How we behave at work has an effect on our colleagues. We need to have standards – and stick to them. We have to be moral and decent and honest and trustworthy, of course. But here are a few other tips to help you become fantastically successful along the way.

• Treat your job as important and do it to the very best of your ability. Don’t stand still but learn all the time; stay ahead of your industry and new developments. Put in extra hours if you must but don’t be seen to be too hard-working – a laid-back approach gains you more respect.
• Always be on the look-out for ways to improve the lot of everyone rather than just yourself. Think in terms of ‘we’ rather than ‘I’. You are a part of a team and should fit in and be a part effectively and efficiently.
• Try to spread a little happiness as you go. Don’t badmouth people. Stick up for the underdog. Compliment people and be genuine about it. Don’t indulge in gossip or tittle-tattle. Keep your own counsel and be a bit aloof. It’ll get you promoted.
• Dress smartly and try to make a good impression. Maintain high standards and put in the hours. Try not to go to work to sleep or steal the pens or look for love. You are there to work, so get on with it.
• Try to be kind to colleagues – they are as lost as you once were. Give them a break, a chance, a bit of slack. Encourage them by example. Be a role model for junior members of staff. Try to understand your boss’s point of view and to see things from the company perspective.
• Understand the politics of office life – and don’t get involved of course – but use it to your own advantage. Don’t be frightened to put yourself forward or to volunteer (just so long as you know what you are volunteering for). There is no kudos in being work-shy. Be proud of being effective and efficient.
• Know your boundaries. Know how to say no, and mean it. Don’t let anyone take advantage of your good nature. Be assertive without being aggressive.
• Enjoy what you do. Have a passion for your work. Have fun.