Harmonious and productive working relationships exist primarily because the needs of the individuals in the work team are being met. For some, there may be a need to remain quiet and removed so that they can get on with their work. For others, however, there may be a need to forge closer ties and warmer relationships with workmates. As long as the aims of the employing body are being met, then these varying needs of the work team members can be tolerated.
Problems occur, however, when this reciprocating system of need/satisfaction gets unbalanced. If one or more people want to satisfy needs which are outside the aims of the employing body or antagonistic to the other work team members, then problems occur. For example, if one person wants to manipulate the work schedule to ensure more flexitime at the expense of the others, then that person can expect some resultant turmoil in the group. As work team members often spend more time with each other than they do with their own family members, it is important to maintain positive and effective work relationships. Let’s look at several ways relationships at work can be enhanced and made more harmonious and productive.
- Be pleasant.
At the start of the work day, take a few minutes to chat briefly with your workmates nearby. A warm smile and a few friendly words can get both you and your workmates off to a positive start in the day.
- Be interested in others.
Show an active interest in your workmates. Asking about their plans for the forthcoming weekend or showing interest in an event they mentioned casually at lunch can bring you closer to others.
- Be thoughtful.
Remember birthdays and other special events important to your work team members. Bringing in a cake and taking time to celebrate the occasion during a coffee break can create a more friendly environment at work.
- Be generous with your time.
Giving some time to assist workmates who need help is a good investment. The dividends are generally warmer relationships.
- Be open about yourself—but be discreet.
- Being able to talk appropriately about yourself and your life outside of work makes you a more approachable person. Of course, talking about yourself, if carried to excess, will create boredom and possibly even antagonism. Keep the conversations a two-way process.
- Be willing to spend time outside of work with others. Your relationships with your workmates will deepen if you occasionally spend some time outside of work hours with them. A drink after work, a dinner out or a weekend activity will bring you closer to others.
- Be aware of your workmates‘ sensitivities.
When one of your workmates seems to be upset, offer to discuss the matter. The situation might be too personal for workplace discussion, but your offer will be appreciated. In your discussions with others in distress see the issues from their perspective and take note of their sensitivities.
- Be willing to read books on interpersonal communication and friendship formation.
If you feel estranged from others at work and would like to have closer relationships, browse through your local bookshop or library for relevant books on the topic.
- Be prepared to enroll in a communication course. As social relationships are very complex, book reading and self-practice might not be sufficient to bring you closer to your workmates. In that case, consider joining a communication course—consult your doctor or another helping professional for suggestions about courses and other resources.
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