The Office is a place where people, by virtue of shared goals and purposes, are required to exist in close proximity to one another and, for the gathering to be effective, certain basic principles of etiquette and professionalism need to be upheld. Going against these norms will cast you in a negative light, very possibly hurting your prospects and opportunities.
That being said, here is a list of ten habits you should steer clear of in order to maintain an air of professionalism:
1. Tardiness
Few things will mark you out for negative attention in the workplace like showing up late. It shows a lack of respect for the work being done as well as for the people you’re working with.
2. Not taking advice
They say the only stupid question is the one left unasked. What impresses people about asking questions is that it demonstrates a willingness to take direction and advice; the inverse, it so follows, holds true.
3. Disorganization
If you spend inordinate amounts of time on your feet- looking for a misplaced file, a missing stapler, or whatever it is, the impression you give is doing you no favours. Get organized!
4. Poor self-expression
You may have the most brilliant idea or suggestion in the companyâs history on the tip of your tongue, but, if you canât communicate it clearly you just come off as a know-it-all with nothing solid to contribute to the discussion.
5. Over-promising and Under-delivering
âDonât worry, Iâll have it done by Mondayâ, you said. When you commit yourself to meeting a certain goal or target, failure to do so paints you in a very negative light- as someone whoâs incompetent and unlucky enough not to know it.
6. Inappropriate dressing
Nowadays, most office settings maintain a somewhat relaxed dress code, but thatâs really no reason to show up on Monday morning looking like youâre all set for a barbeque!
7. Poor Hygiene and grooming
That moustache youâve become attached to may be a big hit with the ladies, but before you get into the boardroom, it may be a good idea to ditch it.
8. Selling stuff
Looking to make some extra cash, huh? Hereâs a tip for free: Keep it out of the office. Nobody likes it.
9. Personal calls
Okay, we get it- you lead a full, busy life- but do everyone around you a favour and, at least, pretend to have your mind in the office; theyâll appreciate it.
10. Calling in sick every so often
What many people seem oblivious to when it comes to calling in sick at the office is that 99% of the time, everyone will know youâre faking it, doing nothing for your credibility. Trust me, it counts come promotion season.
