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Most workplaces include an element of collaborative working, so it's important to be aware of how your feelings and behaviors affect others. These tips will help you to forge positive working relationships with your colleagues.
Greet People When You Come Into Work
By saying good morning to those around you, and offering a warm welcome to those arriving later, you are setting the tone for a positive and open atmosphere.
Be Approachable Throughout the Day
Giving off a friendly persona indicates that you are interested in others and likely to be easy to deal with. To do this, smile, instigate conversations, respond to questions positively and engage with others' points of view.
Manage Your Mood
Everyone has a bad day now and then. But shouting, criticizing, and being aggressive will only make you look unprofessional. If you need to calm down after something hasn't gone exactly to plan, take a break and compose yourself before engaging with others again. Inconsistent behavior can lead to alienation, as people will not want to risk being on the receiving end of your bad mood. If this does happen, make immediate amends with a genuine apology.
Say Sorry If It's Warranted
Further to the above, if you have made a mistake or said the wrong thing, apologize for it. Do not try to avoid any difficult or uncomfortable situations, as this will result in tension or negative feelings building and causing an awkward atmosphere for everyone else. Instead, resolve any potential conflict as quickly as possible.
Share Knowledge
The strength of a team is usually greater than the sum of its parts. This means that your team will be able to achieve more together than as individuals. So, if you know something of worth, share this with your team members and encourage them to do the same with each other.
Offer Help and Advice
If you see a colleague struggling with a problem or a busy workload, try to assist in some way. Just enquiring if help is needed can make all the difference to the other person. If your own areas of expertise allow you to provide advice, or you’re in a position to offer assistance, then do it. Your colleague is unlikely to forget this help and will be more willing to return the favor when you are in a similar position.
Use Your Position Constructively
Valuing your colleagues is fundamental to good teamwork. However, this cannot be achieved if you think you’re better than everyone else or use your status to get your own way. If you always assume you're right, you're likely to be missing some valuable input, insight or ideas. Always take time to listen to other people's views and opinions, and consider them before making a decision. Fostering a culture of team working helps share the workload, the responsibility and the rewards.
Be Sensitive to the Moods of Others
Although it's preferable to leave problems at home, sometimes it’s not that easy for others. If someone isn't performing well, or is having a bad day, understand that there may be reasons behind this. Don';t be quick to assume the worst; take the time to find out if there’s anything you can do to help.
Thank Colleagues for Their Hard Work
It's always good to thank people for any work that they have done for you, or that you have benefited from. However, if someone has gone the extra mile for you or you can see that they have put in considerable effort, be sure to offer praise and recognition, including a simple 'thank you'. Getting into the habit of expressing gratitude will help to improve people's impressions and attitudes towards you.
