You're bright and ambitious, armed with a powder keg of potential. With all this talent, you'll surely maneuver your way up the career ladder quickly--right? Well, maybe. Dangerous on-the-job behaviors can totally overshadow positive attributes. To sidestep career disaster, resolve to avoid all of the following landmines.

Rumor Mill Rendezvous
Every office has rumormongers. You know them--the ones lurking around the water cooler, speaking in hushed tones and glancing around furtively. These information junkies love to swap stories and trade one juicy tidbit for another. It's a wonder they get any work done, considering the time they spend stoking the rumor mill. Sure, it's fun to play in the dirt with these folks, but notice how many of them actually get ahead at work. You're better off associating with people who focus on results and ignore mindless speculation.

Boss Badmouthing
Regardless of how inept your boss may be, he or she deserves your loyalty. Notice: I did not say "undying respect" or "blind devotion." Real professionals understand their boss's imperfections and have enough sense not to broadcast them to others. Pointing out your leader's shortcomings only highlights one indisputable fact--your lack of character and good judgment. And that's a landmine that will surely explode someday, resulting in painful consequences.

Power Plays With Peers
Astute managers can see how well employees get along with their co-workers. It's almost like a litmus test of their emotional maturity. The ability to work effectively within a group is a skill you must demonstrate to move ahead. It's difficult to become a star alone. You need a solid support system, one you cannot develop by simply playing politics. Insisting upon sandbox wars with your colleagues will end up sullying your reputation. Sharpening your ability to live in harmony with teammates is a smarter move.

Resisting Risks
Corporate America is full of people who quietly do their jobs every day and wonder why they aren't further along. Constantly running from risks may put you in a comfort zone, but you will keep stagnant for years. Shakers and movers do not constantly play it safe. They have the courage to present new ideas, even at the risk of being shot down. They tackle the "hopeless" projects and rebound quickly after setbacks.

Punting on Promises
Employees who are eager to please often stumble into the landmine of overcommitment. They volunteer for every project imaginable--and then the trouble starts. Important balls are dropped, confidence wanes, and your reputation slips. It's wise to limit your projects to those on which you are sure to do a bang-up job. Being referred to as "unreliable" can carry permanent battle scars.

Too Little "Horn-Tooting"
Humility is admirable, but some employees take it to a detrimental extreme. They piously avoid any self-promotion, fearing they will appear arrogant. While too much horn tooting is certainly annoying, relying on others to take note of every success is naïve. People are busy! You should tactfully point out accomplishments, giving full credit to those who assisted you in achieving them.

Passive-Aggressive Practices
"How's your workload?" one boss asked. "Oh, great," the employee cheerfully replied, "no problem." Then this same employee does an about-face an hour later when talking to co-workers. "The workload around here so unfair!" she laments. This is passive-aggressive behavior and it won't win you any brownie points with the boss. Being honest and consistent in your communication builds trust. Being duplicitous is surefire way to torpedo your credibility.

Misperceptions and Mistakes
It takes a healthy sense of confidence and self-worth to admit when you are wrong. Many employees go to unbelievable extremes to avoid uttering the words "It was my fault." Admitting your shortcomings demonstrates an ability to benefit from experience. It also establishes the fact that you are not so small-minded as to make excuses or blame others.

Practicing Profanity
Lori was a polished young woman who commanded respect--until she opened her mouth. Her speech was riddled with rough language. Rather than emphasizing her thoughts, this language seriously detracted from her message. It revealed not only an angry edge, but also a surprising lack of imagination. After all, how creative is it to rely on a few potentially offensive words when there are so many others available?

Mismanagement of Moods
Carrie was an outstanding employee in every respect--except for one. She was unable to manage her moods. She would often arrive to work in a foul mood, bringing plenty of tension with her. She snapped at others as if her mission was to make everyone as miserable as she was that day. Little wonder her boss never considered moving her to a position of more authority. After all, how could she manage others if she was incapable of managing her own emotions?

To assure that your career suffers no fatal damage, be sure to stay far away from these explosive areas. Carefully avoiding them will help put your future success on safer ground.