Professional Development

Seven deadly sins of the professional

In religious terms, committing a deadly sin could earn you eternal damnation (or in some really hot water, anyway). I don’t know about all that, but here are a few things you should probably avoid at work:

1. Gluttony (or hoarding powerful knowledge)

“I know something you don’t know!” If you have a brother or sister, you may heard this phrase sung in a very annoying voice over and over and over. (And, if you don’t know what I’m talking about, consider yourself lucky.) This is what the gluttonous professional does with information. And, we’re not talking top secret can’t-share-with-you-for-a-really-good-reason information. We’re talking information that can help other people, but isn’t shared because the “sinner” doesn’t want anyone else to get ahead. They take all the juicy tidbits on the trip up the ladder with them, not helping anyone else along the way.

Don’t be gluttonous (not that you would!): Play nice! It’s okay to help other people. Really, it is. One day, they may even help you back.

2. Lust (or sucking up)

So, maybe we don’t always think of lust as sucking up, but in our case, that’s exactly what it is. The Eddie Haskell of the office. Always ready with a over-the-top compliment, the lustful professional tries to get ahead through putting everyone else down and lifting themselves up.

Don’t be lustful (not that you would!): Compliments are great, but nobody likes a butt kisser. Do good work and promote it. No sucking up required.

3. Greed (or focusing too much on your salary)

Oh, how we all know about greed these days! Even with its bad rap, it’s still practiced everyday. The greedy professional is all about the money – to the determinant of their personal self and happiness. They focus on the salary and only on the salary. Don’t get me wrong: Your salary is important. You should most definitely get paid what you’re worth! But, there’s more to your career – and your life – than salary.

Don’t be greedy (not that you would!): Get paid what your worth, but do something you love in the process. If you can’t do something you love from nine to five for whatever reason, at least make sure you have passion in your life elsewhere.

4. Sloth (or totally not caring)

Slothful YPs watch the clock, just waiting to get the heck out of there. They go out of their way to not do any work, preferring to hide in the bathroom or at least behind their monitor. The may say they’re going to work, but they don’t actually do any real work. Well, it can be hard work avoiding work.

Don’t be slothful (not that you would!): Do some work! If work really sucks, set small, small attainable goals. Achieve flow.

5. Wrath (or serious self-denial)

These “sinners” have a serious case of self-denial. Seriously. Not good at picking up on subtle cues, they vehemently deny any wrongdoing of any kind. Ever. “I can’t believe he said that about my work isn’t cutting it. What does he know!?! My work is awesome. Right? Right.” You know who I’m talking about; unfortunately they probably don’t.

Don’t be wrathful (not that you would!): It’s okay to make mistakes. Be accountable. Take a step back and look at yourself. What small comments do you hear, and what does those small comments add up to?

6. Envy (or stewing of over the success of others)

Envious professionals spend their time feeling sorry for themselves and trying to figure out how everyone is successful but them. They don’t wish anyone a happy anything. If they can’t have it, then why should anybody else?

Don’t be envious (not that you would!): Be happy for the success of others. If you’re struggling with your own happiness and success, look at ways you might improve your work or your attitude or both. If you’re seriously being mistreated, talk to Human Resources or someone you trust.

7. Pride (or, well, pride)

Apparently pride is among the worst of the deadly sins. “I,” “my,” and “mine” are among the prideful’s favorite words. Everything is about them, 24/7. You’re telling a story, they interrupt with their own, much better version. You’ve got a great idea, they’ve got a better one. They know everything there is to know and are thrilled to tell you all about their vast knowledge anytime you want.

Don’t be prideful (not that you would!): Instead of being prideful in the most narcissist sense of the word, be a team player who is willing to their work and the work of their team.

© 2009 Girl Meets Business.