The workplace can be a real minefield of challenging interpersonal dynamics, so I’ve updated this article for 2020.

Here are six helpful tips for being more successful at work:

1: Take responsibility for yourself. No-one respects a colleague or employee who blames others for their problems or mistakes. No-one trusts this type of person either. If you want to be put in positions of greater responsibility and look more like a leader, you’ll need to demonstrate that you can take responsibility for your actions.

2: Get along with the people in your workplace. This is as important as, and sometimes even more important, than productivity. The last thing your supervisors want is to have to deal with your interpersonal conflicts. They’ll like you more and respect you more if you have cordial, productive working relationships.

3: Practice defensive working. Just like with defensive driving, where you literally steer clear of the dangerous drivers, you need to identify the problematic person or people in your workplace and engage with them as minimally and strategically as possible. You don’t want to let these people drag you down into their dramas.

4: Make your boss look good. If your boss sees that you’re an asset to their reputation, they’ll want to keep you around and even reward you. You become their promoter, which could translate into better working conditions, a better salary, and even a promotion.

5: Don’t draw attention to your mistakes. If your boss comes to you with a problem, do admit your part in it and don’t be defensive. However, you don’t have to fall on your sword, either. You needn’t go out of your way to draw their attention to your mess-up. It’s hard enough to get ahead. Own your part in things but you don’t have to incriminate yourself.

6: Your workplace is not your home, and the people you work with aren’t your friends or family. It’s not the job of your boss or colleagues to build your self-esteem, so there’s no point in trying so hard to “prove” yourself to them and get validation from them. Look within yourself for self-love and self-worth, let the people at work off the hook, and your workplace relationships will be much easier.

Success in the workplace comes down to hard work, perseverance, creativity, and also, emotional intelligence. Hopefully, these reminders can help you boost your performance in your current workplace or help you do better in a future position.

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