5 Amateur Mistakes You’re Making In The Workplace and Don’t Even Know It

Navigating the workplace can be an interesting terrain with many caveats that make it tough to determine the right move.

No sooner than you think you've got it down, you find yourself passed up for a position you thought was in the bag or subjected to a not-so-exciting performance evaluation. Rather than calling it quits or surmising that you're not a good fit for the company culture, it is always a good idea to be sure you aren't inadvertently contributing to the fate of your experiences.

With a few adjustments to your game plan, you could very well skyrocket as the star of your team. Here are 5 mistakes you may be making in the workplace without knowing it:

Doing Only What Is Required.

The key to progression is doing more than the status quo. In fact, statistics prove that women are more likely to receive a pay raise or promotion when they demonstrate that they are already doing the work for the position.

Doing extra shows your ability to think ahead and is a good sign that you are dedicated to seeing the team succeed. Volunteer yourself for assignments no one else wants to take. Do the grunt work. Be your boss' go-to person.

5 Amateur Mistakes You’re Making In The Workplace & Don’t Even Know It

Doing Only What Is Required.

Related Stories:

"There's no balance. I'm dropping sh*t everywhere! However, my secret sauce is pursuing interests and hobbies outside of what's required of me and finding time to workout. Stronger body equals = stronger mind."

Lauren Grove, Chief Experience Architect, The Grant Access, LLC

"You have the answers within you. Don’t compare yourself to others. Curate your life to work for you. Ask for help."

"Learning your rhythm as a mom takes time and can be uncomfortable when you’re in a season of overwhelm. Constantly check in with yourself and assess what’s working and what’s not. Get the help you need without feeling guilty or ashamed of needing it."

"I want to be the best for myself, my husband, children and company. However, the reality is you can have it all but not at the same time. My secret sauce is outsourcing and realizing that it’s okay to have help in order for me to perform at the highest level."

"What helps me push through each day is the motivation to continue by thinking about my son. All my efforts, though exhausting, are to create a wonderful life for him."

"The advice I received that I’ll pass on is, you will continue to figure it out and find your rhythm as your child grows into new stages. Trust your nurturing intuition, parent on your terms, and listen to your child."

"I live by the personal mantra: 'You can’t be your best self by yourself.' My life feels more balanced when I offer the help I can give and ask for the help I need. This might mean outsourcing housecleaning for my home, or hiring additional project management support for my business."

"Each season of motherhood (depending on age, grade, workload) requires a different rhythm. With that said, be open to learning, to change, and understand that what worked for one season may not work the other...and that's okay."

"My daughter's smile and sweet spirit help me to feel gratitude when I'm overwhelmed. I want her to see a woman who doesn't quit when things get hard."

"Get comfortable with the word ‘no’. Be very clear about your non-negotiables and communicate them to those around you."

"Ask for help and always prioritize making time for you."

​"Understand you can’t do it alone — and that’s ok. Relinquish the need to control everything. Create a village and lean on them."

Salwa Benyaich, Director Of Pricing and Planning at Premion

My calendar, prayer, pilates class at Forma, a good playlist, and oatmilk lattes all help get me through any day.

Courtney Beauzile, Global Director of Client and Business Development at Shearman & Sterling

My husband is a partner who steps in when I just can’t. My mom and my MIL come through whenever and however I need. My kids have many uncles and aunts and they will lend an ear, go over homework, teach life lessons, be a presence or a prayer warrior depending on the day.

Robin Snipes, Chief of Staff at Meta

"Enjoy the time you have to yourself because once kids come those times will be few and far between."

1. You are not using the correct concealer shade.

2. You are not blending enough.

3. You are not properly setting the under-eye area.

Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.

"Understand you can’t do it alone — and that’s ok. Relinquish the need to control everything. Create a village and lean on them."