep you at even-keel when things get difficult at work.

Accident Proneness (score 54) Your score indicates that you may occasionally take actions that can put you or others in danger. However, while you might have certain areas of vulnerability that could lead to accidents, your accident proneness is not in the extreme. You seem to be the kind of person that can likely be trusted in environments where safety is a major concern, but you need to make sure that you carefully consider the potential consequences of your actions before doing anything risky and take all the precautions necessary.

Tendency to engage in behaviors that could put an individual or those around him/her at risk.

Hotheadedness (score 68)

You seem to possess most of the traits that could make Temperament that you somewhat of liability to a company and employer. could result in You may be reckless at times, impetuously jumping reckless actions or into situations or exploding emotionally without taking emotional a serious moment to step back from the situation and outbursts. contemplate your actions. Curbing this conduct will require a concentrated effort on your part to selfmonitor your emotions and behavior more frequently and to learn some techniques for better self-control.

Generalist (score 66) You seem to possess many of traits that characterize a generalist. People with this type of work orientation tend to possess broad range of at least basic knowledge and skills in a number of areas/fields.

Multidisciplinary person with general knowledge in several areas/fields.

Specialist (score 69) You seem to possess several traits that characterize a specialist. People with this type of work orientation tend to possess extensive knowledge and skill in one or a few specialized areas/fields.

Person with indepth expertise in a specific field of study.

Technical Skill (score 65) According to your results on this scale, you would do well in a career in technology. Although you scored high on quite a few skills and traits, there are some areas where you could improve. Overall, based on your responses, you are fairly well suited for a position in this industry.

Knowledge and operational capabilities necessary to perform tasks and projects related to the IT field.

Kinesthetic Skill (score 59) You possess some traits and abilities related to kinesthetic skill. Body-kinesthetic intelligence is Practical skills awakened through physical movement or tactile related to physicalmanipulation. People with this type of intelligence orientation. express themselves through their body, whether its in the form of interpretive dance, drama, or building things. Athletes, dancers, actors, and craftsman are examples of people with exceptional bodily-kinesthetic skill.

Visual/Spatial Skill (score 54) You possess some traits and abilities related to visualspatial skill. People who are adept in this area have the capacity to think in two and three-dimensional ways. This ability is relevant in everyday activities and problems, from space orientation to practical tasks. Visual-spatial skill is valuable for occupations that involve the manipulation of tangible objects, such as in the engineering, mechanics, technical, and design fields.

Capacity to perceive the visual world, manipulate and recreate mental images, and think in 2D and 3D ways.

Linguistic Skill (score 65) You possess quite a few traits and abilities related to linguistic skill. Individuals who excel in this area have a highly developed capacity to use words effectively in writing or in speech, as well as the ability to persuade, remember information, and explain. Authors, poets, journalists, speakers, and newscasters exhibit high degrees of linguistic intelligence.

Capacity to use words effectively in writing or in speech, as well as the ability to persuade, remember information, and explain.

Analytical Thinking (score 62)

Ability to use

Your responses indicate that your analytical intelligence logical reasoning to skills are good, but there is still a little room for identify, break improvement. Although the need for this ability down, and solve depends on the field you are interested in, it could still complex problems. be to your benefit to continue to improve in this area. The ability to think analytically can put you at an advantage in situations where you must investigate and generate solutions to common and last minute problems.

Work Style Assessment Report for: Sample Only (user name inserted) Completion: Month, Day, Year, Time (time stamp)

The following is a summarized version of your results, categorized as your Dominant, Secondary, and Minor traits/skills. Traits/Skills that play a dominant role in your life

Approval-seeking Street smarts Soft skills Traits/Skills that influence your life to some degree

Common employer pet peeves: sloppy resumes, persistent complainers, and workers who use sick leave for reasons other than illness.

Social skills Forcefulness Industriousness/Assiduity Openness to improvement Openness to change Conformity Resilience Level-headedness Compliance Trainability Steadiness Conscientiousness Integrity Adaptability Coping skills Emotional stability Creativity Open-mindedness Innovation Drive/Success orientation Calculated risk-taking Initiative Independence Leadership potential Dominance

Authoritarianism Extroversion Agreeableness Dynamism Fair-mindedness Abrasiveness Tension/Nervous energy Accident proneness Hotheadedness Generalist Specialist Technical skill Kinesthetic skill Visual/Spatial skill Linguistic skill Analytical thinking Traits/Skills that you possess to a minor degree

Need for supervision

Work Style Assessment Report for: Sample Only (user name inserted) Completion: Month, Day, Year, Time (time stamp)

General Work Style Tips

Dont put your foot in your mouth. Think before you speak! Is what you are about to say worth communicating? How would you react if someone said it to you? Blurting out the first thing that comes to mind might result in major embarrassment for you and the person you are talking to. Be prepared. Knowing what you want to say and how you will say it before approaching someone will make things go a lot more smoothly. Take the time to figure out what you really want. Pursuing something that holds no meaning or value to you is generally a waste of time. Why spend precious energy working towards something if you're only going to be unhappy when you get there? While you can't know with 100% certainty what will bring you fulfillment, the more time you spend figuring out what's important to you, the less time you'll spend on detours. In the case of career objectives, for example, take courses, talk to others, explore your interests, reflect...figure out what you are best suited for. It will be time well spent! Take a deep breath when you feel unpleasant emotions arising. A lot of disagreeable behavior arises due to a lack of emotional self-control. If you feel your anger, impatience or frustration building, take a deep breath to calm yourself instead of reacting negatively towards others. Try something new and see how it goes. A lot of people are scared to branch out and try something new and unexpected because they are worried about what might happen. Chances are, however, that if you try something new, youll be surprised at how much youll enjoy it. Give a little, get a little. Compromise is a necessity in any sphere of life. Someone who is not very compromising may experience difficulty during group decision-making. An inability to compromise can make a person seem arrogant and controlling. Remember, everything in moderation. Meeting someone halfway does not imply giving in completely, but rather suggests maturity. The next time you are in involved in a conflict situation, experiment with compromise, and

consider the results. Work on your flexibility. If you like to be the one in control, teamwork will be more difficult for you (and for those who work with you). The best results are reached when people meld different, equally good ideas to come up with an even more innovative solution. Remember that there is more than one way to solve a problem. Accept feedback from others. Take criticism without getting defensive, and provide constructive criticism in return. Flexibility and willingness to accept feedback ensures team success. Be open to change. Change is a fact of life, and must be treated as such. Rather than perceive change as disruptive and intrusive, consider a more positive angle. While change in plans can be annoying, it can also be exciting and lead to unexpected benefits. While a new co-worker can be a disruption, it can also be a chance to make a new friend! Not all change is positive, but a positive outlook will make all the difference. In a situation to which you are unable to adapt successfully, try to incorporate an element of your old situation. This will help you feel more comfortable in the unfamiliar situation. Take your time. Rushing through important tasks might save you time, but is it really worth it? If you have a lot of pressure to get things done quickly, see if you can negotiate a little extra time to polish things up. If, however, you're hurrying along because of your own procrastination, set yourself a deadline before the real deadline to complete tasks. If a project is due on the 10th, for example, give yourself until the 5th to finish it - then use that extra time to make sure everything is up to par. Set reminders. It can be difficult to keep important dates and deadlines in your head and remember each one on time. Try leaving yourself a reminder - write a note and post it on your bulletin board. Use a day planner or agenda. You can also place visual cues in your environment, like leaving a sticky note on your computer to remind you to send an email to someone. Strive to rely on yourself. While having someone to turn to for help, approval, and encouragement is great, it is also important to be able to make decisions and choices independently of the acceptance and approval of others. Increasing your independence can help boost self-confidence and self-concept. The first step toward increased independence is improved self-esteem. This adjustment can be achieved by any number of methods. Discover your hidden strengths and talents and develop your potential. Spend time with people who provide positive affirmation. Avoid perfectionism and unrealistic expectations. Make decisions for yourself in a situation where you usually defer to others. You will soon discover

the freedom of independence. Develop coping skills for difficult situations. Choose an activity that never fails to relax you and make time for it when you feel stressed out. Identify several people you can count on for either emotional or practical support and don't be shy to call them when necessary. Make a conscious effort to keep your personal and professional lives separate. With a good set of coping skills at your disposal, any stressor can be minimized. Treat stressful or upsetting situations as opportunities to practice your new coping skills. Know that being honest is in your best interest. You will get farther in life and in your career if you can be trusted to do the right thing without fail. No employer wants to play babysitter to his or her employees - they should be trusted to act in an honest manner even when they are not being supervised. Your friends and coworkers will also feel that you are someone they can trust, and your relationships will be better for it. Remember that rules are in place for a reason. Breaking even small rules can lead to major consequences for you or for others. You wont be happy if the consequences overshadow any meager benefits obtained by breaking a rule. Be prepared for negative consequences. Being prepared to deal with consequences is one of the most important aspects of responsible risk-taking. Wise risk-takers have a plan in place for every eventuality and a good idea about their chance for success. Take a step back when a task or situation overwhelms you. Getting out of the situation for just a little bit will help you relax and put things into perspective. Try breathing techniques, meditation, or simply changing to a different task to get your mind off of the difficult undertaking. Take a step back when a task or situation overwhelms you. Getting out of the situation for just a little bit will help you relax and put things into perspective. Try breathing techniques, meditation, or simply changing to a different task to get your mind off of the difficult undertaking. Remember you are not invincible. Even if you feel comfortable with risky behavior, it could catch up with you eventually. You are just as vulnerable to negative consequences as anyone. Adjust your way of thinking. Many people feel comfortable using conventional ideas and recycling solutions that have a proven track record. We go through many routine tasks flying on autopilot. We create cognitive shortcuts and automated behaviors to save time and energy. There are many positive aspects to doing things this way, but sticking to tried and proven solutions also has its

limitations. One of the main problems is that it creates barriers to creative thinking. Work on your limitations. Nothing is written in stone - you may not be a master communicator or have leadership skills, but if they are really necessary for the job you want, you can work on developing them. Seek opportunities to practice new skills, get training, observe others who have the skill and ask for feedback. Learning is a lifelong process.