HOW TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN GOOD WORK RELATIONSHIPS

What kind of work relationships do you have with your co-workers?  You should take a moment to think about it before you proceed.

We get to choose some relationships like our friends, acquaintances, and significant other. But one relationship we don’t exactly get to choose is our coworkers. Workplace relationships are a great deal as they can either make or mar an organization. Learning more about working relationships will help you interact with your team more effectively and foster a healthy work environment. In this article, we’ll help you figure out how to build and maintain a good relationship with your coworkers, including the annoying Amaka you don’t get along with.

How about we get right into it?

8 TIPS TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN GOOD RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK

1. Communicate

Ever seen a relationship that survived without communication? Let me know in the comments, please. Truth is, all successful relationships are built on open and honest communication. When a coworker or manager approaches you, you should carefully listen and understand their point of view before answering. The more effectively and efficiently you communicate with your coworkers, the more successful the relationship will be.

2. Keep Your Word On Promises

Nothing is more frustrating than a person who constantly fails to keep a promise or misses deadlines. When your coworkers or team members know they can count on you, you’re more likely to create stronger relationships. Whenever you promise a team member that you will get done with an assignment within a certain length of time, be sure you keep your word.

Surely, there will be times when you simply cannot meet the deadline, but as long as you handle the matter properly and do not make it a habit, you will be fine. Also, communicate if you have trouble keeping commitments due to a hectic work schedule. This keeps everyone on the same page and demonstrates that you value the contributions of the other team members. Always be realistic, please. It’s better to give someone adequate notice and be truthful than to fail to deliver without explanation.

3. Stay Away From Office Politics and Gossips

Offices and gossip could be quite inseparable, but avoid them by all means. It’s also a good idea to keep your thoughts to yourself or friends that don’t work in the same office you work. If you hear a coworker gossiping about another, run (not literally, please). If you get in a disagreement with a coworker, speak with them directly about it. Perhaps this does not yield results, you can schedule a meeting with your supervisor and the coworker in question to discuss the problem in an open and professional manner. Gossiping with coworkers will only aggravate the problem and heighten hatred.

4. Support Your Coworkers

Supporting coworkers is one of the most effective strategies to build positive relationships. Taking the weight off a coworker’s shoulders while they’re struggling to finish a job is a terrific approach to strengthen a bond. Always be willing to help your coworkers succeed and not fail. It’s really not a competition.

5. Stay Positive

Everyone will take the positive person over the negative one. Well, as far as I know. People gravitate to those that make them feel happy because positivism is contagious. So stay positive even when you are under pressure at work. Instead of worries and complaints, you can motivate yourself and your colleagues by providing constructive advice and motivation to keep working. Maintaining a cheerful attitude can help you become the team member who others turn to for advice or guidance, resulting in excellent working relationships.

6. Get Familiar With The Company’s Policies

Different companies have different policies. You might want to get familiar with what your company says about work relationships. Some companies will take a casual culture over a professional one. It’s important you understand the unwritten rules, expectations and boundaries that govern your workplace. If you’re confused about your company’s policies, always act professionally and ask the human resources department or a trustworthy mentor or colleague.

7. Make Time To Build Relationships

Sometimes it’s okay to go the extra mile to chat with your coworker and have one-on-one interactions with them. It can be tough to find time to communicate with other team members due to the everyday demands and responsibilities of your employment. However, it will be easier to communicate with and get to know your coworkers if you schedule time to create relationships. When you inquire about a coworker’s personal life, professional aspirations, or everyday requirements, you demonstrate that you care about them. These small contacts take time, but they establish the foundation for strong bonds.

But hey, set limits! Set aside some time, but not too much! When a friend or coworker begins to occupy your time, a professional connection can sometimes hamper productivity. You should create boundaries and keep track of how much time you spend on social contacts at work.

8. Show Appreciation

Imagine receiving a thank you note after such a hectic day at work from your boss or a coworker who jumped on a project with you. You know how that note can brighten your day and keep you motivated, don’t you?

Chances are, your coworkers feel the same way. Always remember to thank those who are performing outstanding jobs or contributing positively to the office. Whether it was a coworker who assisted you with a challenging project or a junior who made you a cup of coffee. Colleagues enjoy being thanked, and they will remember your good comments for the rest of their lives. A little genuine appreciation will go a long way to help you build good work relationships.

BOTTOM LINE

Good work relationships make your job less stressful and more pleasurable. The more time and effort you put into cultivating positive workplace relationships, the more you will reap the benefits. Follow these tips and you just might be on your way to securing the best work relationships ever.