If you do a quick search on the internet, you will notice that there is more than enough advice out there about what you should do for jumpstarting a successful career or what steps you should take when you land a new job. You will find great suggestions such as be punctual, do as you are told and be productive amongst others. But, have you ever thought about the things you need to avoid? Yes, there are some mistakes that can actually bring about an end to your career. The problem is that most people are unaware of them until they end up making them.
Obviously, no one wants to put their career at risk. Therefore, it is essential for you to know what career-ending mistakes to avoid on the job. Want to know what they are? Read on to find out:
Never let a problem or grudge fester
It is a given that if someone has wronged you and you hold a grudge, you will avoid them. When this happens at the workplace, it can become a huge problem because it can get in the way of your daily job. Since you are busy coming up with workarounds, you are not being productive and that can cause your career to suffer.
The simplest thing to do here is to face the issue head on. Not doing so will only cause it to fester and it might worsen in the long term. It is best to put your personal feelings aside and only concentrate on the work. Everyone wants to work with a team player and avoiding the problem only shows that you have difficulty in handling challenging situations and lack maturity.
Don’t avoid your boss
A number of people tend to avoid their boss and are more inclined to being honest and open with their colleagues and peers. This is a mistake because, ultimately, it is your boss who is writing your performance reviews and deciding how much you get paid. They can actually become an advocate of your career and give you proper guidance, but this can only happen if you have a strong relationship.
It is one thing to let a grudge fester when it is coworker you rarely interact with, but when it comes to your boss, it can damage your career. It is vital to have honest and open communication with them and consult them when you have a problem.
Don’t be disrespectful or arrogant
You could be the best in your field, but you won’t be able to accomplish much if no one is willing to work with you. Yes, it is a fact that even the most well-intentioned people can have a bad day due to which they may be too egoistical and short with a boss or coworker. However, you should make sure that this doesn’t become a habit.
These days, no one is willing to work with someone who considers themselves above others and is also disrespectful. Regardless of how prestigious your background may be, you will be able to build strong and lasting relationships if you are humble and respectful.
You can start attending career development events where you will meet professionals like yourself and this wil help you build more professional relationships. Like a Leader is a group of people that have devoted their time and energy into transforming Human Resources from helpdesk to business driver!
Talk about your career development
Don’t just leave your career development up to your boss. You need to be proactive and talk to them about how you can make a difference and give your career a boost. You need to initiate the conversation to tell them that you are interested in new and better opportunities so they can consider you when there is a promotion or an opening available.
With these tips, you can avoid putting your career at steak, and focus more on career development instead.