Beware.... the unspoken rules

Most workplaces have written rules to guide behaviour. But there are also unspoken norms which when broken can undermine your character and professional reputation. Here’s my take on some of the tricky ones to avoid;

COMMUNICATING 'NO': When your superior wants to give you more work when you have a lot on your plate, can you say no? You should be able to. But explain your current workload, why it’s urgent. Better still accept the work and negotiate the timeline for getting it done. This show you’re willing to adapt to emerging priorities.

TELLING ON YOUR COLLEAGUES: Nobody likes a tell tale. For example if your colleague is acting in a manner that can negatively affect the team, it’s tempting to ‘hang him or her out to dry’ or go running to report to the boss. If concerned speak to your colleague first, make them know you intend to inform their boss and why.

STEALING ANOTHER'S LIMELIGHT : Many people break this rule in their bid to look good and smart. I call this professional corruption. If someone helps you with a task, acknowledge them and share any praise you get; it’s the proper thing to do; signals that you are a team player and ensures that in future you get the support you need.

UNDERMINING THE BOSS: There are many ways people do this. For example when you discuss an issue with your boss’s boss which you should with your boss, that’s undermining him. Don’t do it, otherwise you run the risk of being seen as rejecting established authority and denying your boss the opportunity to do their job.

NAVIGATING THE HIERARCHY :Hierarchy serves to promote accountability and order. But this does not always function as it should sometimes without good reason. Don’t be quick to jump the chain when there’s a blockage. Find a way to get through. Go higher only when the risk of not getting the decision or direction you need when you need it is high. That will justify why you’ve gone higher than you normally would.

GIVING THE BOSS FEEDBACK: This is hard to do but important. Whether you are giving it as part of a formal review process or in response to a specific request keep it constructive; make suggestions for improving what might not be working; commit to supporting them to do better and to do more of what’s already working.

DEALING WITH SOLIDARITY: Being perceived as a ‘mole’ can be damaging to your reputation; but saying ‘yes’ because you think your colleagues expect you to is dishonest. Be open with your peers about why you wish to express a different opinion on an issue. Similarly, if going along will serve the common good then do so. What you shouldn’t do is to pretend you are on side with the team when you are not.

Now take action: Reflect on what might be unspoken rules in your workplace.