Sue Says:

You say you are silly -- does this mean you don't take things seriously? You say you are playful and enjoy having fun -- is this at the expense of others? Are you having so much fun that you are not being productive?

You say you are emotional -- do your emotions control you? Do you have mood swings? Do you get mad, sad or frustrated easily?

If your answer is yes to any of my questions, you are going to need to modify your behavior. Notice the reaction you generate among others -- are they annoyed or irritated by your playfulness or are they having fun too?

There is plenty of room for fun and passion at work, but keep in mind the fact that you are in a professional environment and need to act professionally at all times. Pay attention to the people you work with, especially those in positions of authority. How do they act?

Consider asking someone you trust to help you identify what you need to work on. While you don't have to give up who you are, you may need to tone down your actions. It may feel awkward in the beginning, but modifying your behavior now will help you in your current situation and in the future.

-- Sue Morem is a professional speaker, best-selling author and syndicated columnist. Her books include How to Gain the Professional Edge, 101 Tips for Graduates, and the just released How to Get a Job and Keep It, Second Edition. You can send questions to her by email at asksue@suemorem.com or visit her web site at http://www.suemorem.com.

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