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Over the years, as you’ve gained experience in work and in life, you’ve probably picked up a few lazy habits. These aren’t huge and life-altering behaviors; just little details that could sabotage you as you change positions or go for a promotion. All it takes to change them is a bit of awareness. The 5 tips below can get you started.

*Use formal greetings. For many of us, the work environment just keeps getting more casual and it’s easy to fall into the routine of greeting everyone informally and without a handshake. Studies show, however, that the simple gesture of a handshake sends signals to the brain that predispose a person to like you. Next time you have an important client meeting, stand up and shake hands with each person, looking them in the eye.

*Pay attention to your reputation. For most U.S. workers, a new position means changing employers. Many new employees incorrectly assume that how they performed and behaved at their old company, whether they liked their position or not, won’t follow them to the new one. Wrong. A smaller world (and social media) means your professional and personal reputations follow you everywhere. Make sure you act accordingly.

*Give credit where due. The next time you receive recognition at work, think before you respond. If you worked hard and succeeded as part of a team, acknowledge the others who were involved with the project. It’s OK to accept praise for your particular contribution, but it shows humility and leadership when you give credit to the team.

*Keep a tidy desk. We all accumulate stuff, at work and at home. But there is some research that suggests that having a messy desk could delay a promotion, as employers often see it as a sign of disorganization. It may seem trivial but it’s important to maintain the good habit of keeping your space organized and neat.

*Be able to describe what you do. If you haven’t developed and practiced your elevator pitch, now is the time. Create a 2 or 3-sentence answer to the question, “What do you do?” Write down the 3 most important responsibilities of your job and how you excel in each area.  Regardless of whether you’re talking to a friend or a potential boss, know how to describe your role and the value you bring to the company.

Do a quick self-check on these workplace behaviors and ensure you haven’t picked up any less-than-stellar habits. You’ll give yourself the best chance to excel.

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