Employment Law Tip 2: Be Self-Aware

Being self-aware is practicing good personal skills. Which means what? Well, read this list, and if you find yourself, change quick. Or now you know why people avoid you, treat you differently, or flat out don't invite you to things.

1. Don't be the office gossip. While this might seem pretty obvious, people still feel the need to talk about others in hushed corners. It is bonding, right? Wrong. Talking bad about someone else makes you look bad too. And, anyone who has half a brain will eventually think that they can't trust you. And there go those valuable workplace friendships. With anyone but the secondary gossip queen.

2. Don't be a spaz. And by a spaz, I mean have a little bit of perspective. If everything is a big deal, then probably nothing is a big deal. Perspective is important. Don't, don't don't say how busy you are when you are only as busy as everyone else. Or as busy as you should be. Because you will look crazy. If you see others accomplishing as much or more than you are, and they seem to be handling it well, find out how, and see if you can duplicate those traits. If you are really busy that is one thing. But be sure, very sure, you are too busy before you go letting everyone know.

3. Don't be fake. Now if you are a spaz, or a gossip, you might think this is what I am advocating. But I really believe that there is a normal, tolerable person somewhere deep down inside. Otherwise, how did you survive the interview? So bring that normal, maybe even slightly likeable person to work with you, and keep the other persona at home.

4. Don't overshare. If you have an STD, no one, and I mean NO ONE at work wants to hear about it. Please, please don't tell them. And, if the event that this person is your best and dearest friend, and knows it, wait until you leave the office or go outside. Someone might overhear, and it would be weird. Very very weird.

5. Be considerate. Don't do something to someone else you would not like done to you. This applies to everything you do. Don't steal credit, steal lunches, or steal money. First off, this will make you look bad because it is a small environment, after all. People will figure you out. If you think you have everything good and no one knows, they do, and you are the one everyone is talking about behind their back. It is work, not the entire planet earth and you have to see these people. Then secondly, it affects the way that people deal with you. My dad says you get more flies with honey. It is true, trust me.

At least number 5 applies to everyone. Being self-aware means seeing what you are doing wrong, and right, and being able to change in a way that improves your environment. And that will definitely help you at work, home, and everywhere in between.