Why can’t you seem to get your career moving forward? If your career hasn’t picked up the momentum you’d like it to, it’s time to take a careful look at what you’re doing—or what you aren’t doing.

While you may not be violating company policy or dropping any balls, you are likely making mistakes—either subtle missteps, sins of omission, or both. Are you making any of these on-the-job mistakes that may be hurting your career?

Getting Distracted From the Job at Hand

Constantly checking your Facebook page, taking personal calls at work, and spending too much time at the water cooler can be detrimental to your career. People will notice your distraction, even if you think they won’t. Don’t let outside responsibilities or activities—whether personal or professional—get in the way of doing your best work.

Being Too Patient

Especially in this less-than-hospitable economy, you may feel fortunate to be employed. The last thing you want to do is call (possibly negative) attention to yourself by pushing for a promotion, more professional development, higher-level clients, and so on. I’ll just be patient, you tell yourself. Eventually, the powers that be will notice all the good work I do, and they’ll grant my request. That sort of thinking is a big mistake.

If you aren’t proactive, it’s easy to get stuck in a job that won’t allow you to fulfill your professional and personal potential. If your current employer can’t or won’t give you the opportunities you need to advance, start looking for a job that’s a better fit.

Pretending to Understand Something When You Really Don’t

No one wants to look ignorant or incapable, but a professional setting is not a smart place for a fake-it-until-you-make-it strategy. If you lack the skills to accomplish some piece of your job, such as creating spreadsheets or reports, ask questions. Speak up and find out how and where to learn the needed skill. Don’t wait until your lack of knowledge becomes a major problem. Make no mistake: People will notice. Your integrity, credibility, and reputation—and possibly your job—are all at stake. It’s always better to swallow your pride and say, “I’m sorry, but I don’t understand. I need you to explain.”

Not Being Responsive

As long as you check off all the major boxes on your to-do list each day, it’s okay to let a few emails slide, or go home before listening to those last few voicemails, right? Wrong! The individuals who didn’t receive a response will perceive it as dismissiveness, or even a lack of respect. Over time, this can do major damage to your reputation and cause you to be passed over for the most important career-building tasks.

Always respond to your boss, co-workers, and clients as soon as possible, even if you have to stay at your desk a few extra minutes at the end of the day. Even if you’re still looking into the issue, let the other person know that you got their message, you’re working on it, and you’ll keep them posted. Soon, you’ll become known as someone who is rock-solid and reliable…and maybe even as the go-to person in your department or field.

Not Continuing to Network, Even if It’s Just Within the Company

We all know to network when looking for a job. Usually, when that coveted “You’re hired!” finally arrives, most people cut back on cultivating their professional connections. This is a big mistake. You need to make a conscious effort to keep your name and face in front of your higher-ups. That means attending office parties and greeting your boss (and his boss, and her boss) by name whenever appropriate. You might even take these people out to lunch to pick their brains. You should also cultivate relationships with people in other departments and even other companies. You never know where an opportunity might come from!

Griping About Your Job

It’s true that complaining about one's job could qualify as one of the great American pastimes—right up there with eating apple pie and watching baseball. However, if you must blow off professional steam, I urge you to do it on your own time, to people with whom you don’t work. Anytime you’re unhappy with something at work, whether it’s your workload, the tasks you’re being given, or how you’re being treated by a coworker, bring those issues directly to your supervisor. If you feel that isn’t possible, continue to do the best job you can while looking for a more suitable position.

Badmouthing Your Co-Workers

Step away from the water cooler gossip-fest. Don’t vent about your boss. Don’t gripe about your co-worker with the rest of the team. Don’t even make fun of John’s crazy tie, unless he’s right there laughing with you. In fact, my personal golden rule for business: Never say anything negative about anybody in your office—ever. These comments have a way of getting back to the people they’re about. 

Not Owning Your Mistakes

No matter how much you know or how hard you try, you are going to make mistakes as you pursue your career. How will you handle those mistakes? Do not follow in the footsteps of a former co-worker I refer to as “Never,” who never took responsibility for any mistakes and never apologized for anything. Refusing to own your mistakes doesn’t make you seem more competent; it reveals cowardice, callousness, and untrustworthiness.

If you’re a hardworking, valued employee, when you do own up to your mistakes, your confession will be viewed as a sign of strength, not weakness, by your co-workers. Plus, you’ll be in a position to learn and improve.

Bottom Line 

Over time, any of these habits can tarnish an otherwise great reputation and overshadow your accomplishments in the eyes of your colleagues and supervisors. Remember, your reputation is every bit as important as your skills and experience. Make sure you’re proactively protecting it!