8 common behaviors that make you seem unreliable at work

From the Personal Branding Blog

Being perceived as reliable is crucial in the workplace. However, certain behaviors can inadvertently paint you as the complete opposite.

Acting unreliable can stifle your career progression, leaving you stuck in a rut. It’s not just about always showing up on time; it’s also about how you communicate, manage your tasks, and interact with your colleagues.

In this article, I’ve outlined 8 common behaviors that might be making you seem unreliable at work. And don’t worry, I’ve offered solutions too. Because sometimes, all it takes is a little self-awareness and a few tweaks to change perceptions. Let’s dive in.

1) Procrastination

We’ve all done it. You have a task or a project that you just can’t seem to get started on. It’s easy to put it off, telling yourself you’ll do it tomorrow, or the day after.

But here’s the thing – consistent procrastination can make you seem unreliable at work.

When you constantly delay tasks, people start to wonder if they can depend on you to deliver when it matters. It’s not just about the work not getting done – your reputation takes a hit too.

The solution? Start by breaking down your tasks into manageable chunks. It’s less overwhelming, and before you know it, you’ve made significant progress. And remember, everyone appreciates a colleague who delivers on time.

2) Missing deadlines

Confession time: I used to struggle with this one. In my early career days, time management wasn’t my strongest suit. I’d underestimate the time a task would take and end up missing the deadline.

The result? My colleagues viewed me as unreliable. I wasn’t trusted with important tasks and my career growth stalled.

Missing deadlines regularly can have serious consequences. It signals to your team that you can’t be trusted to deliver on time, and it puts additional pressure on others to pick up the slack.

I had to learn the hard way that robust planning and time management are key. Now, I always make sure to allocate enough time for my tasks and factor in some extra for unforeseen circumstances. It’s made a world of difference in how I’m perceived at work.

3) Negative body language

You might be surprised at how much your non-verbal cues can communicate about your reliability. Studies suggest that around 55% of our communication is through body language, rather than what we say or write.

Constantly crossing your arms, avoiding eye contact, or frequently checking your phone during conversations can send out signals that you’re not engaged or interested. This can lead others to question your commitment and reliability.

By being mindful of your body language, you can give off a more positive, reliable image. Maintain eye contact during conversations, keep your body open and receptive, and keep distractions like your phone away during meetings. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on how you’re perceived.

4) Lack of follow-through

Promises are easy to make, but not always easy to keep. Having a habit of making commitments and then failing to follow through is a surefire way to seem unreliable at work.

Imagine if you consistently promise to send over a report by end of day, but it ends up in your colleague’s inbox the following morning. Over time, your words lose their weight, and your colleagues question whether they can count on your word.

The solution is straightforward – only make commitments you can keep. If you’re unsure, it’s better to under-promise and over-deliver. This way, you build trust and reliability with your team.

5) Spreading gossip

Workplace gossip might seem like harmless chatter, but it can seriously damage your reputation. By sharing confidential information or indulging in rumors, you breach the trust of your colleagues.

I’ve seen firsthand how damaging this can be. A close friend of mine lost her job because she couldn’t resist the allure of office gossip. It was a hard lesson for her and a sobering reminder for all of us about the importance of maintaining professional integrity.

If you want to be seen as reliable, steer clear of office gossip. Instead, focus on building strong and trustworthy relationships with your colleagues. Remember, trust once broken is hard to rebuild.

6) Poor communication

Communication is the lifeblood of any organization, and poor communication can make you seem unreliable.

Once, during a major project, I assumed I knew what my boss wanted without asking for clarification. The result? I spent hours working in the wrong direction. My boss questioned my reliability as I had wasted valuable time due to my poor communication.

I learned that it’s crucial to ask for clarity if you’re unsure about something. Don’t leave things to assumption. Clear, concise communication can save a lot of time and prevent misunderstandings, making you a more reliable member of the team.

7) Inconsistency

Being consistent in your performance is key to being viewed as reliable. If you’re a star performer one day and then underdeliver the next, it creates uncertainty and doubt about your reliability.

It’s not about being perfect all the time, but rather showing a consistent level of commitment and effort. This provides your team with the assurance that they can depend on you to deliver consistently good work.

So strive for consistency, even if it’s not perfection. A reliable track record can go a long way in boosting your credibility at work.

8) Not owning up to mistakes

We’re all human, and we all make mistakes. But the way you handle those mistakes matters.

If you make a habit of blaming others or making excuses, it casts a shadow on your reliability. It leads people to question whether you can be trusted to take responsibility for your actions.

The most reliable people are those who own up to their mistakes, learn from them, and work to correct them. It shows integrity, maturity, and a commitment to personal growth. And ultimately, it’s a trait that’s highly valued in any workplace.

Final thoughts: It’s about perception

The fundamental principle of reliability in the workplace is rooted in perception. It’s about the image you project to your colleagues and superiors, and that image is shaped by your actions and behaviors.

Whether it’s consistently missing deadlines, spreading office gossip, or failing to own up to mistakes, these actions can paint you as unreliable. And once that perception takes hold, it’s hard to shake off.

But here’s the good news – perceptions can change. By being aware of these behaviors and actively working to avoid them, you can shift the narrative.

Because at the end of the day, your reliability doesn’t just impact how others see you; it influences how you see yourself. And when you know you are someone who can be relied upon, it instills a sense of confidence and self-assuredness that permeates every aspect of your life.

So take a moment to reflect. Are there behaviors you need to change? Remember, each day presents a new opportunity for growth and improvement. Embrace it.

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