The 9 Rules of Being an Adult at Work - The Muse

The 9 Rules of Being an Adult at Work - The MuseThe 9 Rules of Being an Adult at Work We all think we have it together at work. But then something happens- an annoying co-worker, a failed project, a company restructuring- that makes us, well, act a bit out of ur element.So, its important every once in a while to be reminded of what it means to be a responsible and mature adult in the office. Because otherwise, we could cost ourselves our reputation, a promotion, or even our jobs. Yes, these may sound basic, but take note- immature moves could change the way people perceive you, and determine whether you actually succeed in your career (or come out looking like an uncontrollable child).1. Show Up on TimeBe on time in the morning, to meetings, to presentations, to company all-hands, to off-sites- early if possible. And speaking of time, stay late when its needed or expected of you.2. Dress AppropriatelyYou know what this means in your office. 3. Do Whats AskedIt shouldnt have to be sai d, but Im going to anyways. Your boss gives you an assignment, or asks you to chip in on something, or wants you to attend a meeting. Do it and do it well- because they asked, and because not doing it (or doing it poorly) will only hurt you in the long run.4. Respect Your Co-workersBe kind, honest, and patient with them. Along those same lines, avoid gossip. Youll have to work with many different kinds of people in your career- and you never know when these colleagues will reappear in your life- so make sure youre cultivating good relationships with everyone you meet (even if its just a professional relationship).Along those same lines, respect your co-working space (and those dirty dishes).5. Keep Your Complaining QuietThere will be times when youll have to do work that you dont enjoy, feels tedious, or takes an excessive amount of your time and energy.Real adults take these moments in stride. They may not enjoy them, but they dont whine to anyone wholl listen- and they dont do it over and over again in public spaces. And as a result, they are the ones recognized for doing the grunt work (and are rewarded as such).6. Keep an Open MindYour career, for better or worse, will never be truly stagnant. People will change, your job will change, your company will change, your interests will change.So, be open to new possibilities, whether its a new assignment, a new networking opportunity, or a new person to get to know. Let people and things surprise you- and if they dont, be OK with moving on to something else.7. Be ResilientLike I said above, nothings truly certain- and thats a good thing Change, mishaps, failure, they all make you a stronger, wiser, more exciting person.When they happen, dont let them get you down. You can wallow for a bit (yes, even with a tub of ice cream), but then pick yourself up and keep trying. Adults know that they have to own their career to thrive in it, even if that means failing over and over again. Practice being resilient in everyth ing you do, and people will never doubt your maturity and potential.8. Practice Self-AwarenessKnow when youre frustrating others, when youre not pulling your weight, when youre wrong, when you can do better. If you dont, get feedback.And, when youre aware that youre doing something right, take note of it, too. Always be learning from yourself and keeping tabs on where you stand in your career. (This worksheet can help.)9. Get Comfortable With ConfrontationConflict and confrontation at work are inevitable. Youll have to face firing an employee, dealing with office drama, challenging your boss, being in-between two colleagues, among other difficult things.Rather than avoid these situations, be an adult and accept them. Learn how to give tough feedback (and receive it). This will only make you a more respected and confident leader.Its the toughest moments that are a true test of how far weve come since kindergarten. Follow these rules every day (or, at least, fruchtwein days) in the of fice, and youll prove youre the kind of adult people want to work with and for.