Common career mistakes - Avoid - Your career is your responsibility

Cammon Career Mistakes

Handling your career shouldn't be like walking a tightrope - the tension would be killing. On the other hand - it shouldn't be viewed as a picnic on the beach either. That attitude could kill your career altogether. All too often the mistakes you make at work could cost you dearly - in terms of promotions and pay raises. You're better off steering clear of a few common mistakes. What are they? Let's take a look.


1.Not owning up to your errors and mistakes. It's a common trait to pass the buck and blame the system or someone else for what happened. Own up responsibility for your mistakes. If you have people reporting to you, you're considered accountable for their mistakes as well. The buck stops with you - accept it. And make sure that it doesn't happen again.

2.Getting drunk or behaving inappropriately at office parties. If it's an official get together - you're still considered to be on call. Believe it or not - such behaviour will always be considered when promotions are due.

3.Inability to address specific problems or crisis. There's little point in beating about the bush and appearing over busy with other matters when you need to troubleshoot effectively. If there is a problem - don't look the other way. Get to be well informed about the facts, the current problems and the potential solutions. Address the problem - ask for help and advice if need be. But do what needs to be done.

4.Ineffective communication - be it verbal or written. Nothing paints as pathetic a picture as the inability to put your point across. If you do find yourself lacking in this area - don't hesitate to take classes to improve your communication skills. You'll be surprised at the difference it can make to your career.

5.Resting on your laurels. Don't feel indispensable because you've delivered in the past. Your current performance is the all-important criteria. If the management thinks you've lost your edge, they'll have no qualms in identifying your successor.

6.Disliking your job or your boss - the sure way to destruct your career. If you think you're in the wrong job or you would never be able to get along with your boss - move out as soon as possible. This job is never going to work well for you.

7.Job-hopping. A rolling stone gathers no praise in the corporate world. People won't take you seriously if they think you're not going to be with them for a fair stint. Your loyalties will be suspect. It's in your interest to garner wide experience while working for the same company for a few years.

Remember - your career is your responsibility. It's up to you to look after it.