Five Career-Killing Behaviors in the Workplace
Embarrassing Your Boss in Public
One morning, a senior vice president entered the office visibly furious. He had taken the subway to work that day and overheard one of the company's employees loudly complaining to another about his poor management and how terrible things were at the company.The senior vice president summoned the employee, let him vent his grievances face-to-face, and then fired him. Of course, employees have the right to voice opinions, and leaders cannot force employees to love their workplace. But employees are also ambassadors for the company. They should speak and act in the company's best interests and avoid badmouthing their leaders and colleagues—that's common sense.
Mixing Work and Play
Needless to say, downloading porn at work is courting disaster. Many companies explicitly prohibit downloading explicit content onto work computers. Unless you're in the adult entertainment industry, being perceived as a pervert will severely damage your career prospects.Falsifying information to achieve goals Some individuals fabricate details on their resumes to impress reviewers—a highly unwise approach. A client of background check firm Fishman needed to promote an employee and conducted a thorough background investigation.The candidate claimed to be a graduate of Maryland State University, yet the institution held no record of him. He fabricated a professor's name, phone number, and email address purportedly verifying his attendance. When the employer contacted the professor, all details proved false. The employee not only lost the promotion but was fired for dishonesty. Most regrettably, the position didn't require a degree.
Ignoring Company Culture
Every company's culture isn't always explicitly stated in written policies; it can be implicit. If you have a penchant for tattoos and dyed hair, a company with strict dress codes probably isn't the right fit for you.HR consultant Felo shared: "A client recently felt stifled by her boss. When I asked her, 'Three others think he's great and the job is good—why not adjust your perspective?' she shifted her attitude and found work smoother. During tough economic times, candidates who adapt to company culture get priority."
Saying No to Opportunities
Your boss may ask for honesty, but the truth is they need your compliance. They demand progress—but only in the direction they specify. You might get two chances at most to say no to your boss's plans and assignments. After two refusals, your career will plateau at its current level, with no room for advancement. If your boss offers you an opportunity to take charge, like becoming a regional manager, don't turn it down. Don't assume a better opportunity will come along.The reality is, if you turn down this chance, it will never come again.