![[photo]-5 Workplace <i>Faux Pas</i>](http://www.divine.ca/en/upload/articles/d811166124af0bda1487668586da54ad.jpg)
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1. 5 Workplace Faux Pas
Getting the corner office or that coveted promotion may be easier than you think. All it takes is hard work and a winning attitude. But certain seemingly banal behaviours may jeopardize your climb up the corporate ladder. Divine.ca has the list of top five pitfalls women must avoid in the workplace. 1. Dressing inappropriately Like it or not, physical appearance is a factor in how you are viewed as a professional. If you want to be taken seriously, you’ll need to dress the part. This means saving the flesh-baring tops and low-rise jeans for weekend outings with friends. A good idea is to dress one level higher than the position you’re currently working in. Want to be a manager? It’s time to start dressing like one. 2. Being the gossip queen or a gossip target Badmouthing a colleague behind her back? Made out with a co-worker at the last holiday party or social outing? Spreading rumours about a fellow employee or behaving in a way that may cause you to be the subject of gossip yourself are big no-nos if you want to get ahead in your job. Consider the consequences and possible setbacks of unprofessional office behaviour such as engaging in an inter-office romance, especially with your boss or a superior. Meeting your career objectives is going to be a lot easier if you’re not standing—or being the topic of the day—around the office water cooler. 3. Getting emotional Let’s face it, ladies, there’s a different set of rules out there for women who want to get ahead than there is for men. A woman who gets upset and raises her voice is perceived as being difficult. Crying in front of your colleagues, particularly your male counterparts, gives off the impression that you can’t handle pressure. We’re not saying we agree with this double-standard in the workplace, but we feel it has to be acknowledged. So keep your emotions in check at the office and cry behind closed doors and yell into a pillow. 4. Shying away from accomplishments Get noticed by your boss and upper management by speaking up about your significant work achievements. If you don’t toot your own horn, no one else will. Be proud of your accomplishments and graciously accept any compliments you receive for them. It’s also wise to document all of your work successes such as sales targets, goals you’ve met, or major accounts you’ve landed. When it comes time for your performance review and you’re looking for a raise or promotion, be prepared to fight for yourself with the facts in hand. 5. Taking things personally Remember that above all else, you are in a professional environment. Like R&B singer Monica crooned in her 1995 chart-topping hit, “Don’t take it personal, it’s just one of dem days”. So if you receive criticism or make a mistake, don’t overanalyze the issue or personalize it. Turn what you think is a negative experience into a positive one by learning from it and improving yourself professionally. |
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I don't understand the points Peanut44 is trying to make. I think what she (or maybe he?) is trying to say is this article should be a little more original, yet she's just elaborating on the same things the writer has listed.
And I think it's wrong to say that about the gossip part. People do still care about office gossip and it does reflect poorly. Not just because it's "correct office etiquette" but it's how people should live their lives--with consideration about others, yet the favourite thing to do is blab about others and the so-called "office drama."
About the article itself, I like point No. 4 and 5. I think those two things can't be stressed enough. Statistically, women are still only paid 75% of the salary that their male counterparts are making. Unfortunately, this is systemically embedded in our society. And in order for the pay scale to be levelled out, quite often, many women just need to ask. Many men, and many who don't even actually deserve it, believe they do deserve raises and will ask for them. Many women, and many who actually deserve it, believe they haven't done enough work and keep quiet. And it definitely ties into the last point about how women tend to over-analyze situations. They often over-analyze themselves right into a needless hole.
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My next position will be retirement - should I come to work in my robe and slippers?
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lol, i insist that you do!
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As a nurse, i work with mostly women (about 95%) and this seems to be the ideal environment to generate gossip and bitchyness.
As for dressing appropriately, as a nurse, i find that wearing scrubs is perhaps the most oppressive and unprofessional thing we could be wearing, i don't see how scrubs could ever be mistaken for professional attire.
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Can anyone please tell me HOW to accomplish keeping the emotions at the door when one is such an emotional person... I know my job is at jeopardy becuase of it - and honestly would like nothing more than to just hole up and NOT work for the rest of my days.. so as not to embarass myself, family, friends, employers etc any further... I can't seem to stop the tears when they want to start and with a bad case of anxiety to add to it... BLAH! Seems unfair to have to pop a nerve pill and become 'dummified' on any given day. I've tried counting to 10 of course, thinking of better days, places and things..but like I said when 'the waterfall' is in the works - there seems no way to stop myself... any and all help would be greatly appreciated!!
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Hi amlive769, thank you for sharing your experience with us. I am wondering if you have considered talking to a therapist or life coach regarding your anxieties? It may be a good idea to do so especially if you say that your lack of emotional stability is causing your employment to be at stake. Check with your HR dept or look into your company benefits plan to see if your workplace has an EAP (Employee Assistance Program). Many EAPs include reimbursement for the partial or total cost of certified psychotherapy services. Best of luck to you and I sincerely hope you are able to conquer this issue.
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Anyone have any other tips on Workplace Faux Pas? What;s your advice on what not to do in the workplace?
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same points above that everyone knows of and taking into
account no one is perfect.
As far as critisism let it go it does not belong to you and you
are the judge of yourself. People these days like to nick pick
and criticize for everything, ignore it completely from experience.
Talk about yourself and your accomplishments it is an honor
at all times.
As for clothing do the best you can and it is wise to purchase
at a reasonable cost. For the wealthier they buy what they want
to wear. In Quebec us girls in to office wore mini skirts and
tops of our choice. It was not an issue like in the English culture.
French culture is open and they don't make drama but know
how to live life!!
Gossip not too many people care like who cares!! That type
of thinking is gone maybe remains with the traditional types.
Modern women couldn't care less.
Emotional well many of us are trained to be objective but
there is usually one emotional around. I haven't seen anyone
who hasn't lost it!!
Please yourself your not here to please others and be yourself.
Remember too that in this day and age STAND UP FOR YOURSELF!!
Get educated about your Rights only.
Cheerios Amigos Enjoy your Life!!!