Chapter Six: Avoid Work Place Land Mines and Perfect Your Personal Image

Never go to bed at night wondering if you were a conversational gun

in the slandering of a person's character or the endangerment of his/her future.

Letitia Baldridge

Chapter 6, Cornerstones for Professionalism, 2/e, Pearson Education 1

Chapter Goals

Learning• Recognize and avoid "water

cooler" gossip groups.• Be careful when dealing

with office politics and workplace romances.

• Select a classic business wardrobe including business casual.

Ability• Work a room or a cocktail

party like a pro.• Dine with dignity in any

setting.

Chapter 6, Cornerstones for Professionalism, 2/e, Pearson Education 2

From Day One

Chapter 6, Cornerstones for Professionalism, 2/e, Pearson Education 3

Chapter 6, Cornerstones for Professionalism, 2/e, Pearson Education 4

Learning to Work With Your Boss

Chapter 6, Cornerstones for Professionalism, 2/e, Pearson Education 5

Office Politics

Chapter 6, Cornerstones for Professionalism, 2/e, Pearson Education 6

Skills to Avoid Negative Office Politics

Chapter 6, Cornerstones for Professionalism, 2/e, Pearson Education 7

Managing Workplace Romances• Never have a relationship

with boss/subordinate.• Never get involved with a

married person.• Find areas outside of

work where you share similar interests with people.

• Switch departments so you are not in same work place environment.

• Move slowly.

• Be aware that you are now linked to another and will be linked in other’s perceptions.

• Know your office policies on work place romances.

• Make rules.• Do not let work quality

slip.• Be ready to handle a

break up with maturity.

Chapter 6, Cornerstones for Professionalism, 2/e, Pearson Education 8

The Company Party

Chapter 6, Cornerstones for Professionalism, 2/e, Pearson Education 9

Working the Room

Chapter 6, Cornerstones for Professionalism, 2/e, Pearson Education 10

Signs of Possible Substance Abuse• Giving up hobbies and sports

that they use to enjoy.• Showing a decline in grades or

work performance .• Becoming aggressive or

hostile.• Appearing rundown, hopeless,

depressed or suicidal.• Using room deodorizers and

incense to hide odors.• Using drug paraphernalia such

as baggies, pipes, rolling paper.

• Getting drunk or high on a regular basis.

• Lying about how much he or she is consuming.

• Avoiding friends and family to get drunk.

• Hiding alcohol, drinking alone.• Getting in trouble with the

law.• Drinking and driving.• Getting suspended from

school or work because of substance abuse-related incidents .

Chapter 6, Cornerstones for Professionalism, 2/e, Pearson Education 11

Chapter 6, Cornerstones for Professionalism, 2/e, Pearson Education 12

Creating the Perception of Your Judgment

Chapter 6, Cornerstones for Professionalism, 2/e, Pearson Education 13

Dress for Success

Chapter 6, Cornerstones for Professionalism, 2/e, Pearson Education 14

Business Casual

Men• Slacks

• Collar shirt or knit-shirt with blazer

• All clothing should be clean and presentable

• Well groomed facial hair

Women• Simple slacks

• No cleavage

• Conservative make up

• Avoid fashion nails

Chapter 6, Cornerstones for Professionalism, 2/e, Pearson Education 15

Dining Rules of Etiquette

Chapter 6, Cornerstones for Professionalism, 2/e, Pearson Education 16

Chapter Reflections

Chapter 6, Cornerstones for Professionalism, 2/e, Pearson Education 17