Apply these 5 practices to your career routine

1. Make a good first impression

It’s true what they say: You can’t please everyone. But you want to attempt to make a good impression on your boss and co-workers by putting your best foot forward.

2. Show off your pleasant side

Did the boss call you in for an 8 a.m. one-on-one even though you were working late the previous night? Is the local coffee shop out of your favorite donut? Or maybe there’s a client on the phone lashing out at you. Life’s not always fair — but if things just aren’t going your way, try to keep your cool. Whether it’s in person, over the phone or online, strive to maintain your composure even when the going gets tough.

3. Bite your tongue

Conflict is an inevitable part of life — and that’s true in the workplace as well. Do yourself a favor and go easy on the next person who sends you a passiveaggressive email (with a smiley face in it, of course, because that negates the spite in it) because how you come across to others does matter. Try to refrain from saying something in the heat of the moment that you wouldn’t want someone to say to you.

4. Skip the gossip chain

Tempting as it is to hear about poor Jane’s marriage troubles or how Doug’s new diet is (not) going, try to steer clear of the rumor mill. Not only is it the right thing to do, but you never know when something may come back to bite you. Topics that are fair game — new fall TV shows, celebrity scandals and Justin Beiber’s new hairdo.

5. Stay away from toxic personalities

You know who they are — the people who are always whining or complaining or pushing back or shirking responsibility or throwing others under the bus. You obviously can’t cut them out of your life entirely because you work with them, but it’s OK to keep your interactions with them to a minimum.