In a fast-paced working environment, there are certain rules that you can overlook if you wish to excel in your career. Sometimes holding back and adhering to these rules can lead to stagnation.

So, what are these rules, you ask?

1. Don’t speak your mind indiscriminately: think before you speak

Most thoughts and opinions that pop into our heads tend to be incomplete, ill-informed and distorted by potential biases, both cognitive and emotionally.

Some people may understand what you’re trying to convey. Others may see you as incompetent and indecisive.

It won’t hurt to hold back your thoughts until you have a concrete opinion to express.

Alternatively, ask yourself this – are you speaking your mind or expressing your emotions?

2. Don’t always highlight problems: present solutions too

It’s acceptable to raise an issue with your superiors, but you should make it clear that you’ve already thought through the issue thoroughly and have a few solutions to offer.

Bosses appreciate employees who can add value to the company with their problem-solving skills.

3. Don’t overdo things at work: pace yourself

Pushing yourself to complete tasks above and beyond your job scope is a great way to stand out, especially if you desire to climb the corporate ladder fast.

But would it be worth doing this if it’s going to eat into your personal life? Perhaps a proper work-life balance will make you even more productive at work and earn you the praise of your boss eventually.

4. Don’t only associate success with climbing the corporate ladder

Getting a promotion is the icing on the cake for any eager professional. It provides you with a goal and a reason to work harder.

That being said, a promotion should not necessarily be the ultimate definition of success.

Some employees prefer to retain their current position because they are not keen on taking on more responsibilities. Others may feel they lack certain skill-sets.

5. Don’t insist on being right: admit to your mistakes

No matter what your position in the organisation, admitting to a mistake is a good trait to uphold.

Having the courage to admit you’re wrong, shows strength of character rather than weakness. Those you work with will appreciate your humility and honesty.

Remember, however, not to repeat the same mistake as you might lose credibility eventually.

6. Don’t work while on leave: use the time to recharge

Though the notion of working while on leave can be frustrating for some, it’s a practice that a lot of people uphold.

It also takes away the main purpose of being away from work for a holiday, when you’re sick or settling an emergency.

If you don’t take this chance to remove yourself from work even when you’re on leave, chances are you might risk ‘burn out’.

It would be better to fully utilise your leave whether to rejuvenate, get some ‘me time’ or sort nagging issues on the home front.

7. Don’t check your emails once at home: you need downtime

You shouldn’t check or reply emails after your official working hours unless you have a job requires you to be on standby around the clock.

It would be better to give yourself a break by disconnecting from emails right after work.

If there are urgent matters that require your immediate attention, inform them to call you instead of emailing you.

8. Don’t work overtime: go home if you’ve met your deadlines

There are certain companies such as publication, media and advertising where working overtime is necessary.

If you work in a company with typical 8am-5pm hours and still ended up putting in overtime, it could be a sign of inefficiency.

There’s also the work culture to think about. If you can meet all your deadlines within the standard working hours, why stick around even if everyone else is doing overtime.

However, if it’s a team project, it would be best to stay on with your colleagues who’re still working.

9. Don’t distance yourself from your colleagues: they’re your friends too

It’s natural to be friends with co-workers provided there’s mutual understanding that both sides retain professionalism when it comes to work.

Friendships tend to develop naturally with daily contact and shared experiences. But if you don’t want to be friends with a colleague, don’t string them along.

If you work in a small organisation, you should consider being more sociable towards your colleagues.

10. Don’t say ‘yes’ to everything: speak up if you can’t

It can be tricky to say “no” to your boss as it could potentially harm your career. If you’re tasked with a job you can’t deliver, best to share your concern.

This will help open up an honest discussion with your boss so an alternative solution can be reached.

Finding a way to refuse the task with a logical reason and with options can make it easier to accept.

That being said, your boss has the final say, so prepare to do the task anyway.

This article first appeared in jobstore.com

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