Think you have what it takes to be, at the very least, a decent employee? You’d be surprised how many poor habits cost someone their reputation – or worse – their job. Even the best of the best can get sucked up into a situation that compromises their careers. Once they realize it however… well – it’s too little, too late.
And so, we’ve put together a hypothetical guide, (or literal if you’re keen on moving on), so that you too can “Learn How to Lose a Job in 10 Days”:
Abusing Your Privileges:
Day #1 @ 8:50am:
Work started 50 mins ago but you’re nowhere to be found. Once you finally make it to the office, you manage to do so while simultaneously having a personal conversation on your cell phone.
Day #3 @ 12:30pm:
Everyone else on your team has lunch from 1-2pm but you decided to head out earlier and come back at 3:00pm.
It’s Not Them It’s You:
Day #4 @ 3:00pm:
Your manager and you are having a conversation and simply not seeing eye to eye. Instead of taking the time to steer the conversation in a productive direction (acknowledging their point of view and adding yours constructively), you silently concede and then go over your boss’s head later on.
Day #7 @ 10:45am:
You’ve missed a deadline to file and turn in a report. Instead of being honest about why it happened and how you can prevent it the next time around, you blame others on your team for it when, in fact, they had very little to do with it. Worst of all – you’d never admit you’re wrong.
Day #9 @ 4:45pm:
You’ve had a long day trying to get a very difficult project off the ground. You’ve faced pushback from various parties but kept quiet throughout the entire process. Instead of using these experiences as a talking point for constructive criticism and growth with your management team, you vent about it – loudly – to anyone who’ll listen.
Day #10 @ 8:00am:
You’ve just been told your company is letting you go.
What Did We Learn?
We’re not saying everyone is perfect. All of this applies to even the most senior employees and management. Every team has challenges and disagreements but it is the way in which they’re handled that makes all the difference.
Based on our hypothetical situation, there are three key tenants a good employee must have: respect, humility and the ability to communicate effectively. Have a simple regard for your company’s policies, respect your fellow teammates and, when you don’t see eye-to-eye on something, voice your opinion confidently AND constructively while still being able to admit when you’re wrong.
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