10 signs you are a grownup at work

It’s back to school time. Finally, parents can return to a schedule without teenager late nights in the middle of the week or requests to go to the pool during a conference call.

We can go back to being the grownups that we are.

Maybe. We all know that the office at times can resemble a throwback to the playground or the middle school lunch table—but it’s time to be the grownup there, too.

Here are some signs that you are already there:

1. You can have a great working relationship without being friends or having lunch together. Not everyone has to be a good friend or someone you want to hang out with after work. It may even be better that way.

2. You finally realize it’s not all about you. The business must stay profitable, others’ needs have to be considered, and not everything happens according to your timetable. This is an ensemble cast-not your one-person show.

3. If someone disagrees with you, that’s not a personal attack. It’s OK to agree to disagree. To each his own.

4. You can share your views without shutting down the room. Likewise, another point of view isn’t a reason to make it all about you. Learn how to give your opinion without pouting, yelling, or derailing progress.