Got this one from digg.
10 tips to become a office professional, and no that´s not microsoft office
1. Do not discuss your salary/wage with your coworkers.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people do this. There is essentially zero good that can come out of this. One way or another somebody’s feelings are going to be hurt.
It can cause a lot of strife between people and it’s even a terminable offense
in most workplaces.
The only people that you could share your salary with are
the following:
Spouse or signifigant other if you live together or otherwise
share a budget.
Parents (with the understanding that it is strictly
confidential, no telling their golf buddies, AA group or Joey your 4th cousin
twice removed.)Your accountant.
That’s it.
2. Perception is reality.
No matter how unfair it is, no matter how illogical it can be, it is
the absolute 100% truth. People don’t have time in the workplace to ferret out
the whole story. If you’re seen as a slacker, you’re a slacker. If you’re seen
as a hothead, you’re a hothead.
Work hard to cultivate the perception you think you should have and protect it once it is achieved. That means you may have to work harder/faster/better than the other guy or gal if you’ve already been branded.
Along the same lines, be careful who you hang out with at work.
It’s very easy to be pigeonholed with a group if you frequently go on breaks
with, lunch with or otherwise hangout with people who act less that
professionally (or proficiently) in the workplace.
3. Be honest with your coworkers, but not too honest.
If this job is just a stepping stone towards bigger and better things, don’t share that with the 20 year lifer that you just met at the office. I was guilty of this at my first professional job.
I think back on that and realize what a jerk I must have sounded like.
Hopes and dreams are great, but try to keep conversations with your coworkers light, at least in the early going before you really know them.
4. Choose your battles wisely.
No you will not quit if they switch from Arrowhead bottled water to Sparkletts. Get a grip.
Some battles are worth fighting, others are small potatoes. Think of it this way. Every day that you work and do an acceptable job you earn a certain number of points. As you spend more time at the job you accrue these points until you can cash them in for several purposes. One of those purposes is in the eternal battle to impose your will on others.
Whether it’s a raise or more donuts on Friday. If you’re constantly spending your points you’re going to find yourself fresh out when something REALLY important comes along like… say… layoffs.
You always want to have a cache of points to turn in when you need them.
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