Jackie Shaw

Whether you are in management or a non-management employee, sometimes it's the little things that can break - or make - your career, according to ClearRock.<br /><br />"People continually under-estimate the negative, as well as the positive, impact that seemingly little occurrences or actions can have on their careers, said Annie Stevens, managing partner with ClearRock (www.clearrock.com). "A bad 'little thing,' especially, may seem so inconsequential to someone who has done it, particularly at the time, but then he or she later learns that it had a big effect on a raise, promotion, or even being able to keep the job.<br /><br />These little things shouldn't be confused with potentially big career problems, however. <br /> <br />Among the potentially bad little things that can have a negative effect on your career are:<br /><br /> A blunder or gaffe about a manager's family member who you have met before, and are presumed to know by now. "If you call your manager's spouse the wrong name after only one meeting, that's forgivable. But if you continually get his or her name wrong after several meetings - especially following informal get-togethers such as holiday parties - that sends a signal that you don't regard this person important enough to try to even remember his or her name. That can be interpreted as uncaring, or even as deliberate, said Stevens.<br /><br /> Behavior that is inappropriate for the situation. Displaying emotions at work such as crying and anger can set off alarms, particularly if done in front of several co-workers. <br /><br /> The tone of e-mails. It's difficult to know for certain how your e-mails are going to be received by others. "We sometimes respond to e-mails when we're busy, or a lot of e-mails at once, and don't take the time to read them over again to see how they will be interpreted by recipients, checking for any possible misunderstandings. We're usually more concerned about the content of the e-mail, and not as much about the tone Closely examine your e-mails and watch out for those that may seem flippant, arrogant, angry, sarcastic, or use humor that misses the mark, said Stevens.<br /><br /> The tone of a conversation, or facial expression, and/or body language in spoken communication. "The meaning derived from a spoken conversation can be quite different than the meaning of the actual words that are used, said Stevens. She cites research by Albert Mehrabian, a professor emeritus in psychology of UCLA, who developed the "7% words, 38% tone of voice, 55% body language rule." According to the rule, only 7% of meaning is obtained from the words that are spoken. 38% of meaning comes from the way the words are said, and 55% from body language. "The non-verbal elements are particularly important for communicating feelings and attitude, said Stevens.<br /><br />Among the potentially good little things that can have a positive effect on your career are:<br /><br /> Volunteering to lead a charity drive, special project, or task force - especially if there is little interest from others.<br /><br /> Serving as a mentor or guide to newly hired or promoted employees. "Managers and colleagues will remember those who went out of their way to make sure they are comfortable with their new situations, know where things are, and the way they work. This is an opportunity to make a lasting good impression on someone who may be important to your own career advancement, said Stevens.<br /><br /> Readiness to credit and recognize others for their contributions, and to share praise. <br /><br /> Sharing your relevant experience with managers and colleagues when the need arises. <br /><br /> <br /><font size="1"><br />About ClearRock ClearRock is an executive coaching and outplacement firm that is recognized for genuinely caring about the people we work with. When a company brings us onboard, you can be certain it is because they feel the same way. That is why it is no surprise that we consistently find ourselves in the employ of companies rated among the "Best Places to Work in Boston by the Boston Business Journal. </font>