Do you sometimes feel like you’re the person others are talking about when you enter a room—and not in a good way? Is there uncomfortable energy around your office at important times, like presentations or meetings, but you never know why?
Well, it could be that you’re engaging in one of these seven work habits that make you look really unprofessional—all without knowing it. Step back for a moment and take a look at your behavior, and change it if you need to.
See if you’re in the habit of:
1. Interrupting People
There’s nothing worse than someone who doesn’t know when it’s his turn to speak. It shows a lack of respect to cut someone off before he’s finished articulating his thought.
2. Talking Too Much (and About Something You Don’t Know)
This goes hand in hand with interrupting others. Usually, if you have a lot to say, you’ll ache to get it out. But, if you’ve noticed that you have a tendency to raise your voice—even when you’re clearly uneducated about a topic—it’ll reflect better on you to simply stay silent.
3. Always Being Late
While certain cultures have a penchant for arriving everywhere a couple minutes late, it unfortunately isn’t a trait that looks so good in an office setting. Make a point of leaving your desk a few minutes early to keep your colleagues from shooting you nasty glares when you walk into your next meeting five minutes late.
4. Not Cleaning Up the Communal Space
Don’t leave dirty dishes in the office kitchen. Throw that stray piece of paper away. Being messy might have been cool when you were a teenager, but it definitely isn’t when you’re a grown-up at work.
5. Complaining
We all get tired, sad, and angry. Not all of us, however, always vocalize what we’re feeling at every moment of the day—nor is it necessary to do so. Quit complaining at work, and your co-workers will surely be grateful.
6. Looking Like a Slob
While many offices have adopted a “business casual” dress code, that doesn’t mean that you can or should show up dressed like you’re ready to spend a day at the beach. Dress well—even if you’re dressing casually—and be well groomed.
7. Texting
You shouldn’t text your friends, relatives, or loved ones (for fun) while working, no matter how easy it may be to do so. People notice, and nobody finds it appealing. Oh—and maybe lay off the Pokemon Go in the office.
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