1. Nix “like” and “um” from your vocabulary
Like, um, you know, if you, like, talk like this all the time, it’s, um, hard to, you know, take you seriously. According to Fast Company, filler words can make you sound unsure and unprepared. Try this: Take a deep breath before you speak, and embrace the power of the pause. It’s okay to take a moment to gather your thoughts—it’s actually pretty boss.
2. No more goofing on grammar
In the age of spell-check and Grammarly, there’s really no excuse for constant spelling and grammar mistakes. We’re not saying you need to be perfect, but if your emails read like you spilled coffee on your keyboard and as you were frantically wiping you hit “send,” it’s going to be hard for people to take your message seriously. Take an extra minute to proofread—your credibility will thank you.
3. Say “ciao” to complaining
Life’s not always a bed of roses, we get it. But if your default setting is “whine and complain,” people are going to start avoiding you. Constant negativity is draining and doesn’t solve anything. Try this: For every complaint, come up with a potential solution or a positive spin. You’ll be seen as a problem-solver instead of a Debbie Downer.
4. So long, lateness!
Ah, the “I’ll be there in 5 minutes” that turns into 30. If this is your constant state, it’s time for a change. Being consistently late screams “I don’t value your time,” and that’s not a great message to send if you want to be taken seriously. Pro tip: Set your clocks 10 minutes fast. Yes, you’ll know they’re fast, but it might just trick your brain into being on time!
5. Put an end to oversharing
Look, we all love a good story, but if you’re spilling your guts about last night’s Tinder date in the middle of a work meeting, you might want to pump the brakes. There’s a time and place for everything, and maintaining some mystery can actually boost your professional image. Save the juicy details for happy hour with your besties.
6. Halt the humble bragging
“Ugh, I hate how I always get promoted so quickly. It’s such a burden to have to buy new work clothes all the time!” Yeah… no. Humble bragging isn’t fooling anyone, and it can make you come across as insecure and attention-seeking. If you’ve got something to be proud of, own it without the fake modesty. And if you’re looking for validation, try asking for feedback directly instead.
7. Resist the urge to interrupt
Are you that person who just can’t wait for others to finish their sentences? Yeah, we see you. Interrupting others not only makes you look impatient and rude, but it also suggests you think your thoughts are more important than everyone else’s. Practice active listening—or fully attuning to the feelings and views of the speaker according to Simply Psychology—instead. Trust me, your brilliant idea will still be brilliant if you wait 30 seconds to share it.
8. Ixnay on the excuses, okay?
“The dog ate my homework” might have worked in third grade, but in the adult world, constant excuses are not so great for credibility. Taking responsibility for your actions (or inactions) shows maturity and reliability. Next time you’re tempted to make an excuse, try saying “I’ll do better next time” instead. It’s amazing how much respect you can gain by simply owning your mistakes.
9. Quit being overly casual
Being friendly is great, but if you’re treating every work interaction like it’s a frat party, you might be sabotaging your professional image. There’s a time and place for memes and inside jokes and a client presentation probably isn’t it. Read the room and adjust your communication style accordingly. You can be approachable without being unprofessional.
10. Stop searching for the spotlight
Are you the type who always needs to be the center of attention? Whether it’s cracking jokes during serious meetings or finding ways to make every conversation about you, constant attention-seeking behavior can make you seem immature and insecure. Try focusing on others instead—ask questions, show genuine interest, and let your natural awesomeness shine through without forcing it.
11. No more putting things off
“I work best under pressure!” said every procrastinator ever. While it might feel true, consistently leaving things to the last minute is stressful for you and everyone around you. It also increases the chances of sloppy work and missed deadlines. Break big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and start early. Your blood pressure (and your reputation) will thank you.
12. Stop stalling, start committing
If you’re always sitting on the fence, afraid to commit to decisions or opinions, people might start to see you as wishy-washy or unreliable. While it’s good to consider all angles, at some point, you need to take a stand. Don’t be afraid to have and express opinions— even if they turn out to be wrong sometimes, people respect someone who can make decisions and stick to them.
13. Don’t be such a know-it-all
Having knowledge is great. Pretending to have ALL the knowledge? Not so much. If you find yourself chiming in on every topic as if you’re the world’s foremost expert, you might actually be undermining your credibility. It’s okay to admit when you don’t know something—in fact, it can make people trust you more. Plus, think of all the cool stuff you can learn when you’re not busy pretending to know everything!
14. Stop being unrealistic about what you can achieve
“Sure, I can have that 50-page report done by tomorrow morning!” Fast forward to tomorrow, and you’re frantically typing with one hand while chugging coffee with the other. Overpromising might make you look good in the moment, but consistently underdelivering will tank your credibility faster than you can say “I need an extension.” Be realistic about what you can achieve—it’s better to pleasantly surprise people than to constantly disappoint them.
15. Get a grip on the gossip
Spreading office gossip might make you feel in the know, but it’s actually putting a big dent in your credibility. If people think you can’t keep a secret, they’re not going to trust you with important information. Channel your inner vault and keep those tidbits to yourself.
