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Career Author Warns Bad Habits Can be Detrimental on the Job

No matter how outstanding a person may be at his or her job, one or two bad habits can quickly ruin how they're perceived in the workplace. A person's mannerisms and habits are a small part of what makes them who they are, but they play a significant role in irking, infuriating--or worse, disgusting--the people they work with, according to career author Laverne Ludden, Ed.D.

In his recently-released workbook Job Savvy Ludden writes, "Our impressions about people affect the way we treat them. So it should come as no surprise that the impressions other people have about you affect the way you'll be treated in the workplace. Mannerisms and habits can have a powerful influence. It's important to become aware of any irritating behavior or habit you have and try to eliminate it. When you get rid of poor behavior, you reflect a more positive impression."

There are a several mannerisms and habits that can keep a person from progressing in their career and fitting in with co-workers. In Job Savvy Ludden identifies the following behaviors as some of the most common career faux pas:

Using tobacco products

Generally, people are aware that using tobacco products can harm their bodies. Yet many underestimate how smoking or chewing tobacco affects their image in the workplace. Ludden warns that people might look down on co-workers who use tobacco products and encourages people to consider how this habit might influence their professional image.

Wearing earphones

For some people, listening to an I-Pod or satellite radio at work helps them tune out distractions. In many workplaces, however, these devices are very problematic. Not only can radios and MP3 players be a safety hazard, they also reduce communication among co-workers. The employee using these devices may also be interpreted as unapproachable and disinterested in their job.

Chewing gum

Most people know that chewing gum can be detrimental during job interviews, but many fail to realize it should also be avoided on the job. Because people struggle to speak clearly when chewing gum, Ludden advises to avoid doing it on the job--particularly during meetings; phone conversations; and discussions with co-workers, supervisors and customers.

Using slang or profanity

Employees who swear or speak in slang in the workplace run the risk of being perceived as ignorant, rude and uneducated. When at work, people should always speak in terms that are easily understood and inoffensive.

Picking and Pulling

Many people pick and pull at their bodies without realizing they are doing it. For example, a person may tug their ear, rub their chin, or scratch their nose more often than they realize. These unconscious habits can be a real turnoff to others, as well as distracting.

Ludden reminds that there are numerous other habits and mannerisms that can be problematic in the workplace, saying, "Look at other people and determine what mannerisms they exhibit that negatively affect the way you feel about them. Examine yourself for any such behavior. Ask friends and family to tell you whether they have observed negative traits in your behavior. Then work to improve on their suggestions."

Job Savvy, Fourth Edition, is available from the publisher (www.jist.com or 1.800.648.JIST). To speak with the author, contact Natalie Ostrom.

JIST, America's Career Publisher, is a division of EMC/Paradigm Publishing and is the leading publisher of job search, career, and occupational information books, workbooks, assessments, videos and software.

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