Let your behaviour give you edge

Approaching a new year is always a good time to commit to becoming a better person. Here are some ways you can improve yourself and your behaviour at work.

Be reasonable: Unreasonable people tend to be self absorbed, fuss over every little thing, want things done their way. On the contrary, when you are reasonable, you are open to compromise, you don’t react in a knee jerk way or emotional way, you are considerate of other people’s needs and perspectives and you don’t hold others to ransom with excessive demands.

Be mature: Examples of ways to show maturity are thinking before you speak and act. Not covering up problems but tackling them quickly and focusing on the facts of a situation. Also when you have to deal with a disappointment, no matter how you feel, do not throw any toys out of the cot. Have lines you will not cross and some ground rules that will guide you.

Be loyal: Loyalty in the workplace is not about friendship or liking someone. It is simple etiquette. It is about integrity. Loyalty manifests in several ways. Not saying one thing to one’s face and another behind them; acting professionally by doing the things that need doing even when you would rather do something else and dare I say not gossiping about or bad mouthing your colleagues.

Be straightforward: Being straightforward means you are consistent, cut through to what is important and keep things simple. When you are straightforward, people know where they stand with you. Being straightforward is also being thick skinned, being prepared to roll with the punches, adapting and not fussing over every little snag you meet.

Be a maximiser: These days, one is more likely to see people do the minimum their job requires than to do their best. When you maximise, you have a personal drive for continued excellence. You maximise your time, your skills and opportunities. Intense? Perhaps, but an attitude of maximising will help you make the most of your current job, help your organisation achieve its plans and advance your career.

Be competitive: I do not mean negative competitiveness where you undercut, undermine others and you are plain ruthless. Good competitiveness earns you your place. The fact is you do not get valued and get opportunities just by showing up for work. Being competitive will help you to push yourself and to set yourself apart.

Now take action: What better behaviour will you cultivate?