Workplace Do’s and Don’ts

1. Do not suck up to the boss. If he’s a fair, hardworking company man who’s also after your welfare, he’ll probably see through it. If he’s the type who thrives on it, you’ll still end up the loser. To goad (sipsip) will never compensate for earned skills-and sooner or later, you’ll find out that you can’t handle your promotion.

2. Do build a relationship with your boss. Let it be a professional one, based on trust, integrity, mutual respect and drive for excellence. The human element is always important. And knowing each other as persons will help you flow with each other’s moods. But regardless of how friendly he is, don’t get too cozy; at the end of the day, he’s still the boss.

3. Be a team player. Individual merit is still being recognized and rewarded, but in this age of specialization and EQ, team-playing will speed up your career faster than the way of the lone wolf. Nobody likes arrogant know-it-alls who hog all the attention; during troubled times, they’re the one who can’t seem to find a friend. Help your co-workers in return you will be helped. And if you’re really good, your brilliance will still shine. Candles can’t be hidden under bushels forever.