Skip Navigation
Do2Learn Logo
Keeping a Job
Supervisor Interactions

checklistFollowing Instructions

One of the main reasons you work is to be productive.  In order to do this, you need to follow instructions so that you are doing your job correctly and being effective.  Most likely, your supervisor will give instructions, but sometimes your co-workers will give you instructions as well. 

Your supervisor expects you to follow their instructions.  If you do not follow their instructions, several things might happen:  You might make mistakes, get in trouble, or even get fired.

Many times it is hard to remember multiple steps to instructions, especially if these steps are presented to you verbally.  That is, your supervisor may tell you to do three different tasks and expect you to remember to do all of those tasks, and maybe do them in a specific order.  

When a supervisor gives you instructions, here is what you should do:

  • icon of hand writing Write down the instructions.  Carry a small pad of paper and pencil on you so that you can write down notes or work reminders. You can use these To-Do Lists to help you stay organized. 
  • icon of person with voice bubbleAsk for clarification if you do not understand an instruction—if you do it wrong, you will have to do the task again!  Video

  • icon of readingAs you are working, you can look at these written instructions for information. 

  • icon of checkmarkSome people find it helpful to mark off as they complete each job so they do not forget anything.    Sometimes instructions are already written down for you.  In this case, keep them with you and review them while you work.  

Here is an example of a checklist for a librarian’s assistant.  In this example, the librarian asked her assistant to retrieve returned books and shelve them. Here are the steps that the assistant wrote down to help him remember them.

  1. Get books from drop off box.
  2. Scan books into computer as “returned.”
  3. Look up where books should be shelved.
  4. Shelve books.
Key Points
  • Your supervisor expects you to follow their instructions.
  • Write down instructions that are given to you verbally.
  • Ask for clarification if you do not understand an instruction.
  • Read each step as you are doing a task.
  • Cross or check off each step as it is completed.
    Print