How can I be more professional?

[bluup10]

Can someone please give me pointers? I'm starting a new job on Monday (This is me bouncing back!!) and don't want to screw things up...again.

Need lots of pointers...

[winneythepooh7]

Well, after reading all your past threads, I honestly think you need to learn to keep your mouth shut and not talk back to the higher ups. Otherwise you will continue to be doomed. Even if you don't like someone or think they are totally wrong, you often just need to suck it up. Learn which battles are worth fighting. And let the appropriate person (for instance, your boss) deal with a lot of them. That's what they are there for.

[bluup10]

Well, after reading all your past threads, I honestly think you need to learn to keep your mouth shut and not talk back to the higher ups. Otherwise you will continue to be doomed. Even if you don't like someone or think they are totally wrong, you often just need to suck it up. Learn which battles are worth fighting. And let the appropriate person (for instance, your boss) deal with a lot of them. That's what they are there for.

Sure, that is certainly my biggest problem. But what else?

[AshleyJordan]

I think as long as you maintain a civil/positive attitude, you should be fine. The other stuff is pretty obvious:

show up on time;
dress professionally;
don't get pissed off if people ask you to do stuff that's not in your job description (I have a mgmt level job, but if the receptionist is out, I'll still go ahead and answer the phone!)
and focus on learning your job/performing well at it, rather than creating problems

[Nehalem58]

Use your chain of command!! If you have a problem with another employee, talk to your supervisor about it first. If they won't listen or won't do anything about it, then you go to THEIR supervisor. But in that order. If you straight to the top with your troubles and circumvent your supervisor, you get in A LOT of trouble.

Also, never never never NEVER say anything bad about another employee. You will most certainly hear very quickly what everyone's true opinion is of one another, but just sit there and nod your head when they say it. Don't add to the fire, talking behind people's back will doom you so fast you won't know what hit you.

Suck up the bitch work that they are gonna give you. As a new person, they will probably make you spend hours three hole punching papers or filing data cards...suck it up and realize that this pointless work will give you some time to start fitting in with the organization and you don't really have to think. You have to get used to everyone and how everything works before they will give you the responsibility that is in your job description.

Dress professionally, dress pants with a dress button up shirt, and a tie if they require it. If you look good you will get more respect.

Don't try to "suggest new things or improvements to their processes" for a while. Get used to what they offer and how it all works. When you suggest improvements, some supervisors see that as you attacking their ability to do their job and they will make your life miserable (just ask my girlfriend).

Just act mature and grown up, kind of like your parents. You can be a drunken frat house yahoo the second you leave work, but while you are there you have to play the game.

[bluup10]

Nehalem, AJ, thanks. Those are things I never really thought of... I probably thought suggesting things to improve, for example, the company website, was "cute" or "using my initiative" or whatever.

I'll listen to you guys and see what happens. Who knows, perhaps this is my dream job!!! Money wise, it certainly is...let's see how it goes having to really be professional!

But, come on, surely there are more nuggets of advice I could use!!! Come now, people!!! I take very well to constructive critisism. Well, except on days when I get fired. ;):

[AshleyJordan]

Just maintain the positive attitude that this is a new opportunity for you, and do everything you can to keep it that way . . . you should be fine.

[spokes]

use your "common sense" - treat tohers they way you want to be treated, no matter how they treat you.

use your manners

don't swear, even under your breath......

use common sense

[bluup10]

Just maintain the positive attitude that this is a new opportunity for you, and do everything you can to keep it that way . . . you should be fine.

Am trying my very best ;):