Working World

Did you ever wonder how managers think? We’ve got at least part of the answer. According to 100 company vice presidents and personnel directors, here are the eight employee behaviors and attitudes that they find most annoying.

1.  Being Absent
When you’re not there, other team members must cover for you. Professionals know that sick days are for times when you’re truly (and contagiously) sick — not for “attitude adjustment” or time out with your mate.

2.  Lacking Commitment
What is it? Commitment means that every day you put everything you’ve got into doing your job to the best of your ability, as well as constantly working to expand that ability. Consider this: What if each day you got paid based on the degree of dedication you put into your work? Half-hearted effort would earn half pay and so on. Would you always earn 100 percent of your salary? If not, you’re not fully committed.

3.  Being Lazy
Do you believe it’s your boss’s job to keep you performing at your best? Wrong. It’s up to you to find ways to stay motivated and productive.

4.  Petty Lying and Stealing
For example, helping yourself to some office supplies, making personal long-distance calls on the company phone, or saying “I had a flat tire” when actually you overslept.

5.  Arriving Late
Not just once in a while due to a genuine emergency, but once or more a week.

6.  Acting Superior
As if you know more than almost everybody else and deserve special treatment (also known as arrogance). Most execs know that big egos on the outside cover up big insecurities on the inside. Do you?

7.  Complaining
Employees who habitually carp and whine about their bosses, coworkers, jobs, workplaces, or anything else are broadcasting their immaturity. If you don’t like something, the key question is, what are you going to do about it? If you’re not willing to risk taking action, keeping your lips zipped is way smarter than airing your grievances.

8.  Not Following Directions
Your boss is not a parent; you’re now being paid to do as you’re asked and told. If you want to succeed at work, you’ll let go of any childhood need to rebel. And you’ll listen carefully to directions, asking questions and take notes if the directions are complex.

Real pros also follow company policy willingly; it’s there for a purpose. So read that handbook and take it to heart. If you think this doesn’t apply to you, reread #6.