Want to attain career-nirvana? Here are seven deadly sins you should avoid committing
PRIDE
The usual suspect smitten by this sin is the dude-who-always-singshis-own-song. Despite any help they received along the way, time and again, people take full credit for their accomplishments in the office, thinking that personal success will fast-track their career. The sin: What often goes unrecognised is that people around, and especially below, resent the ego-centricity, and may actually begin to actively undermine that person's efforts in the future. The salvation: A dose of acknowledgment of and appreciation for one's peers and subordinates, so they may share in some of the glory, can go a long way to foster one's long-term success
GREED
Your ‘too much too soon’ desire motivates evil. While some amount of greed may actually help you, beware of reaching the next level unprepared. The sin: Taking this notion to the extreme can be self-defeating as core values become misguided and life becomes unbalanced in the process. The salvation: The road to success requires a longterm approach in all aspects of one's job duties. Those laser-focused on quick, short-term gains may do well in the moment, but will be ill-prepared to take things to the next level.
ENVY
It’s okay to acknowledge others' achievements, but lamenting ‘what should have been yours’ can adversely impact your focus on current job tasks. The sin: Being overly envious of others in the workplace can sabotage your self-esteem, which is a vital characteristic every successful business person shares. The salvation: Some amount of envy is necessary. Let the accomplishments of others become motivational fuel for your fire in working toward your own successes.
LUST
'Grass is always greener' applies more to our workplaces now than ever before. Sometimes, even minor carrots lured by competitors can look huge. The sin: Spending time being fixated on what you don't have rather than what you do will foster bad attitude and negative overall behaviour. The salvation: One's overall 'presence' in the office plays a big part in who gets promoted and who doesn't. No matter how ambitious, it's prudent to be 'present' and make the most out of your current position at this moment in time.
ANGER
Whether you’re at the receptionist's desk or at the head of the boardroom table, anger damages your reputation, credibility and professionalism. The sin: Those prone to angry outbursts rarely get promoted; they are seen as being poor leaders who cannot inspire or motivate others. The salvation: It's fine to feel passionately about your job and to disagree with others, but learn how to channel those emotions into actions that will work to your benefit in the eyes of others – especially your superiors – rather than against it.
SLOTH
Laziness isn't cool, especially if you're a 20-something in corporate India. Be indolent and watch others surpass you in success and authority. The sin: Complacency has no place whatsoever in the workplace – especially for those with high aspirations. Expecting your past successes to carry you forward in the long-term is foolish. The salvation: Treat every work day and every project as if your job, and your future at large, depends on it. It very well may.
GLUTTONY
Too much focus on only one facet of life, like work, is a recipe for overall failure. Make sure you’re ready – professionally and personally – to take on new and bigger challenges. The sin: More isn’t always better – especially if you’re not ready for the challenge at hand. The salvation: Achieving career success also includes maintaining a life balance. A misplaced professional desire creates a backlash both at home as well as amid peers.
