Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home. It can also be applied to the workplace. Here are 10 bad habits to scrub out this season.
Avoid random meeting times.
Even a brief meeting can interrupt your flow and reduce your productivity. Try scheduling meetings around certain days and times to allow longer dedicated work periods.
Resist gossip.
It’s tempting to listen to rumors or vent about difficult coworkers. But gossip will never advance your career. Take the high road and stay positive.
Don’t be late.
When you’re late, you send a message that you don’t value other people’s times – and you look unprofessional. Allow extra time to arrive early – in person and online.
Send clearer emails.
Who is receiving the email? Why? What is expected of them and by when? From your subject line to your closing, there are ample opportunities to nail every email. (We break this down in our popular Business Writing program.)
Accept feedback.
Are you open to constructive criticism? Better yet, are you actively seeking feedback to improve your workplace performance? Don’t miss the chance to learn.
Improve your non-verbals.
Do you look interested? Are you happy to be at work? Do you seem to be listening? Do you appear to be like your boss? A host of non-verbal messages can defeat your purpose if you’re not mindful of them. (We cover these in our flagship Leadership Presentation & Image Skills program.)
Follow up.
So much valuable information can be gleaned from adequate follow-up. Check in a week after a meeting or pitch. How did it go? What needs to be done next? What did we learn? Following up shows you care. It reflects a commitment to excellence.
Be a team player.
Collaborate freely, without thought of credit. Thank others for their contributions. Assume roles that aren’t glamorous but needed.
Eliminate distractions.
What’s breaking your focus? Does your desk need to be organized? Can you turn off notifications? Can you dedicate a certain time to check email? Does your phone need to be on the table?
Stay true to your word.
If you say you’re going to do something by a certain date, do it. This builds credibility. Demonstrate that you are a reliable colleague. And if something comes up and you’re unable to deliver on a pledge, address it head on, with sincerity and a plan for moving forward.