7 Office Behaviors To Avoid For Career Advancement

7 Office Behaviors To Avoid For Career Advancement
Author: Tony Jacowski

When you step into your office, you are supposed to leave everything else behind and put on a professional face. Here are 7 things that you need to avoid at the work place. These will not only help you make a good impression, but will also help you advance your career.

1. Extended Breaks - One of the most annoying things for other employees or for managers and supervisors is employees taking extended breaks. So what if you have a smoking habit and you need to take a break to indulge in it? What about those who do not smoke? They are going to have a problem if you take long breaks to smoke.

Another irritation and one to be avoided is taking extended lunch breaks. More often than not, people use their lunch hour to do personal work; but if you cannot finish a task within this hour, do it on your own time. Never extend your breaks. It does not make the right impression.

2. Tardiness - Being late to work on a given day may be excused. But what is not tolerated is coming in late everyday and leaving early. This is unfair to those people who come on time and leave on time. Do not misuse work hours, unless you have a genuine reason and one that can be excused.

3. Loud Behavior - There are people around you who are trying to work. They do not need disturbances like loud talking or completely irrelevant discussions. Respect other people and their work. You are not only disturbing them by talking loudly, but you are not showing them respect.

4. Being Untidy - You need to keep your workstation clean and also the other areas such as the cafeteria and conference rooms. You wouldn't like it if someone left used tissue or scraps of food on the table in the cafeteria you usually sit at, would you? Extend the same courtesy to other people and clean up after yourself.

5. Leave Personal Issues Behind - Everyone has family and commitments, but when you come to work, you need to leave those behind. There are going to be times when an emergency arises, but those can be dealt with. If you have children or friends who need to contact you at work, try to keep this to a minimum.

Your coworkers are not going to appreciate the fact that you keep taking personal calls at work - and it is going to look like you are not paying enough attention to your job.

6. Remember That Your Words Have Consequences - You have definitely heard the saying "think before you speak". You will have to bear the consequences of the things you say. So think before you speak at all times.

7. Do Not Be Emotional - Do not express anger too vividly. This is true for younger employees who may have an ego issue. Do not let your emotions control your career moves.

Paying attention to these points will go a long way in shaping your career, and often make the difference between professional success and failure.