Who
doesn’t have at least one habit that drives everyone else insane? You
might bite your nails, slurp your coffee or tap your pen incessantly.
Annoying? Yes. Serious problems? Not really.
In the office, however, some habits can go beyond annoying your co-workers; they can damage your career.
For
the sake of your career and your co-workers’ sanity, here’s a list of
bad work habits that can harm your career and how you can break them.
If you’re guilty of one (or more), it’s time to get them under control.
Bad Habit: Missing deadlines.
What you think: “If it’s only a little late, it doesn’t mean anything.”
What it really says: Your colleagues and boss can’t count on you.
What to do: Don’t view deadlines as negotiable. Remind yourself that people are
counting on you to do your job well, which includes completing tasks on
time. Even if you just barely missed the deadline and everything turned
out OK, you probably caused your teammates a lot of anxiety and extra
work, which they won’t forget.
Bad Habit: Dressing unprofessionally.
What you think: “I’m the office free spirit with a quirky sense of style!”
What it really says: You don’t take the job seriously.
What to do: You don’t have to be a boring dresser to be professional, but you
shouldn’t look like you’re about to go clubbing or strutting down a
runway. Take a cue from your co-workers to see what’s considered
acceptable in the office.
Bad Habit: Not being punctual.
What you think: “As long as I get all my work in, nobody cares.”
What it really says: You think your time is more important than everybody else’s.
What to do: Stick to the schedule. Everyone in your office would like to sleep in a
little or leave early, but they don’t because people rely on them to be
on time.
Bad Habit: Checking your e-mail, playing games, shopping.
What you think: “I’m discreet.”
What it really says: You’re not doing your job.
What to do: Keep the fun stuff to a minimum. Most employers don’t mind if you check
your e-mail every once in awhile or read your favorite blog for a few
minutes in the morning. They begin to care when you minimize that game
of Scrabulous every time they walk by your desk. You’re being paid to
work, not play.
Bad Habit: Gossiping.
What you think: “I’m just saying what I heard.”
What it really says: You can’t be trusted.
What to do: Sure, everybody gossips a little here and there, but it shouldn’t be
your livelihood. Eventually you’ll gain a reputation for not keeping
anything confidential –whether it’s a personal matter or work-related.
Plus, your chattering could end up hurting somebody’s feelings or
reputation.
Bad Habit: Being negative.
What you think: “Everybody complains.”
What it really says: You’re the person to avoid.
What to do: It’s natural to grumble about work once in awhile. If you gripe and
moan when you’re asked to do anything, however, people will not only
get annoyed, they’ll wonder why you don’t just quit. Keep in mind that
work isn’t always fun; keep the complaints to a minimum.
Bad Habit: Trying to be everybody’s best friend.
What you think: “I’m just sociable.”
What it really says: You don’t know how to set boundaries.
What to do: It’s not uncommon for friendships to develop at work, but don’t expect
it to happen with everybody. Unless you have reason to do otherwise,
treat your superiors, colleagues and subordinates like professionals,
not like drinking buddies.
Bad Habit: Burning bridges.
What you think: “I’ll never see them again.”
What it really says: You’re not a professional who thinks about the future.
What to do: As much as you dream of telling off your boss or co-workers after
you’ve handed in your resignation, restrain yourself. People change
jobs, companies merge – someone you dissed in the past may end up being
your boss down the road.
Bad Habit: Always being the funny one.
What you think: “People love me.”
What it really says: You’re really annoying.
What to do: There’s nothing wrong with being funny – most people do like a good
sense of humor. Just remember that not everybody wants to hear your
sarcastic quips and “Godfather” impersonations every five minutes.
Bad Habit: Forgetting you have neighbors.
What you think: “I’m not as annoying as they are.”
What it really says: You’re inconsiderate.
What to do: Do unto your co-workers as you’d want them to do unto you. Your
hour-long conference call on speakerphone is just as irksome to your
cube mates as theirs are to you.
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