5 Mistakes to avoid @work in 2010

An article from Shine.com

Here's a checklist of 5 mistakes we tend to commit in our approach to work, that negatively affects our career. Be aware of these and make sure you take the right approach in 2010 to see your career soar.

Research shows that even the smartest workers can err in their approach to work, thus negatively affecting their career. The fact of the matter is, people with the right approach usually emerge as winners, even though they may not always be the best or the most knowledgeable ones. What are the mistakes that can pull your career back, especially when things are looking good? Here's a checklist of 5-mistakes in your approach to work that you should be wary of.

Being an individual player: You may be good at your work as an individual, but it is important for you to be a team player, as doing things collectively in a team, promotes team-growth and harmony. Don’t beat your own drum at the cost of the team. Rather, work cohesively to make the whole team and the product a success. Ineffective delegation can lead to more work for you if you’re in a supervisory role. Best is to be a team player and work for the end-product.

Conservative approach to accepting mistakes: No one is infallible and all of us are prone to making mistakes. The faster you reconcile to this fact, the better for you. Keep in mind, if your supervisor/boss or even a team member points out a mistake; take it in the right spirit, unless there is an underlying tone which smacks of rudeness and is aimed at maligning you. Otherwise, accept your mistakes and try to correct yourself.

Being self complacent: Never be complacent - remember, you still have a lot to achieve. You may be good at a particular task(s), but there is a lot more you can learn and you can always improve on your work. Take your learning and the trainings at work seriously and try to improve your own work by setting your own previous best as benchmark. Thus, there's no room for complacency and your attitude to work will be appreciated.

Going for presentations and meetings unprepared: Keep yourself updated on all aspects of your work. Always be prepared and ready to answer questions raised by your supervisor in a meeting. If you’re unable to answer something, tell them you will find out and revert, and be sure to do that as this will reflect your involvement. You can, thus overcome your weaknesses by showing your commitment to work. Be thoroughly prepared if you have to do a presentation, as that highlights your confidence, leadership trait and oratory skills. (Also read: Powering up your presentation.)

Shrugging off responsibility: If you’ve been given a job or task, it’s your responsibility. Even if things have not worked out as expected, the onus is on you, so have the courage to own up and you will be appreciated for that. Obviously, you can’t control everything at work. So, take responsibility for the work you do and the mistakes too and give a serious assurance of doing better.

These are some of the basic issues and fairly common too, that can negatively effect your career. Avoid these malpractices at work to be a winner. A never-say-die approach will help you overcome all problems and shine this year.

Rajashree B Mustafi