​Q1: I know what is expected of me at work.

Knowing what's expected means that you are clear about what you need to do and when you need to do it. You gain a better understanding of your contributions to your team and the valuable role you play in the organization when you have clarity of your job expectations.

Things to consider when responding to this question:

  • Do you know what your job responsibilities are?
  • Have you discussed with your manager what is expected of you?
  • Do you know what excellence looks like in your job?
  • Do you get ongoing feedback from your manager to clarify expectations?
  • Are there established goals and objectives defined between you and your manager? 

Q2: I Have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right.

It is important to have the necessary resources to do your job effectively. For this reason, you should know and discuss with your manager the types of materials and equipment available to you in your role.

Things to consider when responding to this question:

  • Do you have access to tools and equipment (e.g. computer) you need to be successful?
  • Do you have access to software systems and applications that help you perform effectively? 
  • Have you discussed with your manager the tools and information you need to perform your job effectively?
  • Do you have regular opportunities to follow up with your manager regarding your resource needs?  

Q3: At work, I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day.

Knowing what you do best and having an opportunity to do your best every day means applying your talent, skills and knowledge to the work you do. You are empowered and act with confidence, direction, and hope when given an opportunity to perform at your best.
 
Things to consider when responding to this question:

  • Do you know what part of your job you enjoy the most? 
  • Do you know your strengths?
  • Have you discussed with your manager what you would like to do more of in your role?
  • Do you receive feedback and guidance from your manager to identify specific ways to apply your talents to workplace performance?
  • Do you know what distracts you from being as productive as you want to be?

Q4: In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work.

Receiving recognition for doing good work has a significant effect on your performance. Recognition comes in lots of forms - verbal, email message, written notes, during meetings, etc. It can also come from different people - manager, co-worker, subordinate, customer, etc. It can motivate, give you a sense of accomplishment, make you feel appreciated for your work, and help you understand what success looks like.

Things to consider when responding to this question:

  • How do you like to receive recognition for doing good work?
  • Do you know what type of recognition motivates you?
  • Do you know who your biggest cheerleaders are at work and who helps you believe in your success?
  • Do you recognize your coworkers for doing good work?
  • Do you spend enough time celebrating successes at work as a team?

Q5: My supervisor, or someone at work, seems to care about me as a person.

Knowing that someone is concerned about you as a person creates a supportive and safe work environment. You will find it easier to collaborate with others, experiment with new ideas, share information, and support coworkers personally and professionally.
 
Things to consider when responding to this question:

  • Do you know what you need to feel safe and cared about at work?
  • Do you know who cares most about your success at work?
  • Have you talked with your manager about ways you can feel better understood and appreciated?
  • Do you express appreciation for your coworkers' help, collaboration and contributions?
  • Have you discussed as a team ideas for fostering a caring work environment?

Q6: There is someone at work who encourages my development.

Knowing who encourages and supports your performance will help you successfully navigate your career. For this reason, you should identify a supportive coworker or manager who provides coaching, advice, or mentoring to help you learn, develop, and maximize your contributions.

Things to consider when responding to this question:

  • How do you challenge yourself to learn and develop in your role?
  • Do you know which development opportunities you want to pursue to help you achieve your goals?
  • Have you discussed with your manager your performance goals and opportunities for development?
  • Do you ask for feedback on your performance?
  • Do you celebrate your personal best with people who encourage your development?

Q7: At work, my opinions seem to count.

Feeling valued at work comes from knowing that your input is important and that you are making a significant contribution and difference. You will feel a greater sense of inclusion and self-worth when others take time to listen to and understand your thoughts and ideas.
 
Things to consider when responding to this question:

  • Do you know what makes you feel valued at work?
  • Do you share your opinions with your manager?
  • Have you determined who the best person is to listen to your thoughts and opinions?
  • Are you open to feedback after you share ideas or opinions?
  • Do you contribute to a safe work environment by demonstrating appreciation when others share their opinion?

Q8: The mission or purpose of my company makes me feel my job is important.

Meaningful work that you believe in and look forward to doing every day is a strong motivator. You will feel a connection between the work you do and your personal mission. This makes you more likely to stay with the institution and feel like you are an integral part of something bigger then yourself.

Things to consider when responding to this question:

  • Do you understand your institution's mission and purpose?
  • Do you know what is most meaningful to you about the work you do?
  • Have you identified how you contribute to your team's success each day?
  • Have you talked to your manager about how your work contributes to the mission?
  • Have customers, co-workers or your supervisor told you that you make a difference?

Q09. My associates or fellow employees are committed to doing quality work.

Knowing that your coworkers share a commitment to quality creates an environment where there is mutual trust and respect for one another's efforts and results. When everyone is pitching in to get the job done, this makes it easier to focus on serving customers, sharing concerns, collaborating on projects, and improving productivity.

Things to consider when responding to this question:

  • Do you know what “quality” means to you?
  • Have you discussed as a team what “quality” and “commitment to quality” look like?
  • Have you identified barriers that could get in your or your team's way of doing quality work?
  • Do you recognize when team members demonstrate a commitment to excellence?
  • Have you talked to your manager about ways you can help your team produce higher quality work?

Q10. I have a best friend at work.

Having valuable, respectful and trusted friendships on the job helps you feel that you have someone who supports you and looks out for you. Making decisions, taking risks, and being more productive is easier when you have a friend or colleague to help you celebrate successes, lean on during challenging times, and offer encouragement.

Things to consider when responding to this question:

  • How are you building trusting relationships at work?
  • Do you know which team members you can count on and trust?
  • Have you identified how your relationships affect your performance at work?
  • How do you connect with coworkers on a personal level?
  • Have you discussed as a team how you can create a positive and supportive work environment?

Q11. In the last six months, someone at work has talked to me about my progress.

Asking for and receiving feedback will help you gain perspective on how your contributions make a difference to the institution. When other's share honest, positive and constructive performance feedback, you will understand how you are doing, how others perceive the quality of your work, and how best to achieve your goals.

Things to consider when responding to this question:

  • Have you set short- and long-term goals for yourself?
  • Do you have a system to track and evaluate your performance?
  • Do you know what areas you have made the most progress in over the past three months?
  • Do you ask for feedback from your coworkers and manager?
  • Have you talked with your manager about how you would like to receive feedback about your performance and work progress?

Q12. This last year, I have had opportunities to learn and grow.

The desire to learn and grow is basic human need. In addition, an organization's growth depends on its employees' capacity to learn, develop, and grow. When you have a chance to learn something new, you feel encouraged and motivated to strive to find better, more productive ways to work. This type of environment sparks innovation and positive results. It is also one in which you view yourself employed in a career, not “just a job.”

Things to consider when responding to this question:

  • Do you know what you need to learn to do your job better?
  • Do you have an individualized professional development plan that aligns with your career goals?
  • Have you identified experiences and “stretch goals” that will challenge you this year?
  • Does your manager know your goals?
  • Have you talked with your manager about new opportunities for development at work?