Getting along with people at work is like a marriage, you have to work at it to make it work. Except, at work you are not only dealing with one person, but with multiple people with very different personalities, “quirks,” and bad habits, along with these same people having bad days and bringing personal problems to work. Sounds quite complicated and impossible to manage, but the truth is that it is doable. Not only is it doable, it is a must if you want to be a productive employee as well as being able to go home “sane” after a full day’s work. Think about it, when you really look at it, during the work week (if you are a full time employee) you spend more waking hours with co-workers than you do with your family, so it is in your best interest to get along with others at work.
Therefore, keeping in mind the fact that nine times out of ten you will be treated the same way you treat others, here are some good ways that are truly effective when it comes to getting along with others at work.
Be kind and well mannered. I know it sounds simple and something children are taught at a very young age, not working adults, but the truth is that sometimes adults in the work place can be as bad if not worse (by the simple fact that they are adults) than kids. Often times, we take advantage of our position and “bark” at our employees, however, if we use manners and ask for things, and address others, in a kind fashion, the chances are that the response will be just as polite.
Treat everybody with respect. I mean everybody, not just “higher ups” or the immediate supervisor. That goes for everyone from the lowest one in the totem pole to the highest administrator in the work place. Nobody likes to be treated as if they were “less” than everyone else. Regardless of anyone’s position, they should be respected for what they do.
Never be “too good” for anything. This is especially big for those who have been promoted from within the ranks. They think that because they are no longer a ranking employee and are now in a management position, they are “too good” to perform certain tasks. Never be “too good” for anything — folks, something an old boss taught me long time ago, and has been key in my success getting along with everyone at work (in positions both higher and lower than mine) is to “never forget how to make the coffee.” In other words, remember where you came from and don’t assume that “menial” tasks such as coffee duty is only for the secretary or the receptionist. These individuals at times can be so busy that making the time to make the coffee is difficult. Be a good superior and “make that coffee,” believe me it will be appreciated.
Be understanding of other people’s problems. Everybody has a life outside of the work place. Therefore, the chances of people having bad days due to family or personal issues are very real. Don’t react to these people as if they have no right to bring personal problems to work and expect them to perform and behave as if nothing was happening. These co-workers are as human as you are and when you have bad days, you hope people will be understanding and take it a little bit easier on you so you can work through this problem and be able to give it your all at work. You offer them the support they need on these “off days” and you will get the same support when you need it.
Offer your assistance. If your work is done and somebody else in your work place is behind, offer your assistance, if it is something you are trained and capable of doing. Chances are that the next time you are behind and someone else is done with their work, more than likely someone will be willing to offer you their assistance.
All this creates a sense of good will throughout the work place turning it into a team operation rather than the “everyone for themselves” attitude. Following these suggestions will not only help you get along better with the people at work, in turn it will also turn into helping other people at work get along better with you.
These are all good guidelines to follow, and they do work. However, that is not to say that they will work with those most difficult co-workers that we have all had (and it seems that every work place has to have one of those!!) that it does not matter what you do (or not do), there is no pleasing them and you, nor anyone else in the work place, can seem to be able to get along with them, but that’s another story…..
Guiding thoughts, Guiding words, for Guiding minds……..maribelclarissa
