Internship Learning Objectives

Objective One: To focus on important work-related detail to improve job performance.

Learning to focus on relative details, will allow my co-workers to be able to rely on my abilities and handle situations more effectively. In most cases, being a new employee means starting at the bottom of the totem pole. This usually takes basic competence and focusing on relevant detail to effectively do a job. Not missing important information will create an environment of trust in skills needed to complete basic tasks. Therefore, creating a strong foundation to build upon.

I expect to grow this skill several was. One, is by actively listening and coming to a stong understanding of what is being requested or asked of me. Second, is to take notes and write things down. I will expand upon this further in the following objectives. Thirdly, I plan to study materials outside of the workplace. I was studying materials but as a full-time student it has been difficult getting ahead of my assignments. Recently, my general manager has accommodated this with more time off to increase my efficiency.

Objective Two: To be professional when speaking with customers and utilizing effective and concise communication.

Working the phones is an intricate part of Fastenal. Important people and information are conveyed over the telephone. The phone system as well as the walk-in customers are the front lines of the company. Time is money and these clients have to be dealt with quickly and professionally. Professional language builds reliability and confidence in the capabilities of employees.

I am taking a particle approach to dealing with these objectives. When I answer phone calls and have large requests that require me to look things up or generate quotes. I will ask for a number to call back clients with needed information. In addition, I have discovered that when I talk quickly while focusing on information displayed on the computer screen unprofessional slang will slip out. Lastly, I will collect my thoughts before responding and making outgoing phone calls.

Objective Three: To have clear and open communication on requested what I need to be successful on the job.

Having open dialog can be more difficult than it sounds. This is due to several reasons. Firstly, I want to be accommodating to others as a new employee. I wish to get along with my co-workers and therefore, if I receive bad advice from one I tend to take the rap. However, technically I should know better, even as the new guy. Utilizing the previously mentioned techniques should hopefully make me a more competent employee that will not have to rely on others for jobs I should already know how to complete.

Secondly, looking people in the eye and being confident in abilities shows readiness to take on jobs and takes. Thirdly, when some work environments are uncomfortable because mistakes are not tolerated or never fail to be met with harsh verbal admonishment. Avoidance or disinterest tend to occur in employees according to “Communicating at Work”. By Dr. Ronald Adler. I plan to make sure this does not happen. I will be more vigilant in the future to grow my skills and abilities every day I come to work.

Objective Four: To minimize mistakes and increase confidence in my superiors.

Decreasing mistakes takes a large amount of pressure off management and superiors. These employees could be investing their time in more important or complex issues instead of dealing with employees. This is true for Fastenal where clients that hold accounts need face to face time and respect with them. In order for this to be accomplished, the general manager and sales representatives much be able to leave the store and employees must have the skills to direct and manage themselves.

Mistakes should be avoided at all costs but, anything in my power that can be done to help avoid them should be requested. Working hard is important, but minimizing carless mistakes is more important. Therefore, I plan to emphasize working smart. By this I mean to focus on completing tasks correctly and to the best of my abilities juxtaposed with completing more projects quickly and risk encountering any mistakes. The company loses time and money when mistakes occur. Consequently, they must be kept to a minimum with zero repeats.

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