I’ve had a request for this particular post. Some of my friends in HR would like me to offer a little common sense advice. It never ceases to amaze us how professionals and executives can completely sabotage their careers with stupid mistakes.
Before reinventing the wheel, I wanted to see what was already written on this topic. Believe it or not, I didn’t find much. I guess most people prefer to put a positive spin on it rather than a negative one. Today, I’m going to be brutally honest.
So here it is, hot off the press:
Top Seven Stupid Ways to Sabotage Your Career
For your reading pleasure, I’ve included real life examples of the actions taken by otherwise intelligent professionals.
- Deceptive and dishonest practices
You’re going to get caught. Maybe not the first time, but eventually someone is going to catch on. When they do, fess up. Don’t act like the three year old who lies to his mother, naively thinking that she doesn’t know you ate the last cookie even though you have chocolate all over your face.
- Illegal practices
I’m not referring to taking a company pen. I’m thinking more along the lines of taking a laptop, check kiting between company accounts and your own, or stealing privileged information for a friend who works for the competition. Don't worry about losing your job, focus on finding an attorney to keep you out of jail.
- MIA during business hours
Everyone takes a long lunch or cuts out early for happy hour every once in a while. Taking it to the extreme is acting as if you’ve been on a business trip (that you expensed) when you were actually on a mini-vacation. This example can also fall under the two previous points. Another example is hanging a sign on your office door indicating that you are in a three-hour meeting when you aren’t even in the building.
- Sex and work
They just don’t mix. Whether you are having a quickie in an empty office (or a company plane…there is a pilot on board, you’re not alone) or you’re having an affair with your (married or single) boss, it will affect your career. Unless you’re looking for a severance package or a reputation you don’t want to get back to your family, I don’t recommend it.
- Unprofessional image and attire
Corporate America has relaxed the dress code over the last ten years; however, the following are never acceptable. Leather or pleather, in any form other than shoes. That means skirts, blouses, vests, or pants. Visible belly rings, thongs, or cleavage. Drowning yourself in perfume or cologne. Dirty (am I actually writing this???) clothes. In my first HR Generalist position, I told new employees to check their attire before leaving each morning and if they hesitated even slightly, change.
- Becoming the company “suck-up”
There’s one in every company. You know the type; they have their lips perpetually planted on management’s backside. Typically, this path is taken because the person has very little to offer. They become the undeserved, go-to person at the expense of their coworkers and all levels of management between themselves and their new best friend. If I’m describing you, it’s time to make a complete career change to a company where your reputation can’t follow. You’ll never be able to change the opinions that have been formed by your existing coworkers. Choose a career where you can add value so you don’t fall back on old habits. Although I don’t personally specialize in career transitions, you can find a coach who does at ICF, CCI, or Coachville.
- Making a fool of yourself at company-sponsored functions
All executives will have to attend company-sponsored functions, with or without clients. I don’t recommend drinking heavily, acting like the office romeo, or doing “The Elaine”. Even if you’re not in the office, you’re still at work – act like it.
Hopefully, none of this applies to you. If it does apply to anyone you know, feel free to pass it along!
Can you add to the list? Please include examples, it makes for enjoyable reading!
