Who doesn’t want good work relationships? A positive work environment and friendly co-workers are bonuses if you love your job, and necessities if you don’t. Good news: when it comes to gaining better work relationships, a little bit goes a long way.
Ask, don’t tell. Don’t tell someone to do something”ask them. If you work with someone difficult and stubborn, there may come a time where you need to put your game face on and order them to execute a task, but that’s later, and very rarely the case. Often, your colleague is someone nice who is working hard to take care of the work that you give them. It’s their job and they’re getting paid for it, but they’re still human and they’re doing you a favour, so treat it like one.
Don’t forget your “please” and “thank you”s. Say thank you when someone completes a task you delegated to them. If you like their work, tack on a compliment like amazing work or fantastic job.
Do your part. Help clean up the kitchen and other shared work spaces. If everyone’s using the dishwasher, sink and photocopier, shouldn’t everyone help maintain them? Leave a space cleaner than it was when you got there. Ask your friend to unload the dishwasher with you; by working as a team, you’ll feel a greater sense of accomplishment.
Give and receive criticism with an open mind. Sandwich your criticism between two positive remarks. For example, you could say, I love how punctual you are when sending me files, but could you make sure you save them in their designated folders? I think this will make your job easier. Make it sound like you’re doing this for them, because you are”helping someone improve a process is as much for them as it is for you. And when you’re on the receiving end of criticism, keep an open mind and be receptive to feedback.
The element of surprise. Go beyond work relationships”surprise your co-workers with a treat every once in a while. Bring in baked goodies, tell an appropriate joke or organize a lunch outing.
Be friendly. It goes without saying that people will treat you as you treat them. Greet your colleagues when you enter and exit the office. If you’re sour or keep to yourself, it’s likely you’ll be left to yourself. Enter the work place with a smile on your face and a happy bounce in your step; exude positive vibes and your colleagues will feed off them.
These little things go a long way to making you feel more appreciated and happier at work”and your colleagues will feel it too.
