Posted by There are certain rules at work that you can break to open up new opportunities. Sometimes holding yourself back and adhering to rules can lead to stagnation. In a fast-paced working environment, there are certain rules that you can overlook if you wish to excel in your career. So what are the rules that you can break at work?
1. Don’t speak up what is on your mind
Most things that came into our mind tend to be incomplete, ill-informed and distorted by potential biases, both cognitive and emotionally. What you choose to say from your initial thoughts could potentially reflect negatively on you. Some people may understand what you are trying to convey. But some don’t and it could make you appear incompetent and indecisive. It won’t hurt to hold back your thoughts a little while longer until you have a concrete opinion to express. Alternatively, you can determine if you are being objective or non-judgemental by asking yourself, are you speaking from your mind or expressing your emotions?
2.Confronting your boss about a problem at work
It’s acceptable to raise an issue at work to your superiors, but you should indicate that you already have thought through those problems and advice on a few potential solutions to these concerns. Your boss will always look for employees who can add value and the right way to show that is not only through your exceptional problem-solving skills, but also what potential solutions you have come up with to assist your boss and the company to resolve them.
3. Don’t overdo things that you were initially required to do
Pushing yourself to do things above and beyond your job scope is a great way to stand out and perform beyond expectation. If you have the desire to climb up the career ladder and keeping up in a competitive working environment, you would certainly achieve it by doing more than they could. This type of working style can easily acquire intrinsic benefits as well. But would it be worth it if it’s going to take up your personal life and time? Perhaps a proper work-life balance would suffice even though you might not become a high-achiever in the short term. In the end, it’s up to you to decide if you wish to work harder or enjoy a well balanced life.
4.Climbing up the corporate ladder to earn a promotion
Getting a promotion is one of the biggest highlights of career success. It provides you with a goal and the reason to work harder. That being said, a promotion is not necessary depending on your definition of success. Unless you prefer to retain your current position because you are not keen on taking in more responsibilities or you lack certain skill-sets.
5. Not admitting that you are wrong
No matter what position you are holding on in the organisation, admitting to your own mistakes is a good trait to uphold. Having the courage to admit that you are on the wrong shows strength rather than weakness. The people you work with will appreciate your humility and honesty. In turn, they will be more likely to be empathetic rather than being objective. Try not to repeat the same mistakes despite acknowledging it the first time as you might start to lose credibility.
6.Working when you are on leave
Though the notion of working while on leave can be frustrating for some, it’s a practice that a lot of people uphold. It also takes away the main purpose of being away from work for a holiday, sick or settling with emergency matters. If you don’t take this chance to remove yourself from your work even when you are on leave, chances are you might risk getting yourself burn out. It would be better to take the chance to fully utilise your leave whether to rejuvenate, refreshed or getting other matters sorted away.
7.Checking on your emails even when you are out of work
It is not necessary for you to be obligated to check or reply to emails beyond your working hours unless you are in a job that requires you to be on standby all the time. It would be better to give yourself a break by disconnecting yourself from emails right after work. If there are urgent matters that require your immediate attention, inform them to call you instead of emailing you.
8. Working overtime
Depending on the situation and also the work you are involved in. There are certain companies such as publication, media and advertising where working overtime is necessary. If you are working in a company with the typical 8-5 working hours and still ended up doing overtime, it could be a sign of inefficiency. Whether if you should work overtime also depends on the work culture as well. If you are capable of meeting all your deadlines within the standard working hours, it won’t be necessary for you to stick around even if everyone else is doing overtime. Unless its a team effort work, perhaps it would be better for you to work overtime to show your effort to your colleagues.
9. Not becoming friends with your co-workers
It’s fine with being friends with your co-workers as long as there is a mutual understanding that both sides retain professional when it comes to working. Friendships tend to develop naturally due to daily contact and shared experiences. But if you opt not to be friends with one, it is important not to string them along. Depending on the size of the organisation, you may need to consider being more social towards your colleagues, especially in a small workplace.
10. Saying “yes” to your boss
It can be tricky to say “no” to your boss as it could potentially harm your career. If you are being burdened with a task that you are not suited in performing, perhaps it would be better to share your concern. Raising your concern will open up an honest discussion with your boss in determining an alternative solution. Finding a way to refuse your boss with a logical reason and with options can make it easier to accept. That being said, the final say still goes to your boss, so you should be prepared to accept the task in hand.
Is there any work rules that should be mentioned in this list? Leave us your thoughts on the comment sections below. Head over to Jobstore.com and unveil your next job opportunity.
You Jing is a content writer who writes career and lifestyle contents to inspire job seekers and employers alike on their journey to work-life balance, empowerment and transformation in their career path.
Reach me at youjing@jobstore.com