It’s alright if you do not know where to begin when it comes to interacting with coworkers. Having healthy and respectful working relationships is vital in growing your career, keeping steady connections, and making the everyday hustle a little more enjoyable. Through various actions, you can promote yourself as a valuable employee and someone others will want to work with daily.
Follow our surefire ways to impress those around you in the office and be on your way to making long-lasting professional friendships.
Do Your Share
Whenever joint projects emerge, it is always vital to do your fair part of the work. A slacker is one of the worse people to have in a group. To show dedication, go above and beyond by volunteering for special projects– even if they seem difficult.
While you don’t want to force your other group members to do your part of the project, you also do not want to take complete control and limit other’s ideas. This is basic work etiquette. Find a steady medium where everyone’s thoughts are heard.
Communication Matters
Use your words wisely when beginning working relationships. We are not implying that you should lie or be fake to others, but rather create an open stream of communication where honesty is valued and kindness is expressed often. Being able to make points clear to others will keep everyone on the same page.
Negative body language and attitudes create tense working conditions. Just because you are keeping your thoughts to yourself, a harsh attitude will still shine through. Opening doors, waving at co-workers, and head nods are simple ways to show courtesy without even speaking.
Never Throw a Co-Worker Under the Bus
Sometimes, projects go terribly wrong or you may feel as though a certain employee has wronged you. Always approach the person first before bringing the matter to management. The very first time someone hears of a problem should be by the person noticing it. If you go over their head, it is very likely they will not trust you in the future. Soon, this will catch on, and the entire office will walk on eggshells around you because of this poor work etiquette.
Share Credit
If you are celebrating a huge accomplishment at work, think of those around you who have contributed. Always thank, and even reward, each person individually who has taken steps in this success.
When you help others recognize and see their own greatness, it is more likely they will show you this same regard. Raising others up will benefit the entire team and create strong working relationships; a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
Learn About Who You Work With
Each person will come with a personality and a story of their own. By using simple interactions to create working relationships, you can show you are interested in being friendly, which can lead to chats where you can learn about their hobbies or favorite food.
Use this information to attempt to show that you remember the last conversation you had by asking if their pet is feeling better or if their daughter finally stopped coloring on the walls. There is nothing wrong with becoming friends with your workplace acquaintances.
When people work well together, a company becomes more productive. Interpersonal relationships can be made by being honest and hardworking during all projects in combination with keeping a positive attitude toward those around you.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.