You can learn a lot from any job and in any job setting. As a full-time professional, I’ve been able to glean a handful of information from my time working in an office setting. Below are some professional etiquette tips I’d like to share with other millennials, and anyone else really, that I believe are beneficial no matter where you're employed. If you want to be hired, keep a steady career, and have the option to seek new opportunities, being professional is a must. Check out the crash course below…
· Manage Your Emotions – We all have emotions that need taming. I know I do. There have been times I let my emotions get the best of me when it came to disagreements with other colleagues or those I was providing a service for, but whenever I feel my emotions rising, I step away from my desk and take a break. There will be people and situations that get on your nerves, and on some occasions, make you want to quit your job. But don’t allow yourself to be led by feelings. Managing your emotions is not only a beneficial skill in the workplace but also one that can serve you well in life.
· Don't Jeopardize Your Brand - Be careful what you post on social media. More people are paying attention to you than you think (especially management, bosses, and other future employers.) One day my boss called me into her office and said, “I appreciate your hard work and professionalism. You’ve been able to remain professional to the point where if something upsetting was happening, you continue to remain positive and professional.” She also mentioned she saw a photo of me on Instagram. I don't have an Instagram account. The photo she saw was of me was with a friend of mine that she follows on Instagram. And while the photo was no cause for concern, the fact that she mentioned a photo was a cautious reminder to be careful. Professionalism matters, inside the workplace and to an extent, outside the workplace too. Foolish moves on social media can cost you your job, promotions, and future career opportunities. Why risk all that because you're having a bad day? Avoid using profanity, political rants, public rants about a breakup with an ex, friend drama, co-workers who get on your nerves, and distasteful photographs. If you're having a bad day and need to rant and express yourself, I suggest purchasing a journal to write out your feelings or venting to trusted friends and family. Also, be mindful of your attire. What your wear outside of office hours is your business but when you're on the clock, it's best to keep things professionally polished.
· Maturity – Have the maturity and capacity to communicate and do business with others without getting personally involved with them. I've worked with people I didn’t like and some who didn’t like me. But I'm always mindful to not let my emotions or disliking towards someone's personality or behavior to dictate my behavior or sabotage my work performance. It's important to have a level of maturity to communicate with challenging co-workers, clients, or whoever you're working with no matter how anyone feels about the other. No matter what, there's work to be done and that work will almost always require communication. Be mature enough to communicate and get business done without getting your feelings involved.
· Hold Up – When most people are arriving to work first thing in the morning, aside from a proper good morning greeting, give your co-workers a chance to settle in before you start engaging them about anything. A good rule of thumb is to give your fellow co-workers about five minutes, perhaps ten, to settle in before you dive in with questions, concerns, or anything work related for the day. Would you want someone to come at you first thing in the morning before you got yourself together?
· Watch Your Mouth and Your Back – I’ve worked in environments where I’ve heard people openly complain about their jobs, management, try to sabotage other co-workers, talk about other co-workers behind their backs while smiling in their faces, cry and complain in breakrooms because of something another co-worker said or did, and invite unnecessary negativity and stress into situations that could’ve been avoided. I don’t like any of that and I refuse to participate in it. When I’m at work, I often remind myself to watch my mouth (see Ephesians 4:29) and my back. Not everyone has your best interest in mind and no matter where you work, there will always be challenges, alliances, and cliques you need to watch out for. Be sure to be kind to everyone but remember your role and what God’s called you to do and be in your workplace. There’s no time for drama. Do your job and be a source of positivity. Hope these tips have been helpful. Use them well.