As you firmly entrench yourself in your work life and you start seriously working towards realising your ambitions and your place in the corporate ladder, you also need to fine tune your behaviour and attitude to get where you are going. Always remember the basics    common sense and courtesy in whatever you do and say.

Rules of office behaviour

The office grapevine

Those who love gossip firmly believe that they are never the subjects of it.

While intra-office information like transfers and promotions are harmless and may be useful to aspirants for these positions, malicious gossip is taboo.

You may be called a snob. Never mind. When people assess you for your values, they will respect your attitude. And trust you for it.

Green is not your colour.

Competitiveness is not the same as jealousy.

When the job you covet goes to another and you are ready to hunch up and howl – stop right there. Your turn for promotion will come soon.

Never look for catty reasons for the move. Be happy for your friend, extend your hand and wish her luck with a sincere smile.

This is not just for the sake of appearances. While it may be true that your boss is watching your reaction, it is the fair and correct thing to do too. Your colleague deserves her happiness. Don't detract from it with sulks and unpleasant comments.

Good manners count on every occasion. The way you conduct yourself in your office and elsewhere has a great bearing on your life and career. Make the right moves and take the right steps. You will reach the peak of success.