By Ebony Perkins, on August 13, 2012

Who knew that one person could grow so much in just ten weeks!!! My professional work experience has taught me a lot both professionally and personally, and I look forward to applying the lessons I learned to my classroom experience and career.  I learned much about leadership, relationships, and professional courtesy among an array of other lessons.  Although I’ve learned much more, below I have listed my top nine lessons from my professional work experience:

1. Invest in your employees. Allow your employees to partake in educational opportunities.  It will expose them to more, making them happier and more valuable assets to your organization. It’s a win-win situation!
2. Always express your gratitude to your employees and those you work with. Every person wants to know he is contributing something to the welfare of his organization. Each employee needs to know his hard work is not in vain, but appreciated.  This adds to overall employee morale.
3. Be kind and show an interest in the lives of the people that you work for, work with, and work for you.  You spend 40 hours each week at work, totaling nearly 24% of the entire week’s time.  Because you share so much time with your co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates, show an interest in their lives and welfare.
4. Always aim to work on you.  No matter your position, title, or length of employment, there is always room for professional and personal improvement.  Human perfection is a myth!
5. Have other people’s interests and welfare at heart.  Your primary concern should not always be the bottom line.  Concern yourself with the welfare of others. Labor is the most important resource for any organization; therefore, treat employees and their interests as if they are of extreme importance.
6. Always respond to calls and e-mails! Even if you are just saying thank you, remember responding to calls and e-mails is a reflection of your professionalism, commitment, and good-nature.
7. Start how you plan to finish.  At the very beginning of your career, outline your expectations and what you are willing to give.  Only start the race strong if you are planning to end it as such.  Whatever your plan of action, make sure you give all of yourself from the beginning to the end.
8. Know your worth and accept nothing less. Every person can contribute something great to an organization. Always aim to use your talents for the betterment of that group.  If you are unable to use your talents and the organization does not recognize your worth, reconsider whether this is a good match.
9. Love yourself enough to know when you’ve done all you can and enough is enough.  Every organization may not be the “perfect fit”.  Always fulfill your commitment, but if it is not a good match accept that another organization might be a better fit.

The excellent leadership team at Palmetto Health led by example and served as stellar role models.  This summer, although challenging, was truly rewarding because I learned many lessons that I am sure will aid me as I travel along my professional journey.  I hope my professional work experience this summer will also help you.  Please use my experiences and lessons learned as you move forward and help the great citizens of North Carolina, the United States of America, and the world!