by Ray Cook

Created on: February 06, 2009

When you work as part of a team you are also part of a social group.

As humans we quickly form bonds with co-workers and they become another family. When you are looking at things you should never do in work, it's a bit like asking how you should behave in any social group.

These are my ten commandments:

1. Never gossip about one team member to another, especially if it is derogatory. Anything you say in a casual conversation can come back to haunt you.If you have a problem with a colleague then confront that colleague and sort out any grievances in an adult way. If there is still a problem then take the issue to your manager.

2. Following on from point 1, it's a cardinal sin to talk about one of your customer's employees to another - this can be very dangerous, as the loyalty of these two people is almost always going to be greater than their loyalty to you. If an opinion is asked or it is part of your job to do this, then tread carefully and be as constructive as you can Never be negative. It's better to say nothing than dig a hole for yourself.

3. Avoid obvious favoritism; this destroys group cohesion, especially if you are the boss.

4. Don't have a relationship with a co-worker; it can be difficult to avoid this sometimes; you can easily form close relationships with co-workers or those in your charge, and it happens a lot; but it can cause divisions in a team or group and it is often detrimental to your work and everyone else in the team.

5. Don't take anything that belongs to the company, not even a paper-clip - if you are caught you will lose the trust of others.

6. Never arrive late or become intoxicated; it is probably breaching your work contract anyway, but it will quickly destroy others' respect for you. Even at the office party, never be so drunk you don't know what you are doing; you'll regret it.

7. Unless you are in a family business, never get a job working with your spouse or partner; this can also be divisive and lay you open to accusations of bias or favoritism.

8. Never take a day off sick if you are not. If you are caught you may well lose your job and it is unethical. This is cheating your employer - don't.

9. Never claim for expenses that you didn't legitimately incur; this is stealing.

10. Never try to get a job based on false qualifications or lies. This is also a form of cheating and will go badly with you if you are found out and it is, of course, also unethical.

If you can avoid all or most of these then you will be a trusted and respected employee and you will be more successful and happier in your working life.

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