We often do damage to our professional image by doing unnecessary things that we don’t see as a big problem but that send a signal to the people around us that we are more amateurs than professionals. One of the most frequent problems of this type is late arrivals. We brush them aside or we feel that it’s enough to apologize, but the others think that we don’t have enough respect for the people around us and that we only think of ourselves. Tips on what else to watch out for were brought by the US News website:
Shortcomings in social skills
This includes hugging instead of shaking hands, taking care of telephone calls at meetings or inappropriate jokes. All of this tells the people around you that you don’t know how to behave. Yet etiquette doesn’t have to be boring, it’s all about showing respect for others.
A lack of perspective
Others can’t take you seriously if it’s clear that you are not aware of the broader context of your job. It is a mistake to only focus on what is in front of you.
Insufficient organizational skills
If you believe it’s enough that you can find what you need in your mess, you’re wrong again. Chaos on your desk or on your computer shows that you don’t know how to organize your work. And this decreases your credibility.
Being too emotional
Emotions are natural, but professionals can control them. Complicated discussions should definitely not end with your explosion of anger or tears. Let your emotions go in private.
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