I work in construction as a carpenter and remodeler. Some steps that have helped me to be more effective in my work and enjoy my work are the following:

- Pray for help, guidance. Never underestimate the power of prayer in your work. I've had many an impossible situation remedied through prayer.- Be cheerful. Always try to be cheerful in the work place. Be the one to set the tone where you work.

- Live the golden rule. Treat others with respect and kindness as you would want to be treated yourself.

- Try not to judge. If someone has treated you badly, don't judge. You don't know what kind of morning they've had or what kind of personal problems they may be dealing with. Be patient.

- Go the extra mile. I always try to give my clients a little more than what they've paid for.

- Be honest. Always tell the truth. Be honest in all your dealings.

- Do your best in your work. Don't take shortcuts.

- Keep learning. I try to stay up on new methods and techniques through trade magazines and shop talk with others in the same field.

- Have a sense of humor. I try to keep a sense of humor. It relieves stress. Look at the lighter side of difficult situations; they usually pass and tomorrow is a new day.

Through doing these things, I enjoy my work much more, and I'm rewarded by what I accomplish each day and the relationships I've built with fellow workers. - Brad W Stevens, Layton, Utah

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What we did:

Love what you do

If we like or love what we are doing, naturally we will strengthen ourselves to do our best, always looking for ways to improve. Just like missionary work, the successful missionaries love what they are doing and have pure motives. (See D&C 18:19.) - Elder Benjamin E. Nolan, Argentina Rosario Mission

Scriptures give guidance

Since I began to treat my job as a service project - "that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17.) - things have been going a lot smoother for me at work.

Also, it is comforting to know that when difficulties or controversies arise, "I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." (1 Ne. 3:7.)

It helps to pray. "Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good." (Alma 37:37.) - Marianne McDonald, Flower Mound, Texas

Learn by faith, study

The following have been of help to me in my profession as a physician:

- Learn by faith. All truths, medical and otherwise, belong to the gospel.

- Learn by study. Purity, worthiness and good intents alone do not make competent physicians. I strive to make myself capable by staying informed of the recent developments in my field of expertise.

- Gain experience. It is through doing, that the revelations of God, falling upon a prepared mind, find their way in blessing the sick.

- Stay connected. I adhere faithfully to personal and daily scripture study and prayers.

- Express gratitude. In addition to the Lord, my professional colleagues, my patients and my family contribute tremendously to my education, my learning and my competency. Hence, I strive to remember to give thanks.

- Remember that my profession is part of my mission. There is no schism between what God sent me here to do for Him and what He sent me here to do for my brothers and sisters the world over. - Ali K. Choucair, Marshfield, Wis.

Christ's example

It's very important for me as a supervisor to follow Christ's example and be a servant-leader. Time after time in the scriptures, Jesus took the time to teach, to testify and to train those who were His followers. His greatest teaching method was to lead by example.

Empowerment is a trendy buzz word today, but that is what Christ did with Peter, and with His other disciples as well. - Larry Beck, Tigard, Ore.

Most wanted

I work with students and employers in vocational-technical programs. Over the years, I've developed a list of the 10 most wanted employee traits.

Wanted, the person who:

- Knows how to learn and never stops learning.

- Knows how to work and without constant supervision.

- Communicates effectively with others.

- Understands leadership and team work.

- Takes responsibility and follows through with assignments.

- Sees opportunity in opposition and change.

- Resists inaction despite the "what ifs" and the "should haves."

- Possesses solid skills in reading, writing and math.

- Applies knowledge to creative problem solving.

- Develops an awareness of surroundings and other people. - Rick Parker, division director, College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, Idaho

Guiding principles

The following guiding principles have been the foundation of my supervision:

- Show patience and genuine caring for those I work with.

- Communicate clearly, listen with understanding, and constantly try to focus on "win-win" solutions to problems.

- Value the opinions and ideas of others.

- Focus my time and energy on things I can do something about and worry about only one thing at a time, if I worry at all.

- Be positive and proactive.

- Try to handle crises and trivial matters quickly so that I can do more long-range planning, relationship building and developing new products or services.

- Drive out fear and insecurity by helping others learn to anticipate changing skills requirements and then develop confidence in their abilities to learn new skills.

- Always give my best efforts to my customers and define "quality work" in terms of their satisfaction.

- Reward common-sense solutions to real problems, not busy work; smart work, not long hours; quiet effective behavior, not hyperactive wheel-spinning.

- Deeply believe that good work will always be recognized and rewarded.

- Manage without manipulation. Direct without destroying. Be intense without intimidation. - Dennis Stokes, Oxnard, Calif.

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How to checklist:

1 Incorporate gospel principles; seek Lord's help.

2 Give best efforts; go extra mile; be honest in dealings.

3 Never stop learning; develop leadership, teamwork skills.

4 Be respectful, kind with others; be helpful; be patient.

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WRITE TO US:

Feb. 10 "How to help young men honor the priesthood."

Feb. 17 "How to help children overcome shyness."

Feb. 24 "How to be an active contributing member of your community."

March 2 "How to make your home safe for children, other loved ones."

March 9 "How to help young people refrain from gambling."

March 16 "How to have a feeling of wholeness in the home although yours is a single-parent family."

Had any good experiences or practical success in any of the above subjects? Share them with our readers in about 100-150 words. Write the "How-to" editor, Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110, send fax to (801) 237-2121 or use internet E-mail: Churchnews@desnews.com. Please include a name and phone number. Contributions may be edited or excerpted and will not be returned. Due to limited space, some contributions may not be used; those used should not be regarded as official Church doctrine or policy. Material must be received at least 12 days before publication date.