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6 Things To Do If You Want To Have A Good Relationship With Your Coworkers

Having a good relationship with your coworkers is important for several reasons. It can make your work life more enjoyable, help you be more productive, and even improve your mental health. If you’re looking to improve your relationships with your coworkers, below is a list of six things you can do.

 

Make an effort to get to know them

One of the best ways to improve your relationship with someone is to simply get to know them better. Talk to them about their interests, their families, and their lives outside of work. The more you know about someone, the easier it will be to build a strong relationship with them. The workplace information providers on prepmycareer suggest that if you are looking for a new job, as early as the interview phase, you already need to make an effort to know your future co-workers. This means that not only should you be prepared for the formal interview questions, but you should also ask about your potential co-workers. There may even be instances wherein the interviewer would ask you about how you would work with a certain co-worker.

 

Respect their time and space

Respect is an important foundation for any strong relationship, and that includes relationships with your coworkers. Be respectful of their time by not interrupting them when they’re busy or in the middle of something. This means that when you see them working on something, you shouldn’t just barge in and start talking to them about something that’s on your mind. Instead, wait until they’re finished or take a step back and give them some space.

Additionally, be respectful of their personal space by not invading their personal bubble or going through their things without permission. Just as you would with anyone else, respect their physical boundaries and give them the space they need. When you do this, you’re showing them that you respect them as a person and that you’re willing to give them the space they need to feel comfortable. In this case, there is a great chance that they will also return the favor.

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Lead by example

If you want your coworkers to respect you, then you need to lead by example. Be the kind of person that you would want to work with. Be punctual, honest, and professional. And don’t be afraid to go above and beyond when it comes to your work. Your coworkers will take notice and, hopefully, follow your lead. Just make sure that you’re not expecting them to do more work than you’re doing yourself. Rest assured that your hard work will pay off and your coworkers will appreciate you for it.

 

Be a team player

No one likes working with someone who is constantly trying to take all the credit or hog all the glory. Be a team player by sharing the spotlight and working collaboratively towards common goals. This doesn’t mean that you have to be best friends with everyone, but it does mean that you should be willing to work together for the good of the team. This will help you further develop relationships with your coworkers and build trust.

There may be instances wherein you may feel a bit competitive with some of your co-workers. Understand that a little bit of healthy competition can be beneficial as it can help you both push each other to do your best work. However, if things start to get out of hand, have a conversation with your coworker about it and see if there’s a way to reframe the situation so that it’s more productive.

 

Avoid gossiping

Gossiping is one of the quickest ways to ruin a good relationship with someone. Not only is it hurtful, but it’s also a sign of disrespect. If you wouldn’t want someone spreading rumors about you, then don’t do it to them. Even the smallest gossip can do a lot of damage, so it’s always best to avoid it altogether. For instance, if you don’t know for sure whether or not something is true, don’t say anything at all. On the other hand, if you are on the receiving end of gossip, don’t hesitate to speak up and put a stop to it. This way, you can show your coworker that you don’t tolerate that kind of behavior.

You should also keep the lines of communication open. Open and honest communication is important in any relationship, and that includes relationships with your coworkers. If you’re having a problem with someone, talk to them about it instead of bottling it up or gossiping behind their back. This will help you resolve the issue and improve your relationship with that person.

 

Practice positivity

Finally, no one wants to be around someone who is always negative and complaining. Be positive by maintaining a good attitude, even when things are tough. This doesn’t mean that you have to put on a fake smile all the time, but it does mean that you should try to find the silver lining in every situation. For example, if you’re feeling stressed about an upcoming project, try to focus on the fact that it will be a great opportunity to showcase your skills. In the same manner, if you’re feeling undervalued at work, try to remember that it’s a chance to prove your worth.

You can also contribute to creating a positive work environment by doing things like complimenting your coworkers or offering to help them with a task. There is also the option for you to help make your office space more positive by adding some personal touches or decorations. In this case, it is important to make sure that you get permission from your boss or HR first. Nevertheless, even the small things can make a big difference in your relationships with your coworkers.

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These are just a few things you can do to improve your relationships with your coworkers. If you put in the effort, you’ll be sure to see results. Just remember that it takes two people to build a strong relationship, so don’t get discouraged if your efforts aren’t immediately reciprocated. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are strong relationships. So be patient, be persistent, and eventually, you’ll get there.