HappyLifestyleJournal
In this economy, making mistakes at work can sometimes cost a person his or her job. Even small, unintentional mistakes can have a big impact and be grounds for termination. However, some people may be making major mistakes at work without even realizing it. Are you guilty of any of these seven bad habits that can ruin your career?
1. Gossiping
As tempted as you might be to tell a co-worker that you overheard Debbie in accounting is getting divorced, you should keep gossip to yourself at the workplace. Gossiping makes you seem untrustworthy, as it shows that you cannot be trusted to keep people’s personal secrets.
2. Complaining
“The boss gave me way too much work to do this week.” “This assignment is terrible.” “This is so boring.” Have you ever said these statements at work to anyone who would listen? If you’re truly unhappy at work, then talk to your boss about it. However, constantly complaining to others can make them question if you can handle your job.
3. Talking Badly About Yourself
Even if you make a point to only say good things about other people, do you say good things about yourself? Keep in mind that telling others all about your messy house and bad driving habits will affect the way they see you as a person. This is not to say that you can never admit your weaknesses, but make sure you keep your self-criticism to a minimum at work. Nobody wants to employ someone who could bring their bad personal habits to work.
4. Running Behind
Most people will show up late to work a few times in their lives. However, if you’re late on a regular basis, your boss may think twice about promoting you. People who are always running behind seem unreliable and are at risk of being fired.
5. Being Disorganized
Take at a look at your work area. Does it look like a hurricane blew past it? Being disorganized puts you at risk of misplacing critical documents for your job. Keep it organized in order to keep your job.
6. Not Returning E-mails and Calls Promptly
When you do not return people’s calls and e-mails in a reasonable amount of time, it makes them feel like their needs are unimportant to you. This is true of customers, employees, co-workers and bosses. Everyone wants to feel valued at the workplace, and if you take the time to make others feel appreciated, they’ll appreciate you in return.
7. Being Informal in Work E-mails
“Lol, j/k boss, idk wat to do :p.” Slang, abbreviations, emoticons and misspelled words may be trendy in texts and e-mails to friends, but they have no place at work. If your work communications are sloppy and misspelled, people will not take you seriously and will not want your business.
