5 Questions that Can Help You Evaluate Your Nanny Work Ethic

A nanny’s work ethic tells a lot about how she views her career, her job, her responsibilities, herself and others. It should not be surprising that nannies with strong work ethics tend to succeed in their careers. Nannies with strong work ethics take pride in doing their job well, value what they do, have a sense of purpose, and always desire to do the right thing in any given situation. Nannies who have strong work ethics are also very valuable to the families who employ them.

As you consider your work ethic, ask yourself these five questions:

How’s your attitude?

Do you have a positive attitude? Each day, are you ready to give your best and do your best? Do you view your job as important? Do you consider yourself to be a team player? Do you feel like your contributions allow your employers to experience success? Does what you do matter? Do you matter?

Nannies with a strong work ethic have a positive, can do attitude. They believe their work is valuable and important, and they feel good when they contribute to the success of the children in their care and to the parents for whom they work.

How’s your behavior?

Do you go out of your way to help your employers? Do you go above and beyond the call of duty? Do you show up ten minutes early for work or do you walk in the door as your shift is supposed to start? Do you fold all the children’s clothing, or just the top few pieces the parents will see when they open a drawer?

Nannies with a strong work ethic do things right. They see every opportunity as an opportunity to do their job well. When given the choice of doing things well enough to get by or doing them with excellence, nannies with a strong work ethic always choose to do things with excellence.

How’s your character?

Do you talk about your employer’s behind their backs? Do you divulge personal information that you really shouldn’t? Do you keep accurate records for petty cash? Do you run personal errands while on the clock without permission? Do you text and make personal calls throughout the day?

Nannies with a strong work ethic consider honesty, integrity, and accountability of the utmost importance. They are always cautious with handling sensitive information, their employer’s time and their resources. Nannies with a strong work ethic have strong character. Character that their employers want emulated in their children.

How’s your humility?

Do you consider some of the tasks you are asked to do beneath you? Do you place the needs of the children in your care above your own? Do you think some of the things you have to do are demeaning? Is your ego in check? Do you share the successes of the children with the parents, or do you claim them for your own? Do you say “We potty trained him” or do you say “I potty trained him?”

Nannies with a strong work ethic put the needs of the children in their care before their own. They do whatever it takes meet the children’s needs, from changing diapers to cleaning up after a sick child, and always in a respectful way. Nannies with a strong work ethic take pride in themselves and in their work, but are not arrogant or boastful about their accomplishments. They are willing to share the success with all of the people who contributed to it and allow the parents to shine, perhaps even when they should shine brighter.

How’s your treatment of others?

Do you follow the golden rule? Do you treat the children with care and compassion? Do you treat your employers with respect? Do you treat other household help with respect? Do you care for the children the same way when the parents are watching and when they are not?

Nannies with a strong work ethic strive to treat others how they would like to be treated. They consider the thoughts and feelings of others and desire to create healthy relationships based on mutual concern and respect. They always treat people the same way, regardless of who is watching.

As you ponder these questions, use your responses to evaluate your work ethic. If there are areas where your work ethic could be improved, make a commitment and conscious effort to strengthen it. If you have a great work ethic already, enjoy the benefits that come along with having one and look for ways you can continue to strengthen it.

Nannies with strong work ethics are invaluable to the families for whom they work. They are always in high demand and once a family secures a nanny with a strong work ethic, they don’t want to let her go. As you consider how you approach your nanny job, consider your work ethic. Strengthen it in areas you need to do. When you do, you’ll be on your way to being the best nanny you can be.

Taken From Find a Nanny