I'm not really sure why I picked co-workers as a topic. I know some of you have them. I personally haven't had any in well over a decade. Unless we count volunteer positions. I figured I could get some advice from friends and family.
The first bit of advice I got was "Good luck." The next bits I got were a little more useful.
Be nice. Just like your mother used to encourage you to play nice with the kids on the playground, play nice at work. It will serve you well.
Don't forget, everybody is their own person. Some folks like to get in and get out, others are chatters. Try not to chat up the ones that prefer to do their work during work hours. And here's a suggestion for you to implement regardless of which side you're on, suggest meeting after or before work to hang out and talk.
You don't have to be Facebook friends. This is especially true of people you supervise and that supervise you. If you want to interact with them in a professional aspect online, then create a secondary Facebook account or a page or group, depending on the type of business you're in.
Pay attention and figure out when the big days are for people, birthdays, anniversaries, opening day of baseball and just do something as simple as stop by their office and wish them a happy birthday or a congrats while you're working the sales floor.
When you have a disagreement with a co-worker, don't insist that you be right. Obviously, when safety is involved or sops, then insist, but for minor things, don't take the bait.
Gossip is a big no-no. I've always followed the principle that how people talk about others to you is how they will talk about you to others. Just don't. Gossip is bad. If you hear something about someone and you're curious, go to the source. It's easier in the long run.
You may not discover your best friend at work, but then again you just might. Sometimes the people who have a bad reputation end up being the cream of the crop. Be genuine with others, pray for them, take an interest in who they are. It may lead to unexpected results.
It's so hard to keep your private life private when you spend so much time with coworkers each day. However, it will be the best thing if you keep the most important things locked away. Unfortunately, there will be people at work who would be more than willing to collect each tidbit of information and use it all against you.
ReplyDeleteAlso, gossip and secrets never stay between you and the person in which you are confiding.
ReplyDeleteIt's so true, Kelly! We do not get paid to make friends at work. They are there for work, not to be your therapist :-) When I was a kid, someone said that we shouldn't do things that we wouldn't want to read on the front page of the paper the next day. I would say the same is true in regards to what we share. If you're not willing to tell everyone then pretty much tell no one.
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