Business for the most part is much more relaxed than it was say 20 years ago, and that is mostly a good thing. But sometimes in such a laid-back environment it can be
easy to start acting more like you’re at home or with friends than at work. The thing is, you are not at home…you’re at WORK and you need to present yourself as a professional no matter how relaxed an atmosphere you work in. This does not mean you have to come across as stiff or stuffy, just be friendly, professional and helpful with less pomp and circumstance. Here are 5 behaviors that are better left at home if you have them…or better yet drop them all together.
Swearing – There is no occasion where bad language makes you look good at work, or well anywhere really, but if you must… save it for when you’re off the clock. While profanity has sadly become part of our daily language in a professional setting it makes you appear vulgar and uneducated, like you aren’t clever enough to express yourself. Once somebody thinks of you this way it will be hard to prove to them that you know what you’re talking about. You’ll get a lot further in any situation by using humor instead.
Personal Space – When you are at ease with your co-workers or regular customers especially in an environment where you are trying to build rapport, you may find yourself unconsciously standing TOO CLOSE to others. This is unacceptable in the workplace, no matter how casual the environment. Depending on the situation the proper amount of space to leave between you and anyone else is 15” to 3’ depending on the person. Wondering how much space is right? Watch the other person’s body language if they step back from you or cross their arms…you’re getting too chummy for their taste.
Taboo Topics – C’mon! You know better – you’re at work! We know you can feel umm…passionately about these subjects but politics and religion and sex are off the table. After all getting suspended or slapped with a harassment suit is no laughing matter. While you’re at it refuse to participate in gossip. Tempting as it is, those juicy tidbits can get you into a lot of trouble so avoid the gossip chain…you never know who might accidentally hear you when ‘no one’ is within earshot.
Interrupting – Ugh! Interrupting is so rude! It says you think what you have to say is more important than anyone else. It’s a bad habit that leads to bad communication and missed opportunities. It speaks of a lack of respect and poor listening skills. If you realize this is a habit of yours at work or home – break it. Trust me, it’s driving everyone crazy! Brush up on your listening skills by making sure you are paying 100% attention to what the speaker is saying and not thinking of what you want to say next. Also try waiting 3 seconds after someone has finished speaking to add your own 2 cents.
Yelling – and losing your cool is unprofessional and distasteful and super uncomfortable for everyone around, so keep a cool head and practice reasoning when you feel your blood beginning to boil, take some deep breaths, get someone else to take over for you or just excuse yourself and walk away…just don’t explode! And shouting across the room as a form of communication with customers or co-workers is truly lazy and embarrassing! Just don’t do it – walk the few steps it will take you to be able to answer in a normal tone.