5 Tips on How to Shine at the Office
Have you ever noticed that negativity can be contagious? But a positive attitude is captivating. One will bring you down, while the other is uplifting; both are noticed by co-workers and bosses. Your co-workers will enjoy working and socializing with you if your behavior is upbeat. Managers will be more apt to promote you when you keep a proper perspective, use good manners, and maintain an optimistic attitude.
Here are a few basic tips to help you shine at the office.
- Acknowledge your co-workers. – Even on the busiest of days, be sure you take a moment to acknowledge your co-workers’ achievements and special days (a job well done, promotion, birthday, wedding, etc). It is important to let people know that they matter.
- Dress for success. – Be sure to wear appropriate clothing at work. If you are attending a business luncheon or meeting clients after work and aren’t sure what to wear, always dress up rather than down. It is better to be overdressed and give a more professional appearance.
- Avoid creating logjams. – When in the office kitchen, don’t stand around talking with your co-workers in front of the refrigerator, coffee pot, or water cooler, causing others to have to weave in and around you to get what they want. Help yourself and then move out of the way.
- Use good email etiquette. – Always read and reread your emails before hitting the send button. Make sure it says exactly what you want it to say and take the extra time to use spell check and proper grammar.
- Silence your cell phone. – When you get to work, make sure your cell phone is on vibrate. No one wants to hear your favorite hip hop song going off numerous times day in and day out.
You can easily shine in the office by always remembering to treat others as you yourself would want to be treated. Keep in mind that the right attitude while working for someone else will ultimately work to your benefit.
Wishing you much happiness and success!
Patricia Rossi, America’s Etiquette and Protocol Coach, www.patriciarossi.com
