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On a scale from one to 10, how authentic are you? Are you someone who knows how to play the game and does what’s necessary to get ahead? Or are you one of the few who likes being who they are behind closed doors? How you live your life is up to you though it doesn’t hurt to work on a little self-improvement. Here are some reasons you might want to consider maintaining professionalism outside the office.

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Turning up can cost you a job

How can you save face after you cursed out a person you thought was a stranger, but turns out to be a hiring manager? One man pushed a fellow commuter and told him to go “f*&k himself.” Too bad they were both on their way to the same office and the guy on the receiving end would be interviewing him. He’s very lucky the interviewer had a sense of humor and was able to laugh off the encounter.

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Prevents you from looking down on others

Have you ever been so upset that you turned up your nose to someone else? It doesn’t matter if you encounter a salesperson, sanitation worker or high-level executive, everyone deserves respect. Looking your cool sometimes equips folks with the wrong attitude that includes looking down on others.

Read 9 Ways You Look Down on Others

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Spreads light

The world is already full of negative and ignorant people. Don’t contribute to the problem. Challenge yourself to be a light to those around you–including people you don’t know. Being happy is quite contagious and makes others see the brighter side of things.

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Keeps our emotions in check

Woosah.

If you’re notorious for going from zero to 60 then you might want to find better ways to simmer down your emotions. Holding yourself accountable as you do in the office is a great way to keep your emotions in check.

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Might bump into a (future) client

No matter how big your town is there’s always the possibility of bumping into someone you’ll meet again. Whether your a business owner or a professional who cultivates relationships with customers and clients, you need to maintain a certain level of integrity at all times.

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Sets a good example

Parents are tasked with the responsibility to teach their children the ways of the world. This also includes good home training, general manners and upholding an internal code of honor. Believe it or not, your professionalism can assist you with these endeavors considering everyday is an opportunity to lead by example.

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Reveals your respect for other professionals

Do you have straight up buttheads in your office who think they are God’s gift to your industry? These are the type of people who have no problem scolding others, brushing folks off and doing just about any and every type of rude behavior you can imagine. Maintaining your professionalism outside the office can reveal your level of respect for others. This is especially true when you’re paying for goods and services.

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Builds up your credibility

Hopefully you’ll never find yourself involved in a crazy situation. Unfortunately they can happen — with folks calling your character into question. Depending on how serious the matter becomes, it’s always good to treat others with respect. You never know who you’ll need to call on to stand in your corner.

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Makes you authentic

Who the heck wants to act a certain way in one arena and be completely different elsewhere?

Ain’t nobody got time for that!

One of your personal goals in life should be authenticity; to be the same person and behave in the same manner regardless of your environment.