4 Mistakes we make at the Workplace.

As an administrator,my aim is to see people achieving their goal as a result of working together.But it as not left my notice the unique mistakes that we make at work.

This mistakes have hindered us from getting ahead at work or in business,it as made us look small and incompetent in the eyes of our subordinates.

The mistakes are endless but we would look at 4 of them.

#1.Fear of sounding stupid and Preferring to keep quiet and not ask questions.

How many times do we have to be told, there are no stupid questions.We have relied our thoughts on the saying that , It's better to keep your mouth shut and look like a fool than to open it and confirm it.Well,I don't agree.

Asking a legitimate question to ensure understanding is a sign more of confidence than of ignorance.And over a decade of working has taught me anything,it's that if I don't understand something,most likely no one else does,either.

Most times people don't ask questions because they don't want to waste the group's time.Asking yourself the simple question,Will the answer apply to only me?should help you decide whether you should ask it.If the answer is yes,and you know you will have the chance to ask it following the meeting,then wait to ask your question off-line.If the answer is no,or you know you won't have the opportunity to ask again,then ask away.Do however be sensitive to the needs of others in the meeting.

#2. Sharing too Much Personal Information.

This mistake is actually an extension of telling the truth to an inappropriate degree.At a meeting an employee broke down crying and told a long,involved story about how her mother was dying,her sisters wouldn't assume any responsibility,the burden fell on her and her husband was out of job.....

Relevant?Yes,but more than the boss needed to know.It gave the impression that the employee could not handle stress.Sharing a personal information isn't in and of itself a mistake-It's sharing too much of it that can come back to bite you.

Be selective about the personal information you share and with whom you share it with.If you are in a senior position be even more careful.

#3.Waiting to Be Noticed.

Corporate down-sizing and the trend toward flat organizations have created the need to be noticed in a positive way-before work-force reductions take place.When it comes to maintaining your job during layoffs,it can be as simple as making a case for why your unique brand will be valuable in the newly formed organization.

As for flatter organizations,the dearth of opportunities to move up makes assignments and projects that can offer you visibility or specialized training all the more valuable.Recipients of these assignments are often those who subtly call attention to the ways in which their strengths play to the requirements of the work.Waiting to be noticed will not get you where you want to be. You have got to know your brand and sell it when the opportunity arises.

If there is a vacancy or assignment you want,ask to be considered for it.

#4. Staying in your Safety Zone

People tend to remain in positions too long for fear of getting in over their heads.In the modern job market we look at people who stay in a job too long in the same way we used to judge job-hoppers-as if there's something wrong with them.Staying in a job too long gives the impression of being complacent and,perhaps,not staying up on the latest technical developments in the field.

Some people refuse assignments for which they are handpicked if they feel they're not qualified for the job.Big Mistake.No surer way of being crossed off the list for future opportunities than by refusing an offer.

Ironically people who stay in their comfort zones aren't attracted or impressed by others who do the same.Most people consider those who are enthusiastic,take risks,and exhibit a can do attitude as charismatic or people they would like to emulate.

Leave a comment on your thoughts and on any mistakes in the workplace that is not mentioned above.