You’ve worked hard to get the job you want, in the organization you want. However, you feel stuck. You keep getting denied a promotion, opportunities for greater visibility, and people are not asking for your advice.
If you are practicing any of these behaviors, you need to stop because one or more might be the cause of your stagnation.
1. Involving yourself in workplace drama
You may think that you’re helping people in trouble, or rescuing a co-worker from a bad situation, but getting overly involved in personal issues in the workplace is an obstacle to being seen as a professional.
2. Participating in gossip and spreading rumors
Even if you are not spreading gossip (which is a career crusher) just listening, and not trying to stop it, makes you part of it. Co-workers will not trust you or share information.
3. Making and acting on wrong assumptions
Everyone is biased in some way, due to our personal experiences, what we’ve seen in the media, and messages we’ve received throughout our lives. Taking wrong actions because of false assumptions and bias can get in the way of building positive relationships at work and destroy your reputation. Plus, it will limit the people who want your advice or are willing to support you.
4. Being too nice
Most women have been told not to “make waves” or brag about accomplishments. Being empathetic and developing relationships at work is a plus. However, letting other people take credit for your accomplishments and ideas is a minus. You will languish in the same position, waiting to be discovered.
5. Volunteering for the wrong projects
Don’t volunteer for projects that are often relegated to women. i.e. taking meeting notes, organizing the potluck, or always working behind the scenes. Look for projects that will give you visibility to showcase your skills.
Simma Lieberman is a speaker, consultant and executive coach. She creates cultures where employees love to do their best work. www.simmalieberman.com
