Career Headlines: Bad Habits

Workplace Habits That Can Ruin A Career

"For every employee, there are a hundred people lining up to take your job," says Kiki Weingarten, an executive career coach based in New York City. "Because of the current economy, employers are able to be as picky as they want." Meghan Casserly reported in Forbes magazine what leading career coaches say can damage a career -- or get a person fired.

Habit 1: You're addicted to email and textingYou can't stop scrolling through your phone. Constantly checking your phone conveys a real sense of arrogance, says Princeton, New Jersey based communication coach Matt Eventoff. To break the habit, "put the phone down," says Eventoff. Turn it off, put it away, leave it where you can't see or hear it. If you're waiting for a particular, time-sensitive email, let your coworkers know that's why you're checking your phone.

Habit 2: You're full of excuses. You don't know the answer to your supervisor's questions, but try to talk your way around it. The result is you waste your own time, and your manager's, too. To break the habit, gather necessary papers and your thoughts before a meeting, so you don't have to make excuses." Say "I'll find the answer," when you can't respond to a question.

Habit 3: You set too many boundaries. Saying "That's not in my job description," may shorten the hours you spend on the job, but won't help your career. The problem with being self-protective is that your coworkers may think you're a jerk. To break the habit, ask yourself who will tackle an annoying task if you pass it off. Recognize that in periods of downsizing, everyone picks up extra slack. If you make yourself the exception, your career will suffer.
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Career Headlines is a complimentary, weekly update on career-related topics from Career Solutions Publishing. Visit us at www.careersolutionspublishing.com or call 888-299-8724.