Four definitive ways to lose all credibility at the workplace

Becoming a manager and leading a team requires the ability to navigate well through company politics, get along with everyone and to sell not only your work but also yourself. You should never underestimate informal relationships at work, not only with superiors but also with people at the same level and with your team members. The basic traits by which people assess others include credibility and trustworthiness. This article will describe four things you should avoid doing as they would result in your losing all credibility at the workplace.

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This list was published by Entrepreneur.com.

Badmouthing

Badmouthing other people never pays off. First of all, the individual it concerns may find out, which is nothing pleasant. Secondly, you thus disparage yourself in the eyes of the person you are talking to. Even if you think badmouthing someone you mutually dislike may strengthen a relationship, that is not actually the case. Anyone who badmouths others is unpopular with everyone as those around them can never be sure whether the given person badmouths them too behind their back.

Bragging

Being excessively humble is not the best idea for a manager or any ambitious employee. But nor is the other extreme advisable. Someone who brags all the time, emphasises their own successes and is even condescending towards others will soon irritate the people around them.

Lying or telling "alternative" truths

You will lose any credibility instantly if people find out you have lied about something or did not tell the whole truth. It does not matter how big the lie was or how serious or marginal the given topic. This is why under no circumstances should you lie: it never pays off.

Not keeping promises

The integrity and trustworthiness of a person is manifested in their deeds, not words. And if your actions do not tally with what you are saying, it is a problem – especially if you break promises you have made. Again, it is not important whether you make a small promise or a major oath: if you say you will do something, you must do it, or at least apologise in advance if, for some serious reasons beyond your influence, you cannot fulfil the promise.

 

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