Being likable is a huge advantage. Studies consistently show that people overwhelmingly prefer working with charming, less-skilled colleagues over competent but stiff ones. Research indicates that if employees aren't well-liked, their competence becomes irrelevant—colleagues will simply avoid them.
2. Lack of Team Spirit
No one feels comfortable around someone who thinks highly of themselves. And companies have ways of dealing with employees who disrupt the team. Just ask Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens. After repeatedly criticizing and publicly attacking his teammates and management, he was suspended for the 2005 season.Demonstrate that you are a good team player and show that you have the company's greater interests at heart. 3. Missing Deadlines If the deadline is Wednesday, treating it as Thursday's top priority is pointless. Companies need people they can rely on. Missing deadlines isn't just unprofessional; it severely disrupts others' schedules and makes your boss look bad. When making commitments, it's best to leave some wiggle room and then deliver outstanding results.If absolutely necessary, pull an all-nighter. That's truly important. 4. Handling personal matters during work hours Company email and phone systems exist for business purposes. Keep personal calls brief and infrequent—never make those tear-through-a-box-of-tissues types. Likewise, never type anything in an email you wouldn't want your boss to see; many systems save deleted messages to an admin folder.And we can't tell you how many poor souls have been fired for hitting "Reply All" and spreading crude jokes—or worse—having their boss-bashing rants seen by everyone.Develop and leverage your relationships with others within the company and industry. Effective communicators are better positioned for resources and information, navigating organizational politics more swiftly. Research shows they tend to work in more successful teams, receive stronger performance reviews, and secure more promotions and higher compensation.If you date your boss, your achievements and promotion prospects will be questioned; if you date a subordinate, you risk sexual harassment allegations. Should the relationship end badly, everyone will likely know and watch you suffer through the heartbreak.
7. Fear risk or failure
If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will. Maintain a "can-do" attitude and embrace risks.Don't say, "I've never done that," say, "I'll learn how to do it." Don't fear failure or mistakes. If you do mess up, own it and move on. Ultimately, find learning opportunities in every task. Remember, over time, risk avoidance is more damaging to your career than making mistakes.
8. Lack of Goals
Failure isn't about missing your goals—it's about having no goals to strive for. Set objectives and plan your daily activities around achieving them. Eighty percent of your results come from twenty percent of your actions. Understand your priorities and focus your energy on tasks aligned with your goals.
9. Neglecting Personal Presentation
Fair or not, appearance matters.People judge you based on how you present yourself. Therefore, never come to work unkempt or in inappropriate attire. Be sincere, use proper language, and avoid slang or profanity. You should cultivate an image of competence, character, and responsibility.
10. Lack of discretion
Cubicles, hallways, elevators, restrooms—even commuter trains—are not your private domain.Be mindful of where you speak, what you say, and to whom. Refrain from telling crude jokes, disclosing company secrets, gossiping about colleagues, or sharing your views on race, religion, or your boss's personality. While freedom of speech exists, it's not so free if it costs you your job.