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

 Downplaying Your Skills.

Downplaying your skills isn't humble, it's detrimental. As women, we often feel compelled to approach success modestly and struggle with proudly accepting compliments from others within our organization. In doing so, we cause our counterparts to question our confidence and capabilities where they may have not otherwise done so. Instead, speak up about skills that can benefit the team, confidently accept praise, and let go of the Impostor Syndrome that's making it hard for you to embrace your juice.

Good managers appreciate valuable feedback. Be intentional about thinking of innovative ways your group can fix a problem; exceed quotas, or knock a presentation out of the park. Next, offer the idea up. Forget about the possibility of getting embarrassed or saying something wrong. The men in your group will seldom hold back for any of those reasons and are thus more likely to be seen as valuable members of the team. Speak your piece. It'll make a major difference in how you're viewed.

Refusing To Ask Questions.

Questions are important to fully understand your role and perform well. They are also a great way to get a better grasp of expectations. We shy away from asking questions in fear that it will make us look silly. To the contrary, asking the right questions upfront will deter you from mishaps later on.

Being Antisocial.

The bottom line is that people want to work with peers who fit well with the dynamic of the group. Your progression at work has just as much to do with whether others feel comfortable with you as it does with your work performance. Don't feel compelled to make everyone in the office your bestie, but do make an effort to get to know them. Have a good temperament and let your actions convey that you are a team player. It'll pay dividends later.

Underestimating Your Peers And Those In Seemingly Lesser Positions Of Power.

Don't sleep on your peers, the secretary, or even the janitor. These people all have unbelievable insight into the inner workings of the office. Developing good relationships with them could help you learn of things coming down the pipeline in a way that is useful to you. In addition, this group of people may also provide feedback to people of importance about you. Make the impression a positive one.