According to TheMuse.com, there are a few questions that likable employees usually ask. These questions demonstrate a willingness to help others and the ability to work as part of a team. Try them out to see what happens.
- “How Can I Help?”
No employee’s work exists in a vacuum. At some point, all employees need a little help from their colleagues. If you spend your time too consumed with your own work to help out, your coworkers may see you as self-absorbed. Therefore, ask your coworkers how you can help with their projects. Your coworkers will see you as friendlier and more approachable. Helping out could be as simple as dropping the mail off on your way home or offering to proofread a document.
- “Could You Tell Me More?”
Most employees want feedback from their coworkers on their projects or ideas. Even if you don’t have the time to chip in and physically help with the project, simply lending an ear to your coworkers will be much appreciated. You’ll be seen as more considerate in the workplace by offering a few minutes of your time to help your colleagues weigh the pros and cons of a new idea.
- “What Are Your Thoughts on This?”
Similarly, everyone likes to feel that their opinions are valuable and appreciated. Many employees are actually flattered when others ask for their advice, and the employee asking for such advice usually seems more approachable. To maintain good relationships with your coworkers, ask them for their input once in a while.
- “Would You Like to Grab a Cup of Coffee?”
In most workplaces, friendships form between employees. However, once these “work cliques” form, they usually do not change very much—meaning that some of your coworkers may feel excluded if you and two other employees always get lunch together. To make sure you are perceived as friendly and approachable, it is wise to mix up your lunches and coffee outings once in a while to build new relationships within the office.
CareerRealism.com adds some more tips on building relationships with your colleagues.
First, it is essential to be honest and communicate with each other. Often, problems in relationships—whether personal or professional—stem from poor communication. Perhaps you read an email from a colleague that seemed snippy, but the colleague did not mean for it to come off that way. You may begin to perceive this coworker negatively, when in actuality there is no reason to. Save important communications for face-to-face contact, and make sure that you are always open and honest.
It is also important to be observant within the workplace. It is important to study your employer’s culture to get an idea as to how you could build relationships. For example, does your employer sponsor community events? Volunteer to help out at one of these, or at least make an effort to attend for a short while.
Find a common interest with others to facilitate work relationships. Did you overhear a colleague mention that he attended the same college you did? Find a way to bring that up. Did you discover that your children and your coworker’s children have the same teacher at school? Use this common ground to start a conversation.
Remember, you can befriend others at the office, even if they outrank you somehow. After all, your rank may increase as well one day. It is beneficial to have relationships with everyone in your workplace, whether they are in secretarial positions or are on the board of directors. By reaching out to everyone, you’ll be seen as approachable, friendly, and down to earth.
See the following articles for more information:
- Reputation at Work
- A Roadmap to Building Positive Relationships
- Getting Along with the Boss: Build the Relationship at Work That Matters Most to Your Career
Source: The Muse
Photo credit: Huffington Post
