“Oh she’s so unprofessional!” Haven’t we all heard that before? For sure, being professional is not about wearing a Gucci suit to work, but it’s all about the attitude you wear. Here are ten habits that make you look unprofessional. Make sure you kick them, before you are called ‘unprofessional’.
1. Being that gossip queen: A wee bit gossiping is fine, but being known as the gossip queen comes under the unprofessional umbrella. Keep safe distance from all that office drama.
2. Inappropriate use of words: You are known by the words you use, to speak. Watch your words and ensure you are proficient in the language, which you use to communicate.
3. Overpromising: You cannot do everything. Learn to say ‘no’. Not because you don’t have the ability, but promising to do everything will make you get things at mediocre level. Choose a few projects and excel in them.
4. Over-friendly: First things first, you were not hired to be a stooge. Being too friendly gives a bad sign to your colleagues and makes you look unprofessional.
5. Missing deadlines: A deadline is suggested to complete the given task within a stipulated time and if you fail to do that it gives the sign of you being incapable. This eventually makes you look unprofessional.
6. Cheating and lying: No employer would like an employee who lies and cheats. Honesty is the best policy may sound clichéd but that will reap long-term benefits. Cheating about client information or lying about your work will not only make you look unprofessional but may also serve you a pink slip.
7. Always being pessimistic: “I can’t do this.” Never say this in the presence of your boss. You can always say you will attempt. Giving up even before trying is a clear sign of being unprofessional.
8. Profanity: This can get you in serious trouble. Abusive language even if it is the F-word needs to be out of your vocabulary, when you are at work. Simply put, it is just not acceptable.
9. Being irresponsible: If there is a problem or if you have committed a mistake, accept it and fix it. Do not blame your subordinates. If you are doing this, it is truly unprofessional.
10. Being late: Entering the office after you boss has arrived can make you look unprofessional. It doesn’t matter if you stay back and complete your work, being on time is a virtue, which should not be taken for granted.
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