Break bad habits to get ahead at work

By Siew Ching Chua

Nail biting, chewing gum, talking non-stop on the phone, checking Facebook every five minutes – admit it, who doesn’t have at least one bad habit that drives the person next to them at work mad? Yet these seemingly harmless things could cost you a successful career. Adam Robert, an HR Manager who writes for bizcovering.com says: “Bad habits are the ones that we don’t notice but that usually irritate others and stunt our progress in some way, shape or form. They come so naturally that we continue doing them oblivious to the consequences.

At their worst, they can really impact relationships with others and no where is this more evident that in the workplace.”

So do yourself and your career a favour and follow these quick fix tips.

BAD HABIT: Missing deadlines

You think: “Oh, what is one day later? It is not like they need it that urgently.”

They think: “Don’t trust him. He never meets his end of the deal and is always the reason why work is back-logged.”

Why it will hurt your career: Not meeting deadlines says only one thing – unreliable. Missing a deadline once is excusable. However, being a repeat offender just says that you can’t be bothered to respect the timeline.

Break this now: The first thing to do is not view deadlines as negotiable. A deadlines is set for a reason and when it is missed it can ruin the timeline for everyone involved.

BAD HABIT: Doing everything else but work

You think: “I can do work later; let me check my personal e-mails/chat online/go shopping first.”

They think: “There he goes again – slacking off in work time.”

Why it will hurt your career: Pure laziness takes you nowhere and when it comes to your career, laziness will definitely be a bane – nobody wants to work with someone lazy.

Break this habit now: Employers like to see initiative. Not being motivated or challenged at work can turn someone into a lazy employee so identify what the problems are and get to the root of it.

BAD HABIT: Dressing inappropriately

You think: “Oh, I just bought that new Hawaiian shirt/cartoon tie. I must show it off at work.”

They think: “What is he thinking, coming to work dressed like he is going to the beach?”

Why it will hurt your career: First impressions make a difference. Dress like you mean business and you will be taken seriously, but dress for a party and the opposite will happen.

Break this habit: If you want your co-workers to take you seriously, start dressing like someone in a managerial position. Make sure you also dress for the industry – if you work in a creative company and are allowed to wear jeans do it tastefully, but if you are part of the corporate culture make sure to be smart in a suit that spells professionalism.

BAD HABIT: Burning bridges

You think: “Oh, I am not sorry we had an argument. I am never going to see them again.”

They think: “He must be bitter about something. Whatever the reason for the showdown, he is definitely not coming back here.”

Why it will hurt your career: Being a difficult person won’t help in any circumstances and the exchange of unkind words will be remembered for ever.

Break this habit now: As much as you wish to tell your boss and co-workers off, don’t. The best thing to do is keep everything to yourself; after all, you’re leaving already so why make a mess of your departure?

BAD HABIT: Gossiping

You think: “Oh, did you hear about so and so? You’ve got to hear this.”

They think: “Why can’t he stop talking about other people? Doesn’t he have work to do?”

Why it will hurt your career: Nobody likes a gossip, especially not one who talks behind everyone’s back and doesn’t work.

Break this habit now: We all indulge in gossiping once in a while but if you don’t put a stop to it, you will be known as someone who cannot be trusted.

BAD HABIT: Complaining about everything

You think: “Oh, I hate doing this work. Nobody knows what they are doing.”

They think: “There he goes again, complaining about every little thing.”

Why it will hurt your career: Being negative helps no one and people will wonder why you don’t just quit to do yourself (and them) a favour.

Break this habit now: It is normal to gripe occasionally but doing it about every task will not impress the boss. If you don’t stop, you will end up with no friends, no respect and no promotion.

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