C&T Scene: The quality of your work is important

You feel it when a team member doesn’t perform quality work. If the work needs to be checked, you may hesitate to ask for assistance when you need a hand. Customers or colleagues may avoid a team member they cannot rely on to produce quality work.  You probably know what it feels like when a team member does not perform excellently, but why is it important that you do so? Well, quality work gets noticed.  It is a signal to your manager that you can effectively manage your work, which may open opportunities in line with career goals.  

Demonstrating quality work is a way for you to show your commitment to your work and to others.  It can help to promote stronger relationships with your colleagues. In essence, the quality of your work represents your work ethic and enthusiasm towards supporting the goals and mission of your department, and with that, the university as a whole.

Work quality matters, but what does excellent work look like?

Defining excellent work
Excellent work is work that is accurate and completed in a timely manner. It shows an ability to communicate effectively and prioritize assignments, based on importance, in an organized fashion. If you consistently submit work that needs corrections, you may not be considered someone who can produce excellent work. On the other hand, staff members whose work consistently keeps to a high standard reflect such characteristics as professionalism, a strong work ethic, initiative, confidence, and a positive attitude.  

Quality work is…

• Completed on time or before it is due.
• Submitted free from spelling and grammatical errors.
• Contains facts that are accurate and links that are correct and work.
• Shows soft skills like professionalism. Avoiding office gossip or speaking disparagingly about others is an example of professionalism and quality work performance.

Ways to improve the quality of your work

• Ask questions before starting a project to make sure you understand what is needed.
• Manage your schedule wisely to complete assignments on time.  
  –Pace yourself.  Set objectives and clear milestones to pace your work and reach your goal.
• Get organized!  
  —Organize, plan, and prioritize your work to help you manage your workload.
  —Schedule time to do more complex tasks when you are most focused and have less interruptions.
• Check your work before it is submitted. Spelling and grammar are correct?  
  —If you allow time to double check your work, you will avoid mistakes that are made when you rush to meet a deadline.
• Take time to learn about new tools like Microsoft Cortana, which help manage your time.  
• Keep your manager in the loop about the progress of your assignments.  
  —Don’t be afraid to ask for help and share what you are struggling with.  
• Maintain consistency in performing your work well.
  —If you find an area in which you need improvement, skill up or seek assistance.

Delivering quality work consistently does matter!  What will you do to improve yours? To learn skills that will help you produce quality work, check out the links below:

How to Slow Down and be More Productive
Introduction to Cortana