When it comes
to how you're judged at work, you might think that the quality of your work is
all that matters. But human perceptions are a lot more complicated than that, and you
might send signals that you don't realize or intend.
The ways that you send signals about yourself at work are-
1. Whom you
hang out with at work. No matter how good your work is, if you're always hanging
around co-workers who only do the bare minimum, have a complaint about
everything or don't get along well with their managers, you're likely to be
perceived as sharing those same traits – even if you
don't. Likewise, if
you spend time with the office's high achievers, you're likely to be perceived
as having a similar work ethic and values.
2. What time you leave each day. If you watch the clock and
leave every day at 5 p.m. on the dot, prepare to be seen as someone not
especially committed to work, and only putting in what's absolutely
required. That can impact you when it's time for raises and promotions. On the
other hand, if you always stay hours longer than everyone else, you might be
seen as committed – but you might instead be seen as someone struggling to
handle workload. Better than each of these is a more balanced approach – not
running out the door at the stroke of 5 each day, but leaving around the same
time most other people do.
3. What you
wear. "Dress for the job you want,
not the job you have" is an old saying for a reason. You might get away with wearing
jeans and colorful bright shirts in your role, but if the people above you look
more polished, you'll probably go further by wearing more business-like
clothes. Fairly or not, people have an easier time picturing you managing
others, doing higher-profile work and dealing with clients when you look
polished and well put together.
4. How you
behave in meetings. If you sit silently in meetings without participating,
you're signaling that you don't have much to contribute, or that you don't care
enough to contribute. Even worse, if you spend most of the time checking texts
on your phone or reading sports scores, you signal that you're unengaged with
the company's business. So try to participate if you can – and at an absolute
minimum, make sure you look attentive.
5. How your
office is decorated. If
your office is barren – no photos, no décor, no evidence that
someone inhabits it – you might signal that you're just passing through, that
you'll be on your way as soon as you find something better. It's easy to bring
in a lamp and put an art print on the wall, and it will make a difference in
how people see you. If every surface in your office is covered with photos, art
and figurines, you'll look like your focus is somewhere other than on work. You
also want to avoid a messy office, which can make you look disorganized and
unconscientious.
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