http://community.elearners.com/blogs/ashford_university_blog/archive/2008/01/02/introspection-a-mini-guide-on-not-destroying-your-education.aspx

I thought Cajun made a pretty good start with his list.  If anyone else wants to chime in with their pearls of wisdom, type away!

I can add a few, as some of my staff have managed to pretty much create their own ceiling, and in a few cases even created "new career opportunities", outside the company.  It is important to note here that in only one case the direct supervisor (me) was the one that was expressing displeasure.  Remember, your boss also has a boss...

 1)  Don't fish in the company pond.  Regardless of what the official company policy is, it is best to not date/marry/etc. anyone employed by your employer.  It will definitely raise the interest of senior people, and not in a good way.  Concerns around confidentiality, lost productivity, potential sexual harassment if the relationship blows up, etc. all come into play.  It also sends a message that you may not be very good at separating personal business from work business.

2)  If you are asked to do something, and given a deadline, meet it.  If you can't meet it, provide advance notice and a back-up plan.  It doesn't matter how lousy the task is - get it done.  Chances are failing to deliver makes your supervisor look bad (supervisors rarely dream up extra tasks on their own).  Do it repeatedly, and now you've developed a reputation as unreliable.

3)  Listen to the messages that your supervisor is sending you.  Part of a supervisor's job description is to develop their people.  Only a truly lousy supervisor wants to fire someone.  They'd rather make a success out of them.  When you dig in your heels, and become a "project", you can kiss raises, bonuses, options, perks, etc. goodbye.

4)  Team building events, company parties, etc.  Limit your drinking.  This is still a work function, and your performance is being watched & judged.  

#1 on your list is a good point.  I've seen some people make it work.  But I've also seen an employee and her boss caught in a passionate kiss by the regional HR manager [d'oh!].  Another caveat is that it can limit your career options if the person you're involved with plays a role in the job functions of a higher position.  Your boss isn't going to promote you to a position where your new responsibilities entail more work w/ your "fish", since they'll fear having to replace you if a break-up occurs.

#3 can be tough, if your supervisor is the type who hints around or isn't always clear in their expectations.  In which case, ASK for feedback.  No decent boss is going to blow off an employee who is looking for ways to improve themselves.  You might want to write up a list of things you and your boss come up with, and then come bonus time you can bring him/her the list of things you've accomplished on that list.

Two more: 

1). Don't 'pass the buck'.  We all make mistakes.  And unfortunately, even when it's not OUR screw-up bosses never want to hear about why something doesn't work.  The best advice I got from a boss was a) not to perform a public autopsy on what went wrong, b) take ownership of the problem, c) set expectations as far as when things will get back on track.

2). Avoid the 'flaming email'.  As people have found out the hard way, emails are FOREVER.  Don't get caught saying anything in an email which you wouldn't want your boss to hear.  I'd also say be careful about what you say in personal blogs...

Set your mobile phone to vibrate, especially if you have a noisy ringtone. 

-=Steve=-
 

Here's my office DON'T!!!

Don't be a time suck for other people ... in other words, if you have a "quick question" or promise a co-worker that you just need "10 seconds" of their time - stick to it! Keep it short!

No one likes to be interrupted needlessly, but more importantly, I think is the fact that it's harder to get back on track once you've turned your attention away to something else, however briefly.

helenh:

Here's my office DON'T!!!  Don't be a time suck for other people ... in other words, if you have a "quick question" or promise a co-worker that you just need "10 seconds" of their time - stick to it! Keep it short!  No one likes to be interrupted needlessly, but more importantly, I think is the fact that it's harder to get back on track once you've turned your attention away to something else, however briefly.

Yesterday's Dilbert was about this.  

-=Steve=- 

Make you boss look good and you will be remembered on raise day!

If your co-worker has a good idea but you can make it happen, give him the credit.  You will get double respect for being good and being honest.

It's worth noting...you also get the respect of your superiors.  In taking the lead and implementing someone's idea, you show leadership skills in working with a team, sharing ideas and making ideas happen.