Feeling stuck in your job while everyone else seems to be zooming up the corporate ladder? It might be time to take a good, hard look at your work habits. You could be sabotaging your own success without even realizing it. Let’s dive into some habits that might be putting the brakes on your career progression.
1. Multitasking in the middle of meetings
When we’re on endless Zoom calls, it’s tempting to multitask during them. But if you’re always clearly distracted, typing away, or worse, obviously doing other work, you’re sending a message that you don’t value your colleagues’ time. It’s like saying, “Hey, whatever you’re talking about isn’t as important as my email.” Not a great look, right? Try to be present and engaged in meetings. Who knows, you might actually learn something important!
2. Being glued to your phone
Look, we all love a good scroll through Instagram or a quick Tweet now and then. But if you’re constantly on your phone, liking posts, and watching cat videos, you’re not exactly screaming “productive employee.” Try keeping your phone in your drawer and designating specific times for social media breaks. Your productivity (and your promotion chances) will thank you.
3. Constantly making excuses
We all make mistakes or miss deadlines occasionally. It happens. But if your go-to response is always an excuse rather than a solution, you’re not doing yourself any favors. Instead of making excuses, try owning your mistakes and focusing on how to fix them or prevent them in the future. Your boss will appreciate your honesty and problem-solving attitude.
4. Not adhering to the dress code
You don’t need to wear a three-piece suit every day (unless that’s your company’s thing). But if you’re consistently underdressed or look like you just rolled out of bed, you’re not exactly screaming “Promote me!” Your appearance sends a message about how seriously you take your job. If you look sloppy, people might assume your work is sloppy too. Try to dress for the job you want, not just the job you have.
5. Overusing the “that’s not my job excuse”
We get it—you were hired to do specific tasks, and it’s easy to fall into the “that’s not in my job description” mindset. But here’s the thing: bosses love team players. If you’re always dodging additional responsibilities or refusing to help out in a pinch, you’re showing that you’re not ready for bigger roles. Try saying yes to new challenges. It might be a bit more work now, but it could pay off big time in your next performance review.
6. “Replying all” to emails
Email etiquette might seem trivial, but it can actually impact how you’re perceived. If you’re the person who always hits “Reply All” on emails that don’t need a company-wide response, you’re cluttering up inboxes and potentially annoying your colleagues. Be mindful of who really needs to see your responses. Showing that you can communicate efficiently can go a long way in demonstrating your readiness for higher-level roles.
7. Taking credit for other people’s work
Your colleagues will resent you, and once your boss finds out (and they always do), your reputation will take a nosedive. Instead, be generous with credit. Recognize your team’s contributions and show that you can lead collaboratively. It’s a much more sustainable path to success.
8. Always being late
We’ve all hit snooze one too many times or underestimated traffic. But if you’re consistently rolling in late, you’re sending a message that you don’t value your job (or anyone else’s time). Try setting your alarm 15 minutes earlier or prepping your stuff the night before. Your punctuality could be the difference between a promotion and a probation.
9. Sharing too much
The Oversharer We get it, you want to be authentic at work. But there’s a fine line between being genuine and oversharing. If you’re constantly discussing your wild weekend exploits or overly personal problems, you might be making your colleagues uncomfortable. Plus, you’re not exactly portraying yourself as a mature professional ready for more responsibility. Try to keep some boundaries between your personal and professional life. Save the juicy stories for your friends outside of work.
10. Not being flexible
If you’re the person who always pushes back against change or new ideas, you’re painting yourself as outdated and difficult. Phrases like “But we’ve always done it this way” are career killers. Instead, try to embrace change and new challenges. Show that you can adapt and thrive in different situations. Your ability to roll with the punches and find opportunities in change could set you apart from your more rigid colleagues.
11. Excessive gossiping
Sure, office gossip can be juicy, and it might feel like a way to bond with coworkers. But if you’re always the one spreading the latest rumors or complaining about management, you’re painting yourself as unprofessional and untrustworthy. Remember, today’s coworker could be tomorrow’s boss. Do you really want them remembering you as the one who couldn’t keep a secret?
12. Spewing negativity
If your default setting is “complain,” you might be sabotaging your own success. Constantly pointing out problems without offering solutions, or always seeing the glass as half empty, can make you a drain on team morale. And let’s be real, nobody wants to promote the person who brings everyone down. Be the person who sees opportunities where others see obstacles.
13. Not being visible enough
If you’re the type to come in, do your job, and leave without much interaction, you might be hurting your promotion chances. Sure, you’re getting your work done, but are you making an impact? Building relationships and showing initiative are crucial for career advancement. Try speaking up in meetings, volunteering for projects, or even just chatting with colleagues over coffee.
14. Being feedback-averse
Nobody likes criticism, but if you’re getting defensive or upset every time your boss gives you feedback, you’re showing that you’re not ready for growth. Constructive criticism is a gift—try to receive feedback with an open mind and a “thank you.” Then, actually use that feedback to improve. Your ability to take and apply criticism could be your ticket to the next level.
15. Leaving everything until the last minute
We all procrastinate sometimes, but if you’re always waiting until the last minute to complete tasks, you’re not showing management material. Consistently rushing to meet deadlines can lead to sloppy work and unnecessary stress. Try breaking big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and tackling them bit by bit. Your stress levels (and your boss) will thank you.
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