The Bob Pritchard Column
There's more than enough advice out there about what you should do when you land a job and want to jumpstart a successful career: Show up on time, do what you say you'll do, and be curious among them.
But what is on the list of things you definitely should not do? Kate Kastenbaum, seasoned HR Director defined six things you should never do on the job:
1. Never hold a grudge
If someone wronged you and you hold a grudge towards them, you tend to avoid them making you less productive. Deal with your issue face to face. Put personal feelings aside and focus on the work: You have to be willing to work with everyone. People want to work with a team player. Avoiding the problem shows a lack of maturity and difficulty handling challenging situations.
2. Don't avoid your boss
If you're more inclined to be open and honest with your peers, that's a mistake. Open and honest communication with your manager is vital. If you have an issue and don't bring it up right away, you're not using your manager for what they're there for, which is to help you navigate problems and guide you to the answer."
3. Don't ask your coworkers for drugs
Don't let feelings of closeness blur the professional boundaries that must always be present when working with managers, coworkers, and clients. Don't get drunk, abuse drugs, or abuse the situation you're in because the truth will come out and your career and work relationships will pay the price."
4. Never say "You're wrong!"
There's never an appropriate time to flat out tell a manager, coworker, or customer they are wrong. As you work through the solution you can clarify or help them realize where the error is, but if you start the conversation off with an accusation you won't get very far in the discussion."
5. Never make a habit of being arrogant or disrespectful
While even the most well-intentioned among us can have a bad day and be too short or too egotistical with a coworker or boss, it's in your best interest not to do it. No matter how prestigious your background or important your project, you'll build much better relationships if you show respect and humility in your interactions with others. Frankly, if you can't get along with the janitor, then you won't get along with the CEO either."
6. Don't leave your personal career development to your boss
If you don't initiate the conversations about what you want to learn or where you want to go in your career, they may never happen. Sometimes what not to do is just as important as what to do. Don’t make any of these mistakes in your own career.
Simple, but very wise.