Are you right for the job?
Thinking of a career as a court usher? Check out this list of skills and learn how to develop them.
You have what you need to succeed if:
- You always arrive on time for appointments and classes.
- You respect the rules when you are playing a game and don’t cheat.
- You are disciplined when it’s time to study and you don’t waste time.
To develop these skills, you can:
- Register for an activity that requires you to be disciplined and follow certain rules, such as a sports team.
- Always read and understand the directions your teachers give you before starting your work.
- Find a recipe for your favourite food and follow the directions for making it.
Ability to Interact with Others
Court ushers must be able to work with lots of different people during the course of the day and they have to be at ease in many different situations.You have what you need to succeed if:
- You know how to make friends easily.
- You adapt quickly to people from different cultures, backgrounds and ages.
- You can negotiate with friends to solve problems.
To develop these skills, you can:
- Register in an extra-curricular activity where you don’t know anyone else.
- Become a youth mediator to help other kids in your school resolve their differences.
- Get in the habit of introducing yourself first to people you don’t know and start conversations with them.
Firmness
Court ushers must sometimes ask people to leave the courtroom if they are not respecting the rules. To do this, court ushers must be confident and not back down easily.You have what you need to succeed if:
- You can defend a very controversial position during a discussion, even if all your friends disagree with you.
- You are clear with your feelings when you are not happy with certain situations, such as when someone shows up late for a meeting.
- You know how to keep control of the situation and be firm about the rules when you are babysitting.
To develop these skills, you can:
- Work with children as an assistant coach or become the referee of a sport.
- Get in the habit of staying firm in your decisions and ideas.
- Establish a budget for the next year and stick to it despite the temptation to spend, with the goal of saving and buying something you really want.
Diplomacy
Court ushers must be courteous with everyone they meet at the court including: judges, lawyers, and parties who may be feeling impatient about their cases.You have what you need to succeed if:
- You know how to give someone constructive criticism without hurting his or her feelings.
- You know how to keep sensitive information private and don't spread rumours.
- You are known for being polite to everyone.
To develop these skills, you can:
- Take an etiquette class to better understand social rules, good manners and politeness.
- Make a habit of choosing your words carefully before presenting ideas about sensitive subjects.
- Take advantage of opportunities to act as a host or hostess for school events.
