Well, since this research from the University College London School of Management that found bosses actually preferred those who have the right skills than those who make up for it by putting in all the extra hours.
In the study, participants said that even though hard work is important, those who are naturally talented, gifted or more skilled were preferred to a greater degree.
If you think about it, the findings actually make sense. Because if you are working too hard, it may send this message to your boss: That you are either really bad at time management or that you don’t know what you’re doing.
Because if you do, the work wouldn’t take up so much of your time, right? Which may say that you’re not quite skilled or knowledgeable as your boss may have preferred compared to a colleague who is doing the same work as you are but in less time and producing the same results.
That said, it doesn’t mean you don’t work hard – but you need to also work smart! And let’s get real – if the work is too hard, then maybe it is out of your scope? That’s something you need to think about.
Speaking of things to think about, here are three more self-sabotaging moves you need to be aware of if you don’t want your career to go down south.
1. Agreeing with everything your boss says
Sure, the boss is right mostly… but sometimes, your boss might appreciate a different point of view, especially if it offers an alternative solution to the situation. We’re not saying you have to always go against your boss (bad move there!) but we are saying come out and tell your boss “maybe we should do it this other way.” This says to her that you are more than just an exec who takes orders but also an exec who is a pro contributor to the team. Nodding and going ahead with whatever your boss says points to the fact that you’re not someone with initiative to step up with ideas or that you don’t really care to do better for your career. Be careful though – you still want to make your boss look good so don’t shoot down every idea she has. Now, that’s another self-sabotaging move!
2. Apprehensive is your middle name
It’s scary to do new things or be in charge of something you don’t feel quite qualified for. And you know what – that nervousness and anxiety show, and it tells your boss you’re not ready for a challenge now or the future. The right thing to do instead even if you don’t have the skills? Tell your boss OK but let him know you may need some help and if he can point you to the person you can get in touch with to get more information or perhaps you can arrange to have a one-on-one with him to go through the finer points of the project. You know what this tells your boss? That you’re ready to rise to the occasion and learn!
3. Not asking any questions
Because it shows you are clueless and don’t know what’s happening, right? Unfortunately, it might also show you can’t be bothered to find out things, which is a big self-sabotaging move, my friend! Something to think about: No one can know everything. So if you don’t understand something, ask your boss or senior colleague to explain it to you. This will only serve to teach you something in the end, which will come in handy when you want to progress in your career!
