How to Connect With Others at Work
It is important to have good relations with work colleagues since the workplace is where most of us spend more than half of our day. If you have recently started working at some place or are an old employee, a healthy work environment requires a good rapport between you and your teammates. While making friends is not necessarily a bad thing, you have to maintain a balance between personal and professional relations.
Instructions
-
1
Know your colleagues
Knowing those you work with is very important. You don’t need to know details about their personal lives, but you should take part in general discussions and try to find out your colleagues’ likes and dislike. This way you can connect with those who share common hobbies and interests, leading to better relationships. -
2
Respect everyone
Regardless of position or power, respect each one of your colleagues. While there are different designations, it is important to remember that everyone is as important and no one is inferior to another. Showing respect, especially in front of other co-workers, is something your colleagues will greatly appreciate. -
3
Don’t be the gossipmonger
The work place is usually the hub of all gossip and backbiting. While talking about people behind their backs is very common, try avoiding it. Most of your sensible colleagues will distance themselves from you if you from part of the gossiping crowd. A negative impression may prove costly later on since any one of these colleagues may be in a position to evaluate you. -
4
Work like a team
While we all have our own workloads, it always pays to help someone struggling with you. You may be doing well for now but at some point you will need help as well. You and your colleagues form part of a team; even if your assignments are different, you all share a common goal. The whole company or business succeeds together, there are no individual winners. -
5
Don’t boss people around
You may be in a position of authority, but that does not mean your sub-ordinates are lesser beings. You may know what is best, but you cannot lead by force. Give people room to think, experiment and learn from mistakes. They will appreciate you for it in the long run. -
6
Give credit where it’s due
If you are higher up the chain of hierarchy, you may be speaking for your team or sub-ordinates. While the prospect of taking all the credit yourself is tempting, it is unethical and unjust. Every achievement is a result of effort and hard work by each member. Give credit where it’s due and encourage your teammates. Appreciation really does bring out the best in people.
