Not accepting responsibility
Far and above, number one on the list of mistakes to make. When you make a mistake in your work, fess up to it – accept responsibility. In his book on leadership Good to Great, Jim Collins identifies a key traits that is so true: When in the face of crisis when a mistake has been made, followers look around for someone to blame; leaders look in the mirror and accept responsibility. Accepting responsibility is critical for success.
Not being a team player
No one likes a prima donna who is just focused on me – me – me. Being a team player, and contributing will help one define their success. Show that you’ve got the greater good of the organization at heart.
Working with a fear of failure: Not Taking Risks or accepting opportunity
Many work each and every day striving to do the same-old thing over and over. They appear not to believe in themselves. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Instead of saying, “I’ve never done that try “I’ll learn how.” Find learning opportunities in every situation. Over time, consistently being risk-averse can be more hazardous to your career than making mistakes and learning from them.
Undermining people or the company
Talking behind the backs of others, undermining your manager or the company, discussing a confidential matter or spreading gossip all can be fatal to your career. Not only will you find yourself isolated, but others will not trust you and when not trusted, your growth stops. Keep the off-color comments to yourself, don’t engage others in inappropriate discussions. While there is such a thing as free speech, it’s not so free if it costs you your job!
Being disrespectful
Being respectful to others – treating everyone in the manner you would expect to be treated – is so important. Being condescending to others, pretentious or making someone feel they aren’t good enough is so damaging to all. There is no place in a job for yelling, calling someone out in front of others, treating anyone as “lower” than you – it’s not appropriate and not accepted.
Being one of the “walking dead”: Working without goals
You know them – the people who just come to work every day, do the bare minimum and then leave. They appear not to have goals or focus – they are simply collecting a paycheck. They get by for awhile, but when business conditions require cost cutting, guess who’s the first to go. Talk your goals over with your manager or your family – get support and you will be positioned stronger.
Checking your people skills at the door
Researchers found that if employees are disliked, it’s almost irrelevant whether they’re good at what they do, because other workers will avoid them. Go out of your way to communicate, establish strong working relationship with others, smile and be engaging with others. It will work wonders for you.
Mistakes happen. Just learn from them, and try to avoid the real pitfalls in your career and job.
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