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.