These five universal tips will help you build lasting and productive relationships at work:
- Show appreciation A thank you, praise or sincere compliment can go a long way in creating a positive work atmosphere. Acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of those around you will boost morale and mutual respect. By regularly acknowledging the achievements of your colleagues, you will lay the foundation for healthy working relationships.
- Express yourself clearly Effective communication is the cornerstone of building solid professional relationships. While speaking conveys your thoughts and ideas, active listening demonstrates respect, empathy and understanding for others. If you demonstrate a genuine interest in the observations of your colleagues, you will positively strengthen interpersonal relationships. Sarcasm, ironic remarks or insults can cause lasting consequences that can lead to a complete inability to cooperate and find productive solutions.
- Set boundaries Your colleagues are not automatically your friends. Although friendships can develop over time in the workplace, there are certain topics that you and your colleagues should avoid, at least initially. Health, financial and partner problems do not belong to work. Sharing the intimate details of your life unnecessarily can bring more complications than benefits. We also recommend that you avoid topics such as religion, politics and slandering colleagues.
- Build credibility Don’t underestimate meeting deadlines and being on time. Keeping promises and commitments is not only about showing discipline, but it will help you build an image of a responsible professional. You will also contribute to the overall efficiency of the team and the functioning of the company. Completing tasks on time and keeping promises are key to building trust and respect with colleagues and superiors.
- Don’t forget to rest Work-life balance is the ability to maintain a balance between work and private life. Learn to distribute your strengths, determine your priorities, communicate your limits and set realistic goals. Fatigue, overload and irritability can ultimately damage your health, psyche and relationships with colleagues.
Remember that building relationships is an ongoing process that requires patience, effort, and honesty. Effective communication, cooperation and positive work habits will not only help you in building a career, but will bring you a reward in the form of a pleasant working environment and support from colleagues in difficult times.
