Protect your career

YOU have worked hard, put in the extra hours and proved yourself to be a worthy member of the management team. What could go wrong?

Unfortunately, many things can derail the career you have worked so hard to establish, and much of that damage is self-inflicted.

Annelize van Rensburg, a director at executive search company Talent Africa, has this advice on how to protect your career:

Adopt a personal code of conduct — one that contains the values and ethics that resonate with you — and stick to it;

Treat everyone — superiors and those who report to you — with respect;

Do not get drunk and disorderly at client functions or corporate events;

Avoid abusive language. It is generally not a good idea, but completely inappropriate in the boardroom or any forum attended by senior figures;

Never put “little extras” on the company credit card. The abuse will be picked up and you will pay in much more than money. If you are given the use of a company credit card, make sure you have clear guidelines on what is acceptable, and stick to them;

Tell the truth, always. Twisting or being economical with the truth will lose you the respect of your bosses and the people who report to you; and

Do not make sexual advances to anyone who reports to you. You may think you are being discreet, but there are few secrets in most workplaces, and you will soon be known for your inability to treat employees with respect rather than your brilliant projects. You also risk a sexual harassment suit. — Margaret Harris