What characteristics should no social worker be without?
Patience is an obvious one, as is compassion. I think another important quality is the ability to decide. Sometimes, the line between good and bad is blurred…do you take a child away from the family or leave him/her? Will he/she die as a result? Things like that are known to happen, every so often. So conscience is also required. Know when something is your fault, versus something that was uncontrollable. You can’t take back your decisions, but you can use your knowledge towards the future. Intelligence, intuition, and integrity are indispensable. Follow your gut, take chances, make mistakes, and don’t give up on your values (although you should allow them to be changed). Trustworthiness is admirable in social work. If someone can trust you, he/she will not fight your decisions, but understand that you have the proper information and presence of mind to make the right choice best. Hope I helped a little…
