Succeeding in the business world obviously takes skill. You have to be good at your job in order to advance in your field, however, one of the less obvious ways to move up in the office is by demonstrating appropriate behavior.
Being the best at your job does not, by any means, make you the best employee. It is by behaving in ways that exemplify particular company ideals that can help you impress those in charge and make you successful.
As a way to help you succeed in the workplace, William Hill, the Assistant Dean of Career Services here at the University, has provided a few things to keep in mind while working in the office. Although there may be other guidelines and rules that are synonymous with certain companies and offices, the following tips are general enough to be used anywhere:
1.) Avoid using the Internet for personal reasons. This includes, “Using your company email address for social use, checking Facebook while working, and sending or receiving improper or inappropriate messages, photos or other information on company computers,” said Hill. Don’t give in to the temptation to tweet about how you can’t wait for the weekend or post a picture on Instagram of the view from your window during your working hours. Save it for your lunch break.
2.) Dress appropriately. According to Hill, “Dressing poorly on the job, sloppiness and general lack of hygiene,” are a big no-no in the business world. It’s important to make a good impression, and one of the easiest ways to do that is by dressing nicely. When on the job, be sure to wear clothes that are relevant to your working environment and not your usual weekend social scene.
3.) Don’t engage in office gossip. It’s easy to get caught up in the rumor mill, especially when one of your co-workers does something that makes your skin crawl. Do your best to refrain from participating in the petty gossip that will eventually begin to circulate around your office. This also refers to “Off-color, sexist or racist jokes,” Hill further explained. Trying to make your co-workers laugh is one thing but to do so at the expense of someone else in the office is another. Next time you’re engaged in water cooler talk, be cautious of your choice of words.
4.) Avoid engaging in any kind of sexual harassment. This one is self-explanatory. Sexual harassment is no joke, and it is something that is taken very seriously in today’s society. Not only can inappropriate touching be deemed as harassment, but any kind of crude, offensive or vulgar language can also be considered as such. Be respectful of your co-workers and don’t overstep your boundaries.
5.) Punctuality is important. “Showing up late on a consistent basis or taking an extraordinary number of sick days without a legitimate reason” is not a smart decision, Hill explained. Actually showing up to work is crucial, but being on time is even more important. It shows respect to your boss and fellow co-workers, and it also demonstrates your willingness to start the day’s work. No one will ever want to promote you if you’re known for constantly being tardy.
“Employers, in general, look for employees who are smart, considerate, loyal, want to advance at work, and show genuine interest in doing a good job,” Hill added. “No surprises there. It’s just common sense.”
Alissa Catalano, a senior, currently works as a student associate at Madison Square Garden. Not only does she embody all of these qualities, but she is also very aware of the importance of appropriate workplace behavior. “I do believe that it is different in every workplace, but overall, you have to be professional,” she explained.
Catalano was surprised by the atmosphere in her own office, for it was much more relaxed than she had anticipated, especially in the ways that people acted and dressed. However, when asked what she deemed “appropriate workplace behavior,” almost all of her points matched up exactly with Hill’s.
There was only one thing that Catalano brought up that had not already been said by Hill. “I believe that you need to have two separate lives. You shouldn’t bring any personal, un-work-related problems into the office because it can affect your work and your coworkers around you,” Catalano said.
By dragging along your personal issues with you to the office, your work may start to suffer, which is most definitely not a way to move up the ranks within your company. Pushing away problems that are not work related while you’re in the office will enable you to finish your work properly and successfully.
Though every company may be different, there are a handful of general guidelines that are followed in just about every office. Regardless of where you work, respectable behavior is incredibly important; it can take you very far in any career field. Simply by remembering the tips provided by Hill and Catalano along with showing dedication and hard work, you will find that succeeding in business isn’t so hard after all.
IMAGE TAKEN from wehaveall4u.com
