We all have moments where we slip up at work, but there could be things you’re doing that undermine your professional image and reputation. Here are 15 things that might make you look unprofessional and sloppy—and what you can do to level up your career game.
1. Showing Up Late Consistently
Being fashionably late might fly at social events, but it signals disrespect and disorganization at work. When you’re constantly late, people start to doubt your reliability.
How to Level Up:
Set alarms, give yourself buffer time, and prioritize punctuality. It’s a simple habit that shows respect for others and your own time.
2. Not Dressing Professionally
Every office has its own dress code vibe, but coming in too casual (or too flashy) can be distracting. How you present yourself visually is the first impression you give every day.
How to Level Up:
Take cues from your company culture. If you’re unsure, err on the side of being a bit more polished. It’s always better to be a little overdressed than underdressed.
3. Poor Email Etiquette
Sending a quick reply filled with typos or failing to respond at all can make you look careless. Emails are often your first line of communication, so don’t let them be sloppy.
How to Level Up:
Take a few seconds to proofread before you hit send. Write explicit, professional emails and respond in a timely manner. A little attention to detail goes a long way.
4. Not Owning Your Mistakes
Mistakes happen, but blaming others or making excuses when things go wrong makes you look immature. People respect accountability.
How to Level Up:
Own your slip-ups with grace. Say, “I messed up, and here’s what I’ll do to fix it.” People will appreciate your honesty and problem-solving attitude.
5. Using Your Phone Constantly
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Constantly checking your phone or texting during meetings screams, “I’m not paying attention.” It’s unprofessional and disrespectful to your team.
How to Level Up:
Put your phone away when you’re working or in meetings. If it’s urgent, excuse yourself to handle it. Show your colleagues they have your full attention.
6. Gossiping About Colleagues
Getting caught up in office gossip may seem harmless, but it damages trust and creates a negative environment. Plus, it can come back to bite you.
How to Level Up:
Stay out of the rumor mill. If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, don’t say it behind their back. Focus on building positive, professional relationships instead.
7. Ignoring Deadlines
Deadlines are there for a reason. Miss them enough, and people will start to see you as unreliable. Worse, it puts more pressure on your team.
How to Level Up:
Plan ahead, break projects into smaller tasks, and give yourself extra time to review your work. Meeting deadlines consistently boosts your credibility.
8. Not Preparing for Meetings
Winging it in meetings isn’t impressive—it’s disrespectful. It tells others you didn’t care enough to come prepared.
How to Level Up:
Spend time reviewing the agenda, coming up with ideas, or preparing relevant questions. Being prepared makes you look engaged and invested in the conversation.
9. Talking Over Colleagues
Cutting people off or dominating conversations doesn’t make you look confident—it makes you look rude.
How to Level Up:
Practice active listening. Let people finish their thoughts and show that you value their input. You’ll build stronger connections and show emotional intelligence.
10. Focusing on Problems Not Solutions
Everyone has rough days, but if you’re always the one venting, it drags down the team and makes you seem negative and ungrateful.
How to Level Up:
Instead of complaining, try to frame challenges as opportunities for improvement. Bringing solutions to the table instead of just problems shows leadership potential.
11. Not Following Through
When you promise to do something and then fail, your credibility is eroded. People need to know they can rely on you.
How to Level Up:
Only commit to what you can deliver; if something changes, communicate that as early as possible. Be dependable, and people will trust you more.
12. Disrespecting Workplace Boundaries
Getting too personal or oversharing at work can make others uncomfortable. You don’t have to be a robot, but there’s a line between professional and overly familiar.
How to Level Up:
Be friendly, but keep personal matters in check. Pay attention to social cues and know when to dial it back to maintain a professional atmosphere.
13. Being Disorganized
If your workspace looks like a disaster zone, it might reflect your overall work style. Disorganization leads to missed details and dropped tasks.
How to Level Up:
Develop simple systems for staying organized. Clean up your workspace and keep your to-dos in check so nothing falls through the cracks.
14. Failing to Communicate Clearly
Being vague or unclear in your communication causes confusion and frustration. Misunderstandings can lead to mistakes and wasted time.
How to Level Up:
Be concise and direct when giving instructions or sharing information. Clear communication is the foundation of good teamwork and efficiency.
15. Having a Negative Attitude
If you’re constantly negative, dismissive, or resistant to change, it’s going to alienate you from your colleagues. People gravitate toward positivity.
How to Level Up:
Try to be solution-oriented instead of focusing on what’s wrong. Show that you’re adaptable and willing to grow. A positive mindset will set you apart as a leader.