10 tips to be successful at work

Being punctual, saying the right things over the phone and helping your co-worker can help you climb up the success ladder

As freshers enter the workplace, they can often be catapulted into tricky situations.

Follow the protocol that is established at the workplace.

It is sometimes downrightly opposite of what we have learnt in the classroom but it is advisable to shed the old habits and adopt new ones.

For example, we are accustomed to refer our seniors as 'Sir' but increasingly a lot of companies are now following the first name culture and things are pretty relaxed, so much so that that people now at times enter into cubicles sometimes without knocking the door.

Some companies prescribe a code of conduct for its employee and some don't. Neverthless, here's a list of things to begin with

1. Be punctual

Be on time!!! Arrive early, but never be late. Set an example for those who arrive late.

If traffic jams always cause delays, plan ahead and set out early.

If you use public transport, also plan ahead and set out early.

Hitch a lift from a colleague or friend on days you cannot find public transport.

In case you are running late, inform the office or client about the delay.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

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Give a quick overview of your work responsibilities and enquire about others in the meeting.

This gives everyone a chance to participate and open up. Listening to what is being discussed and asking, clarifying questions could help to break the ice.

Introduce yourself right away and seek introductions from others.

Often people with initiative are admired. Ask a few questions based on their answers.

This indicates that you are eager to learn more about their area of work, and can open channels of addressing senior colleagues.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier

In the initial days, don't be casual on the phone, even if the other person is.

Maintain some distance, simply because you don't know the other person at all. A bit of planning before a first phone call can help.

Begin with courtesies, like a 'Good Morning' depending on the time of the day and move on to introducing yourself.

Ask if it is a good time to talk.

Be as direct as possible and don't beat around the bush; small talk can be an irritant.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Lunch time is a good time to find out the interests of your colleagues.

People usually tend to keep their guard in the cafeteria but there are some do's and don'ts here as well.

Since groups are inevitable, it's a good idea to have lunch with different groups rather than sticking to the same clique, everyday.

This way you will get to know more people and will not be viewed as "clannish".

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

It is incorrect to go through a colleague's email or peep into their desktop.

While at work the same tenet also gets extended to eavesdropping your neighbour's conversation while at work.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

It is always advised to wear clothes which are in sync with the work culture of the organisation.

Some organisations allow their employees the liberty to dress in the way which suits the individual's temperament.

On the other hand, some organisations emphasise a lot on work place dressing and consider it as a breach of office rules when not dressed appropriately.

It's is always a good idea to strictly adhere to prescribed rules of office wear.

ALSO READ: Six interesting ways to wear a formal jacket!

It is considered as a serious breach of conduct if you discuss the key points of any meeting outside the relevant circle.

Some organisations incorporate this term in their employee contract to prevent employees from talking about client business and work outside official domains.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Be friendly with colleagues of the opposite sex but know where to draw the line.

Don't get involved needlessly in any situation which could lead to embarrassment and could potentially damage not only your reputation, but that of the organisation as well.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Most of the work environments involve working in teams and sub teams.

One should keep some tips in mind in order to be better team player.

Avoid speaking loudly, shouting across office, control your vocal pitch, do not speak out of turn and do not talk too much.

Let others speak and refrain from interrupting them, especially your seniors. If you want to be heard, you must be ready to let others speak as well.

At all time, employees should maintain office decorum.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

ALSO READ: 'Indians speak too fast, too loud and do not listen'

While office gossip is sometimes a good stress buster and a fun banter, one should be careful in indulging in such gossip mindlessly as it can have serious negative effects on your professional image.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh