There’s no need to hide the fact that we all want to be the most liked in the office. Some of us have a need of approval and starting a new job or internship can just ignite the urge.
A way to fulfill that crave is to have relationships with co-workers. It’s normal to want to establish personal relationships, it can make the time go by quicker and work more fun, but you want to be sure its always professional.
While I’ve had my fair share of bad office experiences, (yes I’ve had those Jim and Dwight tension filled moments) I’ve also built beneficial relationships that are still used for networking and for keeping in touch. An office or work setting can sometimes be confused for a strict environment, but in reality it’s healthy to be friends with the people you work with. If you follow my three tips and insights on office relationships you’ll find the Dwight to your Michael in no time.
Avoid:
There are just certain topics that shouldn’t be brought up in an office. Anything related to money, sexual history or health concerns should be left for at home talks. Instead to spark conversations bring up funny work-related stories, current movies, television shows or even the weather. You’d be surprise how far a conversation can go by just mentioning how beautiful the weather is outside.
Be Trustworthy:
If you demonstrate to the people you work with that you’re an honest worker AND person, then they will want to get closer to you. By just being on time, covering other’s work and committing yourself can prove that you’re taking your job seriously. Your work attitude and quality affects your work relationships.
No one wants to be associated with a co-worker who doesn’t care about what’s going on. Others want to know they can trust you with their work, opinions and personal information.
Be Caring:
The simplest act of kindness can always go a long way. Remembering a office mate’s birthday, asking how their children are doing or complementing their work shows you respect them as a person and not just as their position in the company. Being respectful and social will help you in building lasting relationships within your office or work setting.
At the end of the summer when your job or internship is done or ended, you want to be able to still reach out to the connections you made through your experience.
