How a Young Employee Can Build Discipline in the Workplace

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In today's fast-paced world, the importance of discipline cannot be overstated when it comes to achieving your career goals.

Picture this: You show up to work daily, follow the company’s rules, and collect your paycheck like clockwork.

But deep down, something feels missing – that sense of purpose and fulfillment.

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Is this what my life will feel like for the next 40 years?! 😰

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It's time to break free from the monotony and reclaim control of your professional journey.

In this post, we'll explore the pivotal role that structure and self-discipline play in propelling your career to new heights.

From understanding company policies to defining your personal standards of professionalism, we'll provide actionable insights to help you thrive in the workplace.

So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a transformative journey towards career success! 📈

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Why Is Self-Discipline Important In The Workplace?

Self-Discipline and Its Significance

Self-discipline is like your personal GPS, guiding you toward your career destination.

It's the ability to control your impulses, stay focused on your goals, and take consistent action to achieve them.

In simple terms, it's about doing what needs to be done, even when you don't feel like it.

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In the workplace, self-discipline means showing up on time, meeting deadlines, and staying committed to your tasks, even when faced with challenges or distractions.

It's the foundation of professionalism and sets the stage for success in your career journey.

Without self-discipline, it's easy to veer off course and lose sight of your aspirations.

By cultivating this trait, you not only enhance your productivity and efficiency but also build a reputation as a reliable team member.

Explore Why Self-Discipline Is Essential

Imagine self-discipline as the key that unlocks the door to personal and career growth.

It's the essential component that separates the average from the extraordinary, the successful from the stagnant.

Without self-discipline, it's challenging to stay on track and make meaningful progress towards your goals.

In the competitive landscape of today's job market, employers value individuals who demonstrate self-discipline, as it reflects their ability to take initiative, adapt to change, and persevere in the face of adversity.

Moreover, self-discipline fosters a sense of empowerment and control over one's destiny, enabling individuals to shape their professional trajectories with intention and purpose.

In essence, self-discipline is not just a desirable trait – it's a game-changer that propels you towards greater heights of personal and career success.

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The Foundation: Company Policies

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Understanding Company Policies

Company policies are like the rules of the game in the workplace, providing a framework for behavior and expectations.

These workplace policies outline the dos and don'ts of your job, covering everything from attendance and punctuality to dress code and communication guidelines.

By familiarizing yourself with these policies, you gain clarity on what is expected of you as an employee, helping you navigate the workplace with confidence and professionalism.

Moreover, understanding company policies ensures that you operate within the boundaries of acceptable behavior, minimizing the risk of disciplinary issues and conflicts.

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Navigating the Disciplinary Process

The disciplinary process serves as a roadmap for addressing workplace issues and maintaining order, involving a series of steps like a verbal warning and performance improvement plans.

Understanding this process empowers employees to address issues before they escalate, fostering a positive work environment.

Your company policy and employee handbook provide guiding principles for effective navigation, outlining clear expectations and consequences for misconduct.

Adherence to these policies demonstrates professionalism and respect, contributing to a harmonious workplace culture.

Additionally, understanding federal laws like the FLSA and Title VII ensures fairness and procedural integrity in disciplinary actions, fostering trust and accountability

The first step to identifying performance issues is recognizing signs of poor performance or behavioral issues, such as missed deadlines or conflicts with colleagues.

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Reflect on recent habits and interactions to identify areas for improvement.

Setting clear expectations and performance standards is crucial; define specific goals, break tasks into manageable steps, and establish deadlines.

Addressing tardiness issues or minor offenses requires honesty and accountability; assess root causes and take proactive steps to address them, whether through reminders or seeking support.

Demonstrating commitment to self-discipline and growth is key to professional development.

Implementing Corrective Action

Implementing corrective actions involves adhering to a progressive discipline policy, which offers a structured approach to addressing performance issues.

Familiarize yourself with your organization's disciplinary procedure, acknowledging feedback as an opportunity for growth and committing to improvement.

Conduct any disciplinary meeting and formal review with professionalism and transparency, actively participating in discussions and taking ownership of issues.

Performance improvement plans and additional training are valuable for self-correction and skill development.

Review PIPs collaboratively with your supervisor and seize training opportunities to demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement and self-discipline.

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Defining YOUR Standard of Professionalism

Introducing the AAPC 10 Factors of Professionalism as a framework for defining personal standards of professionalism provides a roadmap for success in the workplace.

By breaking down professionalism into actionable components, individuals can tailor their approach to align with their values and goals, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.

1. Neat Appearance: Define Your Professional Style

Neat appearance goes beyond simply dressing for success; it's about defining a professional style that reflects your personality and brand.

Whether it's classic business attire, the office siren, a more casual yet polished look, or you like to keep them guessing, find clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable in your professional environment.

Pay attention to grooming and hygiene to ensure a polished appearance that leaves a positive impression on colleagues and clients alike.

2. Proper Demeanor: Cultivate Professionalism In-Person and Online

Proper demeanor encompasses the way you conduct yourself both in person and online (hide those social media accounts if you need to 👀).

Maintain a respectful and courteous attitude towards colleagues, clients, and stakeholders, fostering positive relationships built on trust and mutual respect.

In the digital age, remember that professionalism extends to your online presence as well.

Use appropriate language and tone in emails and social media interactions, and exercise caution when sharing personal opinions or information that may reflect poorly on your professional reputation.

3. Reliability: Establish Yourself as a Dependable Team Member

Reliability is the cornerstone of professionalism, demonstrating your commitment to fulfilling your obligations and meeting deadlines consistently.

Strive to be punctual and prepared for meetings and assignments, honoring your commitments and following through on promises.

By being dependable and trustworthy, you build credibility and earn the respect of your colleagues and supervisors, laying the foundation for successful collaborations and career advancement.

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4. Competence: Continuously Learn and Stay Updated in Your Field

Competence is the ability to perform your job duties effectively and efficiently, staying informed about industry trends and best practices.

Take initiative in seeking out opportunities for professional development, whether it's attending workshops, pursuing certifications, or engaging in ongoing learning through online courses or self-study.

By investing in your skills and knowledge, you position yourself as a valuable asset to your organization and demonstrate your commitment to excellence in your field.

5. Communication: Hone Your Communication Skills for Effective Collaboration

Effective communication is essential for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and achieving common goals in the workplace.

Practice active listening, empathy, and clarity in your interactions with others, ensuring that your message is understood and received as intended.

Whether it's verbal or written communication, strive for clarity, brevity, and professionalism in your exchanges, fostering a culture of open dialogue and collaboration.

6. Good Phone Etiquette: Master Professional Phone Communication

In today's digital age, mastering professional phone communication is more important than ever.

Whether it's answering calls promptly, speaking clearly and confidently, or conveying professionalism through tone and demeanor, good phone etiquette leaves a positive impression on callers and reflects well on your professionalism.

Practice active listening, take notes when necessary, and follow up promptly on any action items discussed during phone conversations, demonstrating your attentiveness and professionalism in every interaction.

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7. Poise: Maintain Composure and Professionalism Under Pressure

Maintaining poise under pressure is a hallmark of professionalism, demonstrating your ability to stay calm, composed, and focused in challenging situations.

Practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or taking short breaks when feeling overwhelmed, allowing yourself to regain perspective and approach challenges with clarity and resilience.

By demonstrating grace under pressure, you inspire confidence in your abilities and earn the respect of your peers and supervisors, even in the face of adversity.

8. Ethics: Follow Your Profession's Code of Ethics and Conduct

Ethics are the guiding principles that govern your behavior and decision-making in the workplace.

Familiarize yourself with your profession's code of ethics and conduct, adhering to principles of honesty, integrity, and fairness in all your interactions and decisions.

When faced with ethical dilemmas or conflicts of interest, seek guidance from supervisors or ethics committees, ensuring that your actions align with your organization's values and ethical standards.

By upholding ethical principles, you earn the trust and respect of your colleagues and stakeholders, fostering a culture of integrity and accountability in the workplace.

9. Organization: Implement an Aesthetic Organizational System

Organization is the key to efficiency and productivity in the workplace, allowing you to manage tasks, documents, and deadlines effectively.

Implement an organizational system that works for you, whether it's a digital calendar, task management app, or physical filing system.

Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks to stay on track and meet deadlines consistently.

By staying organized, you minimize stress and maximize productivity, demonstrating your commitment to professionalism and excellence in your work.

10. Accountability: Take Ownership of Your Actions and Responsibilities

Accountability is the willingness to take ownership of your actions and accept responsibility for your decisions and their consequences.

Be proactive in acknowledging mistakes or shortcomings, seeking feedback, and taking corrective action to address areas for improvement.

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Avoid making excuses or blaming others for your shortcomings, demonstrating integrity and professionalism in your approach to challenges and setbacks.

By holding yourself to high standards of accountability, you cultivate trust and credibility in your relationships, both professionally and personally.

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Finding Your People

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Merging Strategic Networking with Mentorship and Collaboration

Finding your people involves more than just building a network—it's about cultivating meaningful connections that support your professional growth and development.

Strategic networking entails identifying individuals who can offer guidance, mentorship, or collaboration opportunities aligned with your career goals.

By strategically nurturing these relationships, you create a valuable support system that propels you forward in your career.

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The Value of Surrounding Oneself with Supportive and Influential Individuals

Surrounding yourself with supportive and influential individuals can significantly impact your career trajectory.

These individuals serve as sources of inspiration, encouragement, and constructive feedback, helping you navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

By fostering relationships with individuals who share your values and aspirations, you create a community of allies who champion your success and contribute to your continued advancement.

How to Find Mentors, Colleagues, and Mentees to Support Your Career Growth

It’s a good idea to start finding mentors, colleagues, and mentees to support your career growth.

This search requires proactive effort and a strategic approach.

Start by identifying individuals within your industry or organization whose expertise and experience align with your professional goals.

Reach out to them through networking events, industry conferences, or professional organizations, expressing your interest in establishing a mentorship or collaboration opportunity.

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Be genuine and respectful in your approach, demonstrating your willingness to learn and contribute to mutual success.

Additionally, consider joining mentorship programs, peer groups, or online communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals and exchange insights and resources.

Remember the wisdom of the martial arts master quoted by Ryan Holiday:

"seek someone better to learn from, someone lesser to teach, and someone equal to challenge yourself against."

By embracing this philosophy, you create a dynamic network of relationships that foster growth, learning, and mutual support in your career journey

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Building Your Influence

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Embracing Servant Leadership

Embracing servant leadership is a powerful way to build influence and make a positive impact in your workplace.

This leadership philosophy emphasizes putting the needs of others first, fostering a culture of support, empowerment, and collaboration.

By prioritizing the growth and success of your team members, you earn their trust, respect, and loyalty, which in turn enhances your influence and effectiveness as a leader.

Adopting a servant leadership mindset involves actively listening to the needs and concerns of others, providing guidance and support, and empowering team members to reach their full potential.

By serving as a catalyst for growth and development, you cultivate a culture of excellence and elevate your influence within your organization.

Helping Others

Helping others is a fundamental aspect of building influence and fostering meaningful connections in the workplace.

Whether it's offering guidance, mentorship, or assistance with projects, extending a helping hand demonstrates your commitment to the success and well-being of your colleagues.

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Look for opportunities to support others in achieving their goals, whether it's through sharing your expertise, providing feedback, or advocating for their professional advancement.

By contributing to the success of others, you establish yourself as a trusted ally and resource, strengthening your influence and credibility within your team and organization.

Creating Opportunities

Creating opportunities for others is a proactive way to build influence and drive positive change in your workplace.

Look for ways to leverage your skills, resources, and network to open doors and expand possibilities for your colleagues and team members.

Whether it's recommending them for new projects or roles, connecting them with key stakeholders or mentors, or championing their ideas and initiatives, creating opportunities demonstrates your commitment to their growth and success.

By acting as a catalyst for advancement and innovation, you establish yourself as a visionary leader who inspires others to reach their full potential and drives collective success.

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Clearing the Path for Growth

Clearing the path for growth involves removing obstacles and barriers that hinder progress and development for yourself and others.

Identify challenges or roadblocks that impede productivity, collaboration, or innovation within your team or organization, and take proactive steps to address them.

Whether it's advocating for policy changes, streamlining processes, or resolving conflicts, clearing the path demonstrates your commitment to creating a supportive and conducive work environment for growth and success.

By removing barriers and fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusivity, you enhance your influence and impact within your organization, paving the way for collective growth and achievement.

An Unlikely Example

Cardi B., yes, that Cardi B., showed remarkable leadership during her 2019 GRAMMY performance.

While she won a Grammy that night, pianist Chloe Flower also captured attention.

Chloe later praised Cardi's leadership, highlighting the artist’s role in allowing Chloe to step out and command the stage.

Cardi's approach, empowering others and creating opportunities, boosted her influence through Chloe.

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View this post on Instagram

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Chloe's Instagram post, lauding Cardi, gained nearly 900K likes, showcasing Cardi's impact.

Before that, Chloe highlighted Cardi's impact on stage at Meta, the tech giant.

And before that, she reveals, she constantly shares her admiration with friends, amplifying Cardi's influence further. And so on…

To be real, Cardi's leadership isn't surprising or unlikely; many attest to her consistent support for others.

And to be extra honest, you might not always receive this kind of recognition, and that's okay.

For every person like Chloe who speaks up, there are many more Cardi B. has supported quietly.

Plus, this praise is five years after the event, showing that recognition may be happening without one knowing, may come later, or not at all.

This is a great reminder that:

True leadership isn't about seeking recognition but genuinely empowering others.

It's about the cycle of support, even if the results vary—genuine leadership speaks for itself.

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To Wrap Up…

Let's emphasize the crucial role workplace discipline plays in securing your future success.
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It's not just about avoiding pitfalls; it's about setting a high standard for yourself and your team.
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Keep a clear idea of where you're headed and maintain the right level of discipline to get there.
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Address unwanted behaviors head-on and focus on fostering a culture of correct behavior and optimal team performance.
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Remember, it's not just about the short-term gains; it's about laying the groundwork for long-term success.
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Stay committed to continuous improvement, because, in the long run, it's the best way to thrive in your career.