How I learned to get along better with my coworkers in 3 small steps 🤝

Have you ever thought, “I just want to do my job, rush out the door, and drive home!”

We’ve all been there!

It can be challenging to build relationships with coworkers because of different personalities, temperaments, experiences, and backgrounds. 

As an introvert, I've been in the same shoes. 

Here are 3 small steps you can take today to build a better relationship with your coworkers!

Learning how and what to communicate helps build better relationships with coworkers.

• Smile: A smile shows that you're approachable, friendly, and open to communication.

• Clear and concise communication: This helps build trust and avoid misunderstandings and conflict.

• Active listening: Listen to understand instead of listening to reply.

• Non-verbal cues: Communication is more than using words. Non-verbal cues such as nodding, maintaining eye contact, posture, and facial expressions help build deeper connections and understanding.

Dos

• Be patient

• Give your full attention

• Ask open-ended questions

• Empathize

• Respect differences

Don'ts

• Interrupt

• Daydream or multi-task

• Offer solutions too quickly

• Dismiss emotions

• Form judgments

Building relationships is an ongoing process. Patience and consistency are key. By investing time and effort into fostering positive relationships with your coworkers, you contribute to a more collaborative and enjoyable work environment.

• Appreciation: Offer a simple "thank you" or recognize a coworker's help.

  I once bought my coworker a coffee as a "thank you" for going out of her way to help proofread a document.

• Teamwork: Working together on projects helps you learn more about coworkers and build a stronger bond.

  I learned that my coworker was fluent in 4 languages, which later helped me translate content to a language she spoke.

• Share knowledge: Using your skills and knowledge to help coworkers shows respect and care.

  I offered to help a teammate simplify a document so he could work on a different project that was due soon.

Negative talk in the workplace includes gossip, complaining, blaming, or expressing dissatisfaction with colleagues, superiors, or the overall work environment.

It can create a toxic workplace culture, harm relationships, and affect the morale of the team.

• Gossip: Gossiping with and about colleagues harms relationships and breaks trust.

  I used to think that gossiping about coworkers who gossip about you is okay. But it's not, as it's better to stay away from all and any gossip!

• Certain topics: Stay away from religion, politics, personal relationships, and salaries. Neutral topics help respect diversity, prevent conflict, and create a positive work environment.

• Talking badly about the company: Bad-mouthing the company, management, or colleagues leads to temporary satisfaction and can bite you in the back.

  Growing up. my teacher always said, "Never bad-mouth the people who feed you and your family!"

• Offensive humor/language: Humor can be fun for some yet offensive to others. Be mindful.

Learning to get along with coworkers is a skill you can practice and get better at!