Ten Things To Do To Get Fired-Part 2

Sorry about yesterday.  Some equipment problems.

The final five things to do to get fired by some author somewhere.

6. Forget teamwork -- look out for No. 1.
No  one wants to work with an arrogant employee who steals ideas or an egotistical worker who demeans others. Helping your co-workers doesn't make you a pushover, it makes you smart. Likeable employees move up the company ranks more quickly, and your colleagues will be more likely to help you find leads when you launch your next job search.

No one wants to work with arrogant employees but we all do.  Number 6 is not a bad idea but it doesn't tell us how to handle the situation.  Be patient is the best way.  I had a boss who when he really got ticked about something would write a memo to the moron that made him mad and then stick it in a drawer for at least 24 hours.  Then he would pull it out, read it and decide whether to send it or trash it.  He said in all his years of corporate politics he only sent one memo.  And it was the biggest mistake of his life. 

This is not to say you just bend over for anybody.  But don't talk about it.  If you got a problem go to the source and confront the person.  Unless the problem is your boss and then you have to be more creative.

7. Bring your personal life to work.
It's inevitable that personal business is going to pop up during work hours. But keep in mind that cubicles don't lend any privacy, so the whole office can hear -- and are distracted by -- you making that appointment with your waxer. Keep personal calls and errands to a minimum during work hours.

This one probably won't get you fired.  But it is annoying so keep it to a minimum.

8. Consistently work "abbreviated" workdays.
Want to show your boss how little you care about your job or career progress? Regularly come in late and leave early. After all, if you can't be trusted to show up on time, how can your boss trust you with more responsibility?

This is pretty stupid.  Work the hours your boss works, at least until you get promoted or there is some sign your boss thinks you walk on water.  Bad habits become annoying.  Walking past your bosses office 15 minutes after start time when he has been there an hour already will not get you any points.  I know because a friend of mine had a guy that did that.  Drove him crazy.  So for the first few months the solution is easy--arrive when or before your boss does and leave when or after your boss does.  May be a bit of a hassle but well, as my wife says, that's life in the big.

9. Treat deadlines more like guidelines.
When you procrastinate, everyone suffers. Your missed deadlines reflect poorly on you and your boss, and they delay everyone else on the project, since they can't finish their work until you do yours.

Again, if you need to know this, you are already in big trouble.  They don't call them kind of deadlines.  They are deadlines and if you miss more than one your job will be dead.

10. Operate the gossip mill.
While you can't avoid office gossip completely, don't get caught spreading it. Think about it: Do you really want hurtful or untrue rumors to be traced back to you? And remember: A few martinis are no excuse for getting loose-lipped.

Not a problem for me.  A few martinis and I can't talk. 

Well, that is it.  The ten things that will get you fired.  Not really.  Tomorrow the real things that will get you fired.

Comments

[peggy west]

You forgot one!! I work as an RN in a nursing home and 2 nurses aids got in an argument. One was hispanic and one african american. Well tempers flared and the hispanic called the other aid the N word and it was all over. The hispanic was fired on the spot. No discussion. Not too smart in this day and age. Daz