The 9 Worst Mistakes You Can Ever Make at Work

The 9 Worst Mistakes You Can Ever Make at WorkGetting a reputation as someone whos unprofessional is a kiss of death in any workplace. The minute coworkers (or, even worse, your manager) lose respect for you, the game is over. While you may still have a job, youll be surrounded by people who dont trust youan unpleasant experience for everyone involved. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Here are some key mistakes to avoid if you want to remain at the top of your work game.1. BackstabbingIt may seem like a snide word behind the scenes is more efficient than a confrontation, but it will ultimately affect your reputation more than the colleague you made look schwimmbad. Dont go over someones head to solve a problem. Instead, communicate and try to find a resolution that will make everyone happy.2. GossipingIts one thing to share information or backstory, but youll develop bad word of mouth if youre constantly engaged in spreading negative rumo rs about other people. If its not constructive or productive, keep it to yourselfor share it with your boss if its serious enough that you need to speak up, but be accountable.3. Taking Credit for Someone Elses WorkThis is just slimydont steal ideals or misrepresent your work. Doing so will also make you look ineffective. If you had your own ideas, you wouldnt need to steal, right?4. Emotional HijackingAlso known as losing your s$, a meltdown that involves yelling, throwing, verbal outbursts or making people cry is a fast way to destroy your credibilityor build a whole new credibility as a toddler who throws tantrums. Maintain your self control. Act like an adult. Whoever you blow up at doesnt look as bad as you do.5. Announcing That You Hate Your JobIf its true, start job hunting and put on a good face so theyll recommend you to your next employer. If its not, suck it up and look for ways to spread positivity at work6. BraggingBe a pro take your accomplishments in stride. Itll impr ess your friends and intimidate your rivals. Act like success is something you see every day and hardly notice any more, even (especially) if it isnt true.7. LyingYou may want to protect yourself or someone else, but as soon as you start lying its a matter of time until you get caught Even if its a small, unrelated lie, it can damage your relationships at work and your professional career.8. Smelly FoodTreat yourself to a lunch hour away from the office if you cant resist your Indian leftovers or a Brussels sprout sandwich every day. Dont sit in the break roomor worse, at your deskpretending nobody can smell what you brought from home. Its distracting and takes forever to dissipate.9. Burning BridgesI still think fondly of the boss who laid me off, even 6 years later, because she made an effort to reach out to me afterwards, followed through on recommendations, and stayed in touch until I landed on my feet. She taught me how to handle even tough goodbyesyou also never know when you might need a connection made.On Mobile? Please Sign In Here to View Your Job Matches