As students are eager to begin a successful career after college, it is very essential they know how to interact with coworkers in their work environment. According to Susan Solovic, co-founder and CEO of SBTV, and author of three books, “It’s a social environment as well as a work environment. However, you must remember: While you can be friendly and develop a good rapport, business is business and friendship is friendship.” That is to say, socializing with coworkers is all well and good, however, there are certain topics that are not appropriate for discussion in a work environment.
To help maintain a steady and successful career after college, here are some things you should never say or converse in the workplace:
1. “That’s not my job.”
It is only inevitable that you will be asked to perform tasks that are not necessarily part of your job. If someone asks for your assistance, take it as an act of commending. They obviously esteem your skills and trust that your input will be beneficial in completing the task. Not only will this help you to enhance other skills, but it will also earn you respect from other workers. After all, you never know when you might need help from your colleagues. Plus, your boss will admire and appreciate your willingness to exceed the bare limit.
2. “Sure, I’ll help you with that.” (With a phony smile stuck on your face.)
Do not offer your help to someone and then complain about it later. Your help is as good as no help if you take on a task, but don’t really want to. Moreover, don’t tell someone you’re going to help them if you really do not have intentions on doing so. You’ll earn a reputation as someone who is unreliable. Your coworkers depend on you, so your decision to not follow through affects their work performance as well.
3. “I’ve never gotten a raise, EVER.”
Increased salary is usually based on efficiency. Asking your boss for a raise based on how long you have been working there is only telling them you want more money – not that you deserve it. Instead, evidence your desired raise is hard-earned.
4. “I’m so sick of working here.”
Endless whining about your workload, levels of stress, or even the company, will quickly make you the person nobody wants to be around. Certainly you will not be wanted there if people see that you don’t want to be there. If you don’t concur with company policies and procedures, address it with your boss or just move on. This is why it is extremely important to make sure a career is really fit for you before you begin working.
5. “I got so wasted last night.”
Whatever you do outside of work is your own business. Sure, it’s perfectly fine to have fun, but do not brag about your drunken escapades to your boss. Your boss may or may not be impressed due to the fact that you’ve showed up to work despite still suffering from a horrendous hangover. However, it certainly means nothing if you spend precious time reminiscing about your activities, rather than doing your job. More importantly, sharing such information will make you look unethical and unreliable.
6. “I don’t have time for that.”
If your boss asks you to do something, it most likely isn’t an option. If your main concern is not being able to complete the task on time, it is very important you’re honest and tell this to your boss. Explain your busy schedule, and how if given the opportunity to rearrange some projects, you can accommodate for the request.
Melissa will be a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Fall 2009. She is studying English with a minor in Journalism and will be the News Editor for her college’s school newspaper entitled The Thomas for her final year in college. Additionally, Melissa intends to study all different aspects in the field of writing, from editing, print journalism, blogging, magazine writing, editorials, obituaries, memoirs, novels, etc.
