It’s happened to most everyone at some time or another: an inappropriate comment overhead by the wrong person or a mistimed joke that falls flat. Sometimes workers do or say things because they are not thinking about the affect on themselves or others.
Small blunders are easily forgiven and forgotten. The affect on others may last a long time. That is why it is important for employees to know what kind of messages they are sending to make sure they are professional and appropriate.
Being Overly Confident
Confidence in oneself is important. However, being overconfident can become annoying. People who feel they are indispensable or irreplaceable have a false sense of their own worth. Being the first to arrive and the last to leave, never taking a vacation or taking one and then constantly checking in with the staff indicates a person who has an inflated sense of his own value. Either that or he's done a terrible job of training his team.
On the other hand, someone who requires constant reassurance about her abilities and performance can be equally annoying. It is important for employees to have a healthy sense of self and to know what their strengths (and ultimately weaknesses) are and then use them to their best advantage.
Acting overly confident or totally insecure are both sure fire ways of gaining a bad reputation around the office and damaging a career.
Thinking Negative Thoughts
Most people enjoy being around those that are upbeat and positive. So employees who are negative all the time can be a real drain. Being the naysayer, saying something is impossible to do or is never going to happen, can turn a worker into a pariah. Even things said in jest – especially repeated negative jokes or sarcasm – can have a negative impact.
Instead, when negative thoughts come to mind, don't blurt them out; take time and think them through. Unless they will avert a catastrophe, they might be better left unsaid.
Neglecting to Learn
Because of the ever-changing world, it is important for employees to stay ahead of new trends, current events and updated technology or techniques.
This means taking classes at the local university, community college or technical school; taking employer-sponsored or employer-taught training and development courses; reading industry publications; finding a mentor or doing whatever it takes to be in the know.
Unfulfilled Promises
Because results are as important as effort, it is important for employees to select projects they are capable of completing and then plan their time accordingly to meet goals and deadlines. There is nothing worse than depending on a coworker only to have him fail to fulfill his commitment. Workers who don’t carry their weight or who fail to deliver as promised can quickly loose credibility in the eyes of their supervisor and their team mates.
Lack of Teamwork
Most workers have heard it: there is no ‘I’ in team. Trying to be a solo act can quickly kill a career. It is vital that employees learn to get along even with co-workers they dislike. Working with others does not require employees to become best friends or to bring co-workers home to meet the family. It means being cooperative. It also means sharing the glory. When it really is a team effort, be sure to give credit where credit is due.
Building a career is all about the consequences of actions. Don’t ruin a budding career by behaving inappropriately.
