Relationships. That word gives one the jitters. Thinking about workplace relationships – well no one ever said it’s easy to get along with people at work.
It can be difficult maintaining successful relationships with co-workers since everyone has different personalities. It is inevitable for some people not to get along and for others to become best friends. The important thing to remember is that politeness is not the same thing as friendship. You do not have to be friends with your co-workers, but you do have to maintain a cordial environment in order to keep work pleasant.
Say the hellos
Greeting people is an act of kindness. A friendly greeting can go a long way. When you see someone in the hallway, a simple “good morning” with a smile will let your co-worker know you are acknowledging his/her presence. When you are leaving for the day, say “goodbye” to the person who sits next to you. These greetings make you seem like a nice person and make it easier for others to approach you.
Engage in small talk – people like that
Small talk is an essential part of every office environment. People like to get to know those they work with. If you have trouble engaging in small talk, start by asking others questions about themselves. People love to talk about themselves. Once you are more comfortable talking to your co-workers, start sharing small details about your day-to-day life. You do not have to share anything intimate. You can simply talk about the last movie you saw or what you made for dinner. Engaging in small talk is important when maintaining successful relationships with co-workers.
Attend social events – It can’t hurt to get friendly
Attending social events is great for maintaining successful relationships with co-workers, because you get to know people in a more relaxed environment. Some office workers attend happy hours together. Most companies throw a holiday party at the end of the year. If you feel comfortable and have time to attend, this could be a good way to develop more intimate relationships with your co-workers.
Have a talk – with your manager
If worse comes to worst, you may need to address concerns with your manager. Below are some scenarios in which it may be necessary to get your manager involved in the work relationship with your co-workers:
- If they are gossiping about you to the point where it affects your ability to complete your work
- If they are excluding you from projects in which you belong
- If they are making derogatory comments about you or your creed
- If they are harassing or assaulting you
Do you excel at maintaining successful relationships with co-workers? Let us know with a quick comment.
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