[SOUDAK]

Everyone in every job and every life makes mistakes. There is no way to avoid them. However, the success of your career can ride on how you handle your mistakes and how you recover from them. Small, seemingly innocent missteps can sometimes become big career traps. Fortunately, you can avoid many of those traps if you know where they lurk. Insure that one small problem doesn't turn into a job or career ending monster.



Are you committing any of them?

Having no plan
Conflict is inevitable in the workplace. But when your conflict is with someone who could derail your career, always ask yourself, what exactly do I want the outcome to be? If your boss doesn't take the time to properly explain your position's parameters, keep asking questions until you know precisely what's expected of you. Don't limit your questions to matters of everyday routine Instead, ask: "What are our department's goals? How does my work fit in with the overall objective of department's goals? How does my work fit in with the overall objective of the company?"


Keeping Company With The Wrong People
You might consider it unfair that judgments are made about you depending on the people you associate with. Nevertheless, its human nature, and you can count on being evaluated in this manner. After all, people with high standards usually seek each other out. Similarly, those with negative outlooks are comfortable commiserating with fellow pessimists.

Choosing to be around dynamic and energetic co-workers carries a double reward. You will be viewed as a positive person who deserves quality friends. Furthermore, their energy will no doubt be contagious, and challenge you to be your best. Friends who are not held in esteem within your company may be holding you back.


Being "Me-focused" Instead of "Company-focused"
Employees who constantly "look out for number one" are quite annoying to both management and peers. Do you complain about your low salary? Do you consider promotions owed to you, rather than something that must be earned? Do you use your maximum sick time, viewing it as extra vacation time? Your focus should be on finding ways to help your company instead of benefiting or promoting yourself. Don't be overly preoccupied with whether or not you are getting everything you deserve. It shows you have a very narrow focus. You are much more likely to realize career advancement and personal satisfaction with big picture mindset.
Refusing to Admit Mistakes
It is refreshing when employees admit their errors, and view them as opportunities to learn. After all, how much imagination does it take to make excuses? A much more admirable approach would be to own up to the fact the mistake was yours. Then, go a step further to explain your plan for both correcting and avoiding it in the future. Employees who accept responsibility demonstrate professional maturity and confidence. Your credibility will be higher if you are honest about your errors and strive to correct them. The single worst thing you can do when you make a mistake is to attempt to hide it. No one is smart enough to hide their mistakes from everyone. In fact, the simple act of trying to hide your mistakes will expose you to even greater backlash or punishment than had you admitted the mistake up front.


Neglecting to "Manage Up"
A healthy relationship with your boss truly matters, regardless of your personal opinion of him or her. Every employee has a responsibility to support management. Talking about your boss behind his or her back is sometimes very tempting. However, it shows poor judgment. Managers appreciate proactive, loyal employees who are committed to the company's objectives. Take the time to know what is important to your boss. Allow him or her to explain things you don't fully understand. Above all, remember this: A bosses' job is not easy. Do your part to make it as smooth as possible.

Who's to blame?
If blaming a company is bad, blaming an individual can be virtual career suicide. It doesn't matter how bad someone else has screwed up, if you try to put the blame on them your reputation with both staff and management could suffer greatly. Again, your first response should be to solve the problem, not toss around blame. Your management might also see it as a sign, rightly or wrongly, that you are not willing to take responsibility for your own mistakes and always seek to place the blame elsewhere.

In either case you are digging a very deep career hole. Trying to cover up a mistake or blame someone else for the problem makes you seem petty and untrustworthy. We all want to hide our mistakes, but it is how you deal with them that raises or lowers other people's respect in your work and personally.

Being a loner
The golden rule of work is "relationships, relationships, relationships" many workers focus so hard on the job at hand that they never develop useful relationships with people in other parts of their organization.

Worse, when they do interact with colleagues in other departments, it may be under less than collegial circumstances.

Winning allies throughout your organization has an additional benefit, adds Ruth Siress, an author and partner at RHS Training Services in the Kansas City area. "These days, it's far too risky to expect your work to speak for itself," she says. "Having allies who speak well of you increases your visibility to top management."

Waffling
People who are willing to make the tough decisions naturally stand out. People who continually waffle on decisions, however, stand out for the wrong reason.
Displaying Unreliable Behaviour
Dependability is a fundamental foundation of career success. It's dangerous to overlook this basic characteristic. You can be the hardest worker in the company, but if people cannot rely on your promises, you won't be respected. Reliability is a cornerstone of not only career success but also your reputation in general. Punctuality and regular attendance are key indicators of a responsible employee. Following through on promises is also of paramount importance. If you commit to something, make sure it happens. Your trustworthiness will never be questioned if people are able to fully rely on your word.

Becoming Complacent
Nothing is more impressive than an employee who goes the extra mile. Big picture thinkers move ahead quickly by looking beyond the current task at hand. They don't wait for others to identify and pursue areas needing improvement. Enthusiastic employees who are not afraid to take risks find themselves noticed and rewarded. If you are serious about moving ahead, take as many professional courses as you can. Keep your skills razor-sharp. The more talents you bring to the table, the more valuable you become to your company.

Avoiding these career mistakes will ensure that you will earn the success to which you aspire. Make no mistake about that!!

[aansoo]