Workplace

We’re not talking annoyances like tapping your pen, popping your gum, or a lack of kitchen cleanliness. If you’re always negative, missing deadlines, and running late, your career could be in jeopardy. Here are the top “bad” work habits – and how to cure them. This comes from Anthony Balderrama, columnist for CareerBuilder.com.

• Missing deadlines. You may think being just a bit late is no big deal, but your boss and co-workers will quickly learn they can’t count on you. If your sloppy deadlines make your co-workers anxious or make them work harder, they won’t forget it. The fix: Consider deadlines non-negotiable. If you want your career to keep climbing, you have to meet your deadlines.  
• You’re never punctual. You may think that as long as you finish all your work, nobody cares if you waltz in late, or take extra-long lunches. What it really says is you think your time is more important than everybody else’s. So, if the rest of the staff arrives at 9:00 a.m., and takes 30 minute lunches, you’d better do the same.  
• Then there’s gossiping. You may just be repeating what somebody else said, but eventually you’ll get a reputation for not keeping anything confidential – whether it’s personal or work-related. You never know when repeating gossip could hurt someone else’s feelings or reputation. So, no matter what you hear, keep the news to yourself.
• Always being negative. Face it: Work isn’t always fun, but if you gripe and moan every time you’re asked to do anything, your co-workers will wonder why you don’t just quit. When it comes to layoffs, who do you think is going to go first: the constant complainer or the happy camper? 
• Dressing inappropriately. You may consider yourself the office “free spirit,” with a quirky sense of style – but your co-workers will assume you don’t take the job seriously. Bottom line: You don’t have to be a boring dresser to be professional – but you shouldn’t look like you’re about to go clubbing, or to the beach. The fix: Take a cue from your co-workers to see what’s considered acceptable on-the-job attire – and dress accordingly.