Do You Play Nice with Others? 5 Self-Important Habits to Ditch
We have all battled with trying to maintain confidence while taking care to not come across as cocky or arrogant. The truth, though? No one is perfect, and it’s easy to slip into an egotistical frame of mind. If you are worried about how you are being perceived at work, try ditching these five self-important habits.
1. Entitlement
If someone you worked for acted the way you did at work, would you find that behavior acceptable? Do you constantly interrupt people and try to talk over others? Do you expect everyone to cater to you when you have bad days, but aren’t willing to do the same for others? If you are using your title and stature as an excuse to demand things from colleagues, you could be giving off a sense of entitlement. Don’t use your title as a way to overpower others, but use it as a way to empower others. Guide your co-workers or employees to do better and work together as a team. Communicate and engage often.
2. Putting others down
When you belittle others, it does not place you above them in any way. If you’re calling out others’ faults and embarrassing them, it makes your team members and colleagues fear displeasing you. Humans are prone to make mistakes and if someone fears making them, they will look for opportunity elsewhere to avoid that risk of being the next person you target. Be mindful of teasing vs. bullying, too. What may just be teasing to you, may not be to someone else. If you have feedback to deliver, do it in a private setting. Try to give praise often and lift your employees up.
3. Being hierarchical
Do you ever say, “That isn’t in my job description“? If you are using your title in order to place yourself at a higher value than those who report to you, you are being unfair and hierarchical. If you appear to value only those above you, you risk missing out on the great ideas of those who work below you. Forget titles and ranks and concentrate on good ideas — no matter who they come from.
4. Acting inconsiderate
Are you distracted or do you appear bored when someone is talking to you? Do you change the subject when someone is talking? Do you show up on time to meetings? Being inconsiderate is more about your actions than anything else. It gives the impression that you think you are better than others and that you do not respect their time. Instead, focus on the task at hand and give your full attention to what you are doing. Treat everyone with respect and be on time.
5. Being condescending
Do you talk down to others? Do you just skim over details instead of taking the time to explain everything to someone? Being patronizing is a horrible habit and will put a bad taste in the mouths of those who witness you being condescending. Be patient and remember that some people learn differently than others. Use your communication skills to fully and properly explain things.