Professionalism 101 - Your Guide!

WSO warriors, I thought it would be useful to create a thread on how one should conduct themselves in the workplace.

As a new analyst myself, you sometimes find that there are unspoken rules to follow in the office. Every office or team is different, but some of these tips may serve you well.

Please feel post your tips!

1. Come in EARLY! Always come to work 10-15 minutes before your contracted start time, it will serve you well. Time management is an excellent skill to have. It illustrates self-discipline and organisation. Do this with meetings too. If the meeting starts at 4 pm leave your desk at 3:50 pm for a toilet break and travel time (lifts etc). If you know you will be late, dial in! I found that showing up to work 10-15 minutes early allows me to get my mind right and organised for the day, try it.

2. Know your boundaries. Look at your colleagues as you would your friend's mother or grandmother, do not ask personal questions. It is true that we spend a significant amount of time with our colleagues in this industry, but you must always remember that colleagues are not your friends. I have fell victim to this mistake and have crossed boundaries. It is harmless to ask how the weekend was, but don't ask for details. "How was your weekend?" offers the opportunity for detail, but minimise it. I prefer "Did you have a good weekend?" which allows your colleague the opportunity to provide detail. With the latter question, I often answer with "yes thank you, and you?". Do not confuse this point or observation of mine, friends at work are necessary. Friends in IB/Finance or any industry is vital for success and peace of mind BUT don't forget that you are colleagues first. Size people up before you get comfortable and become friends.

3. Office instant chat and EMAIL is NOT your text. I was definitely a victim of this. Discussing informal things and how stressed I was at work on the office chat with my more friendlier colleagues. BIG NO NO! Do not do it. What is written or sent electronically is always evidence for or against you. If the company wanted to fire you today, would your chat history make it easy for them?

4. Respect your corporate title senior! R E S P E C T! When you are an analyst, we all know how annoying some associates can be. However, they got to that position for a reason. Show them the same respect you would an MD. You may struggle at first because you feel as if you are being made to do the donkey job. However, if you cannot do the small tasks (booking a room, setting up a call to modelling) how can you be trusted with the big things? Don't do it for them, do it for yourself. It will strengthen your work ethic, open your eyes to your boundaries and create a great reputation for yourself. Always remember that EVERYONE in the office knows who the slacker is, you don't need to complain about it. Of course, unless it is affecting your health and creating an unbearable workload.

5. Whatever you do, do not gossip! Do not speak ill about ANYONE in your office. I cannot emphasise this enough. I learnt from my associate that whenever someone was being bitched about he put on his headphones or excused himself. Best practise. If you cannot physically remove yourself or use headphones, keep your mouth shut. Do not utter a word. If you are bold, you can stand up for the colleague or divert the conversation. I personally wouldn't do either as it can backfire. But if you are strongly against gossip then those two options could be great!

Please feel free to add more! I will add more information on business writing soon! Until then, read: The Pyramid Principle: Logic in Writing and Thinking by Barbara Minto

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