9 Ways To Avoid Being The Office Jerk

9 Ways To Avoid Being The Office JerkWe all have crazy coworkersand thats not even counting the guys going AWOL on the printer in an abandoned field. But you dont have to be the office psycho to make an enemy of yourself at work. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Here are nine things not to do on the jobor really ever.1. Dont lieEven if its a little white lie with good intentions, it can easily get out of hand. Getting caught up in a lie, however, will only make it harder for your coworkers to trust you and for you to respect yourself.2. Dont gossipBut work is dull, and that secret is just so juicy Still,hold on to your schadenfreude and keep quiet about your coworkers misery. You wont hurt anybodys feelings, and no one will think youre a spiteful grump.3. Dontbe a downerEverybody hates their job a littleat least once in a while. But dont be the one whos constantly complaining. Its a bummer and will bring the whole group down, plus it will make you look like a total downer. Remember how replaceable you are4. Dont ExplodeNo, seriously. We all want to go AWOL on the printer. Or occasionally even our boss. Before you pick up that stapler to hurl it at your coworker, remember it might make you feel better, but its really just an easy way to get fired. Once you become the office crazy person, theres no coming back.5. Donthog all the leistungspunktEven if you feel you did the lions share, taking credit for someone elses work or ideas is just a jerk move, plain and simple. Keep it classy, and focus on what you can accomplish.6. Dont bragPlaying it cool is the strongest possible move when youve done something excellent. Give the impression that youre that good all the time, rather than crowing about every small success.7. DontbackstabBe sensitive to the climate you work in, and the hierarchy. Dont go over anybodys head or talk about anyone behind their back. (And just hope your coworkers do you the same courtesy.)8. Donteat gross stuffNo, really. That leftover flounder your boyfriend made you is just going to stink up the microwave, the kitchenette, your cubicle, and the entire office. Dont be the one who brings in smelly leftovers and makes everybody nauseous. If you wouldnt eat it on an airplane, dont bring it into work.9. Dont burn bridgesEven if you do have to peace out, resist the urge to do it in dramatic fashion. Youre invariably hurting your coworkers more than your boss, and you never know when you might need the connections you have made.These sound like outrageous behaviors, but its quite easy to be driven to them gradually. So check your ego, stay calm, and make sure to keep your head above the fray.