The Four Unbreakable Laws of the Workplace

Relationships between employees and their superiors can be formal or informal. Your employment contract may include rules regarding your working hours, appropriate conduct on the job, breaks, and other workplace regulations.

Attempting to comply with the myriad of office policies can be a daunting task. This isn't the sort of thing that gets you in trouble with human resources or the boss. Distancing yourself from your coworkers and being forced to work alone are the natural consequences of such actions.

Don't try to hog all the spotlight.

It's human nature to exaggerate one's contribution to a group effort. While you may view their contribution as minor, the person may disagree and believe they have made a major impact.

You should give credit where credit is due, even if you believe you blazed the trail. The boss will figure it out eventually, but in the meantime, you'll be admired as a leader and respected by your peers.

The basic rule of not whining

Sometimes, it's inevitable for a worker to complain about something related to their job. If it's minor and happens rarely, there's no need to worry. You don't want to set the tone for everyone else who is complaining.

You shouldn't try to make everyone happy all the time, but you should keep a good attitude. If someone starts complaining too much, the others might start to agree with them, but some of them might be thinking, "If it's so awful, why don't you just leave?"

That's a valid point, and it's true that people who complain a lot are often viewed as ungrateful. No one at work should have that impression of you.

Respect those who have been in the field longer than you.

Some workers become comfortable in one position and refuse to leave it for years. They may be passably competent or make negligible contributions to the group. Whatever the reason, this type of employee is common in many businesses. Recognizing the value of long-serving employees and treating them with the respect they deserve is essential at any level of an organization, including the executive suite.

It's likely that long-term employees will have built up a substantial professional network. Even if they have no interest in moving up in the company or leaving their current position, they know their worth and can help you avoid major setbacks if they arise.

All in all, try to do the right thing.

There is an unspoken code of conduct that can be summed up as "be a good person who respects other people." Simple things like inviting more people to lunch or saying hello to new acquaintances can go a long way. You can use this as a guideline for your child's behavior by picturing how you want them to behave once they have internalized good manners.

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