How to Stop Using Your "Style" as an Excuse on the Job

Do you like to tell yourself and others at work you do best when you “wing it” on sales calls or during staff meetings, because you perform better that way? Or perhaps you tell people you’re a non-confrontational person and having tough conversations with your team or clients is just “not my thing.”

Saying “winging it” is your style is well, let’s be honest, an excuse, right? Is it more accurate that this is mostly tied to your unwillingness to take the time to prepare as well as you should? As to being unwilling to have the tough talks or passing that along to someone else because you are afraid someone might not like you, is frankly, another excuse. And could be holding you back in your career.

Why is it important to identify these excuses, which many mask as their “working style?” It can help you begin to peel away these self-destructive patterns standing in the way of your success.

Identify these most often used excuses in the work world, make changes and you can begin to guide your direction as a positive and consistent contributor to your company, team and clients. I know from experience it is important to always be reflecting on your actions and goals – in life and in your career – so you can better chart your course to get where you want to go. One of the best ways to do this is to think about how you are portraying yourself to bosses, colleagues and clients and providing the most value.

TELL ME AGAIN ABOUT YOUR “STYLE?”
So, let’s take a look at these “styles” you claim are working for you on the job or in everyday life, break them down and figure out how to do it differently.

Do you see yourself in any of these?

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