General
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
Guard your personal stories at work, as colleagues may repeat them to others.
One person shared a private matter with their boss and learned it was told to others within an hour.
one person who lived it
Avoid self-deprecating humor in professional settings, as managers and colleagues may interpret it as an admission of incompetence or negligence.
Others may take your jokes seriously, assuming you are lazy or incompetent, or they may not know when you are being serious.
3 people, independently
- Stop using self-deprecating humor in professional settings if it gives others permission to mock you behind your back.1
Take notes during meetings and research concepts independently afterward if you do not understand them in the moment.
Asking the same questions repeatedly can lead to being labeled an idiot or receiving negative reactions.
one person who lived it
Consider that even less experienced people might notice mistakes you make if they are critiquing in good faith.
Even experts make mistakes that less experienced people might happen to notice.
one person who lived it
3 more on this
Do not record coworkers engaging in bodily functions or loud eating without explicit company awareness, as it may lead to termination.
Most companies will fire employees for recording others without full company knowledge.
one person who lived it
Never lie about understanding a concept; admit if you do not know it.
Lying or explaining incorrectly is destructive, whereas admitting ignorance prevents breaking things.
one person who lived it
Avoid speeding or breaking traffic laws to arrive earlier after announcing a delay.
Such behavior appears reckless and illegal rather than efficient.
one person who lived it