Deborah OConnor February 24, 2013

Let’s face it; performance is king. There are no shortcuts in the business world and he or she who performs rules. However, when everything else is equal, knowledge of etiquette can make all the difference. Here are 10 suggestions to help get that promotion.

1.    Look the part. Dress professionally at all times and if you cannot do it on your own, hire someone to help you.* The workplace is not the time to wear sexy or inappropriate clothing. Sloppy attire is never okay, even on the most casual days. Your boss will not forget that you wore the low-cut tank top to the company picnic.

2.    Punctuality is vital. If you are late for meetings, arrive late for work, leave early, take extra-long lunches, it will be noticed and not in a good way. Be smart and develop a reputation for always being on time or a little early. You will be held in high esteem if you can be consistent in this area.

3.    Be prepared. There really is no substitution for preparedness, and you cannot hide the fact that you are not prepared. Make it a habit to be thorough in everything you do and do not take shortcuts.

4.    Do not waste time. Gossiping in the lunch room, popping into cubicles to chat and waste everyone’s time, making personal calls at work, spending too much time in the lunch room or taking extra-long breaks, these are all time wasters. And everyone in the office knows who these people are and they are not the ones who get promoted.

5.    Avoid discussions about controversial subjects. These include religion, politics, race, and sexuality. These are not appropriate topics in the office and I promise you that you will offend someone, and it just might be your boss.

6.    Do not use the Internet for your personal business. Tempting as this may be, do not do it. The company computers belong to the company and everything you do on their computers belongs to them. Also, everything you type on their computers is admissible in a court of law. Keep your personal business out of the workplace as this can definitely squelch a promotion.

7.    Do not have an office affair. This is the one of the worst things you can do, and it will definitely cost you a promotion. In spite of all your efforts to keep things secret, everyone usually knows what is going on. And it is a fact that when the affair is over, someone leaves the job, and you can bet it won’t be your boss.

8.    Try to make yourself indispensable. Figure out what your strengths are and make them work for you. Maybe you do excellent PowerPoint presentations or have the ability to help others prepare for speaking engagements. Whatever your skills are, try to hone them and make them work for you.

9.    Be a team player. Get along with everyone in the office. It can only work in your favor.

10.   Make sure there is no negativity associated with you. The negative person is   always tearing down his fellow co-workers, he is always complaining, and he is invariably right while everyone else is wrong. Most everything that comes out of his mouth is self-destructive and has negative associations. This person will definitely not be promoted and will likely lose his job.   

With a little foresight and a lot of common sense, you can be in line for the next promotion.

*Successful Image offers this service. Deborah has helped many change their image and get that promotion. Contact her at: [email protected]

Please feel free to send questions to Deborah at: www.successfulimage.biz.
She will answer them in her weekly column.

Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at:  [email protected]        www.successfulimage.biz