Having held several different jobs in several different venues over the course of my lifetime, I can truthfully say that I have seen almost anything that can happen in the workplace! And those things that I haven't actually seen for myself, I have heard of from people who have. Some of them, you may be guilty of, and not realize that it may be what is holding you back from moving up in your field.

1. Probably the absolutely worst thing you can possibly do in the workplace is to get emotionally/physically involved with someone who has authority over you. Or with someone you have authority over. Both are the same problem, just from different viewpoints. The big problem with this is that the relationship can (and usually does) make it impossible for the one in charge to be truly neutral about other problems that may come up that concern the abilities or potential for advancement of the other person. For the one who is in a lower position, the relationship can make him or her more likely to take the job for granted, even to the point of letting important work wait while something else, of lesser importance, is done. Another problem brought about by the relationship is that it cannot remain hidden for long, and could cause one or both parties to be fired or demoted.

2. Never engage in, or willingly listen to, off-color "humor", conversations, or innuendos. These are unacceptable in the workplace, and can get the person a verbal or written warning, at the very least. If the action continues, it can mean the person will be looking for a new job, with a neutral (or worse) letter of recommendation to the next position aspired to.

3. Keep what happens at home, at home! The workplace is not a place to talk about your problems with your spouse/significant other, your children, your in-laws, your neighbors, or your finances. The workplace is where you do what you were hired to do, whether it be washing cars, typing up lists, greeting customers, taking money, or whatever your job entails. It is not the place to hang out dirty linen, even to your best friends. Even bragging on your children should be held to an absolute minimum. A photo on your desk, however, shows that you are a family-oriented person, and may make customers more comfortable with you.

4. Conversely, don't take what happens at work home with you. Your family isn't really interested in what "Joe" said to "Sam" or who "Jerry" is seeing now; your family is interested in your presence (actual and emotional) with them. They deserve your full attention, just as much as your work deserves your full attention when you are there.

5. If you are in a job where you take care of customers, be sure you concentrate on them and their needs. Believe me, a customer can tell if you only halfway listen when you ask them a question, and they will soon decide to go somewhere else, where someone will actually listen to them. The customer really IS number one! Without the customer, our economy would quickly grind to a total halt. Of course, the customer also needs the industry. Long gone are the days when the family can be self-sustaining and not need to go to town but once a month (or longer). But the person who forgets that his or her job is totally dependent on the customer, and not just his or her expertise, will find that the job is no longer there. So pay attention when you are talking with customers; let them feel that you really have their best interests at heart.

These five things are basic. There are others, but these will go a long way toward helping anyone be successful. And they will make you an employee that no one dreads to walk up to and ask a question or ask for help.

Learn more about this author, Barbara A. Black.
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