1. BAD WORK HABITS Lory Warren © Copyright protected

2. MISSING DEADLINES WHAT YOU THINK: –If it’s only a little late, it doesn’t mean anything WHAT IT REALLY SAYS: –Your colleagues and boss can’t count on you WHAT TO DO: –Don’t view deadlines as negotiable. Remind yourself that people are counting on you to do your job well, which includes completing tasks on time. Even if you just barely missed the deadline and everything turned out OK, you probably caused your teammates a lot of anxiety, which they won’t forget.

3. DRESSING UNPROFESSIONALLY WHAT YOU THINK: –I’m just going to get dirty anyway –I have a party to go to after work WHAT IT REALLY SAYS: –You don’t take the job seriously WHAT TO DO: –You don’t have to wear a suit to look professional but you shouldn’t look like you just rolled out from under a car either. Clean and well groomed attire presents a professional image.

4. NOT BEING PUNCTUAL WHAT YOU THINK: –As long as I get my work in, nobody cares WHAT IT REALLY SAYS: –You think your time is more important than everybody else’s WHAT TO DO: –Stick to the schedule. Everyone would like to sleep in a little or leave early, but they don’t because people rely on them to be on time.

5. PERSONAL USE OF COMPUTER WHAT YOU THINK: –I’m discreet WHAT IT REALLY SAYS: –You’re not WHAT TO DO: –Keep that stuff to a minimum. Most employers don’t mind if you play on the computer for a little while but if they see you playing solitaire every time they walk by your desk, they will begin to care. You’re paid to work, not play.

6. GOSSIPI NG WHAT YOU THINK: –I’m just saying what I heard! WHAT IT REALLY SAYS: –You can’t be trusted WHAT TO DO: –Sure, everybody gossips a little here and there, but it shouldn’t be your livelihood. Eventually you’ll gain a reputation for not keeping anything confidential, whether it’s personal or work stuff. Plus, your mouth could end up hurting someone and hurting the business in general.

7. BEING NEGATIVE WHAT YOU THINK: –Everybody Complains WHAT IT REALLY SAYS: –You’re the person to avoid WHAT TO DO: –It’s natural to grumble about work once in awhile. If you gripe and moan when you’re asked to do anything, however, people will not only get annoyed, they’ll wonder why you don’t just quit. Keep in mind that work isn’t always fun. Keep complaints to a minimum.

8. EVERYBODY’S BEST FRIEND WHAT YOU THINK: –I’m just likable WHAT IT REALLY SAYS: –You don’t know how to set boundaries WHAT TO DO: –It’s not uncommon for friendships to develop at work, but don’t expect it to happen with everybody. Unless you have reason to do otherwise, treat your superiors, co-workers and subordinates like professionals, not like drinking buddies.

9. BURNING BRIDGES WHAT YOU THINK: –I’ll never have to see them again WHAT IT REALLY SAYS: –You’re not a professional who thinks about the future WHAT TO DO: –As much as you dream of telling off your boss or co-workers, restrain yourself. People change jobs, switch departments, get promoted and someone you’ve “dissed” in the past may end up being your boss down the road.

10. ALWAYS THE FUNNY ONE WHAT YOU THINK: –People love me WHAT IT REALLY SAYS: –You’re not a professional who thinks about the future WHAT TO DO: –There’s nothing wrong with being funny; most people like a good sense of humor. Just remember that there’s a time and place for everything.

11. FORGETTING YOU HAVE NEIGHBORS WHAT YOU THINK: –I’m not as annoying as they are WHAT IT REALLY SAYS: –You’re inconsiderate WHAT TO DO: –Do unto your co-workers as you would have them do unto you. Your loud arguments with your spouse, or details about your private life are just as irksome to your co-workers as theirs are to you.

12. SUMMARY A good employee is a balance of humor, compassion, ethics, and more. Don’t expect perfection from yourself or others. Remember EVERY action has a reaction.

13. MORAL OF THE STORY LIFE ISN’T LIKE A BOWL OF CHERRIES

14. IT’S MORE LIKE A JAR OF JALEPEÑOS

15. WHAT YOU DO TODAY JUST MIGHT BURN YOU’RE HIDE TOMORROW