Navigating the professional world can sometimes feel like walking through a minefield. You need to know what to do, and equally important, what not to do.

Believe me, your actions at work have a significant impact on how you’re perceived and on your long-term success. In fact, there are certain behaviors that if you manage to avoid, can set you up for a successful career in the long run.

Look, I’m not here to lecture but rather to share some helpful tips. So I’m going to highlight 9 such behaviors that smart professionals steer clear of at the workplace.

Stay tuned, because avoiding these could be your secret weapon for long-term success at work.

1) Procrastination

In a professional environment, procrastination is more than just a time thief. It’s a reputation killer.

You see, consistently pushing tasks off until the last minute gives the impression that you’re either not committed or incapable of handling your responsibilities. And believe me, that’s not a tag you want attached to your name at work.

Now, I’m not saying we don’t all have our moments of procrastination. We do. But making it a habit? That’s where the problem lies.

So, if you’re looking for long-term success at work, make it a point to tackle tasks head-on and in a timely manner. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it.

And remember, it’s not just about avoiding being labeled as a procrastinator, it’s about demonstrating your ability to manage your tasks efficiently and effectively.

Tackling tasks well not only helps avoid procrastination but also lays the foundation for owning up to responsibilities, another crucial aspect of professional growth.

2) Avoiding responsibility

There was this project early in my career, a big one.

I was part of the team but not in a leading role. Things didn’t go as planned, and the project failed. Instead of owning up to my part in it, I found myself pointing fingers and blaming others.

It didn’t take long for me to realize that was the wrong approach. Not only did it damage relationships with my team members, but it also hindered my own learning and growth.

That experience taught me an invaluable lesson.

Owning up to your mistakes is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. It shows integrity and a willingness to learn and improve.

Avoiding responsibility for your actions can lead to missed opportunities for growth and can negatively impact your relationships at work. It can hinder your reputation and potential for long-term success.

So, the next time you find yourself in a tough spot, don’t shy away from taking responsibility. It’s an opportunity for growth and improvement that will serve you well on your journey to success.

Just as owning our actions is vital, so too is setting clear goals to guide our career trajectory and ensure continual progress. And if you avoid doing it, you might find yourself in trouble…

3) Not setting goals

Imagine embarking on a journey with no destination in mind. Sounds aimless, right? That’s exactly what your career looks like without goals.

Not setting clear and achievable goals is like sailing a ship without a compass. It leaves you directionless and hampers your potential for advancement and success.

Goals give you a sense of direction, a roadmap to where you want to be. They help you measure your progress, keep you motivated, and ultimately lead to success.

So, whether it’s a short-term goal or a long-term vision, make sure you have one. And don’t just keep it in your head, write it down. Make a step-by-step plan on how to achieve it and work towards it every day.

Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So set your goals and start stepping towards them today. You’ll thank yourself for it in the long run.

Setting goals provides direction, and in a similar way, embracing change keeps us adaptable and ready to navigate the evolving landscape of our careers.

4) Resisting change

Change, as we know, is the only constant in life.

And resisting change? Well, that’s like trying to swim upstream. It’s exhausting and gets you nowhere.

Whether it’s a new technology, a change in company policy or a shift in team dynamics, resisting change can make you look rigid and outdated. It can hinder your professional growth and hamper your chance at long-term success.

Instead of resisting, learn to embrace change. View it as an opportunity to learn something new, to adapt, to grow. Be flexible and open-minded.

Those who adapt are the ones who survive and thrive. So, embrace change and let it propel you towards success.

Adapting to change requires a positive mindset, which is equally important in combatting workplace negativity and fostering a constructive environment.

5) Negativity

Ah, negativity. It’s like a black hole, isn’t it? It just sucks everything in its path and makes the workplace environment a real bummer.

I remember when I first started my career, there was this colleague of mine, let’s call him Mark.

Mark was a talented guy, but he had this constant negative aura around him. Every meeting, every discussion, he would always find something to complain about or criticize.

Slowly but surely, people began avoiding him. His negative attitude not only tarnished his reputation but also affected his career progression.

That experience taught me a valuable lesson – the power of maintaining a positive attitude at work.

Sure, there will be challenges and not everything will go your way. But maintaining a positive outlook not only helps you overcome these obstacles but also influences how others perceive you.

So if you’re aiming for long-term success at work, nip any negativity in the bud. Stay positive and solution-oriented, and you’ll see the difference it makes in your professional journey.

Overcoming negativity is pivotal, and this positive approach should extend to our communication, ensuring clarity and understanding in all interactions.

6) Lack of communication

Clear communication is the backbone of any successful organization. It helps in setting expectations, managing tasks, and resolving conflicts. And the lack of it? Well, it’s like trying to drive a car blindfolded.

You’d be surprised to know that a study by Project Management Institute revealed that ineffective communication leads to a 56% increase in project risk. That’s more than half!

In the workplace, failing to communicate well can lead to misunderstandings, missed deadlines, and overall inefficiency. It can create an environment of confusion and mistrust, which is not conducive to success.

Whether it’s sharing updates, asking for help or providing feedback, make sure you communicate clearly and effectively. Trust me, your colleagues will thank you for it and your professional growth will thank you even more.

Clear communication sets the stage for effective feedback, a tool essential for our personal and professional development.

7) Not embracing feedback

We all like to hear good things about ourselves, don’t we? But when it comes to feedback at work, it’s the constructive criticism that truly helps us grow.

Ignoring or getting defensive about feedback is a surefire way to stunt your professional growth. It sends out a message that you’re not open to improvement or change. Now, that’s not an impression you want to create, is it?

Whether it’s positive or negative, embrace feedback with grace and gratitude. Understand that it’s a tool for improvement, not a personal attack. It shows your willingness to learn and adapt, which are key traits for long-term success.

Remember, the most successful people are the ones who know their strengths and weaknesses and constantly strive for improvement. So, don’t shy away from feedback. Instead, use it as a stepping stone towards success.

Embracing feedback improves our skills, and in tandem, showing empathy enhances our ability to connect with and understand our colleagues — even those who might not always offer the most constructive criticism.

8) Failing to show empathy

In the hustle and bustle of the workday, it’s easy to forget that our colleagues are humans with their own struggles and challenges.

Empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others – is a trait often overlooked, but its value in the workplace is immense. It builds trust, fosters collaboration, and promotes a healthy work environment.

Failing to show empathy can make you come across as cold and unapproachable. And trust me, nobody wants to work with someone who doesn’t care about others’ feelings.

So, next time your colleague is having a rough day or your team is grappling with a tough project, show some empathy. A simple “I understand how you feel” or “We’re in this together” can go a long way.

Remember, at the end of the day, we’re all just people trying to do our best. So let’s be kind and understanding towards each other. It’s not just good for our own success, but also makes the world a better place to work in.

Empathy enriches our professional relationships, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance ensures we’re able to bring our best selves to these interactions…

9) Ignoring work-life balance

Work is important, no doubt about it. But let’s not forget, we’re humans, not machines. We all need some time off to recharge our batteries.

Ignoring work-life balance and constantly burning the midnight oil is a path to burnout and decreased productivity. Plus, it can take a toll on your health and personal relationships.

Now, I’m not saying don’t work hard. By all means, give your 100% during work hours. But once you’re done for the day, switch off your work mode. Spend time with your loved ones, pursue a hobby, or just relax.

Striking a healthy work-life balance not only improves your overall well-being but also boosts your performance at work. In the long run, it’s the balanced professionals who truly excel in their careers.

Try to incorporate this rule to your approach: work to live, don’t live to work.

Final thoughts

Navigating the world of work can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. On one side, we have our career ambitions and on the other, the reality of daily workplace dynamics.

Yet, the secret to long-term success might be simpler than we think – it’s about embracing good practices and avoiding detrimental behaviors. It’s about communicating effectively, embracing change, setting goals and showing empathy. It’s about maintaining a positive attitude and a healthy work-life balance.

According to a study by Harvard Business Review, self-awareness – understanding one’s own behaviors, is a critical factor for leadership success. So, recognizing these behaviors and consciously avoiding them is not just crucial for individual growth, but it also sets the tone for effective leadership.

As you navigate your professional journey, remember that success is not just about reaching a destination. It’s about the journey itself – the learning, the growth, and how we evolve as professionals and as individuals.

So take a moment. Reflect on these behaviors. Are there any you’re guilty of? Are there any you need to work on? Remember, self-improvement is an ongoing journey – and it’s never too late to start.