Working Well with Others

In any workplace, there are many different personality types, as well as personal histories, needs, and foibles we all need to know how to navigate. While we might label some people we work with as toxic, we also have a responsibility to make the workplace and our interactions productive with the way we handle ourselves. Let me give you a few examples of actions we can take to make both our co-workers and our lives more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Listen

This is harder than we think because we want to interject our opinion, advice, and personal story, often before the speaker has finished. We are also so distracted by the million other things we have on our minds. We are often too busy thinking of the next task we need to complete, and that makes it difficult to focus completely on what the person in front of us is saying.

Actively listen to the people around you by making eye contact, waiting until the person is done speaking to make comments, and turning your body completely towards them instead of towards the door that you are already thinking about exiting. When the speaker is finished, ask questions for understanding.

Also, listen to the conversations going on around you. There is a difference between eavesdropping on private conversations and listening to chatter that is being shared with the general audience. You will learn about how others view the workplace and where they see the challenges.

Know your co-workers.

It’s easy to judge someone’s personality, actions, and performance, but we might see it in a different light if we have some background information about the burdens they carry. Many of us are struggling with personal issues that can affect our actions at work. Pay attention to the emotions of those around you and understand some negative interactions might not only be because someone is obnoxious. Use kindness as often as you can without dropping down to the level of inappropriate behavior.

Don’t engage in negativity.

The problem with negativity is it is contagious and it never helps the situation. People who talk behind other’s backs to you are also going to talk about you. There is a great way to fight this form of negativity. The next time a co-worker badmouths someone, make sure you add a positive quality you have noticed about that person, and then quickly change the subject. Be the helper, not the hater.

Practice empathy

Everyone wants to be heard, but they also want to be understood. They want to feel that someone can connect with what they are feeling and why. Empathy is easy to practice and it can make the workplace and productivity much better. The next time someone is expressing how they feel about something at work, instead of jumping in with solutions, see if you can guide the individual to his own solution by asking questions. Ask basic questions like, “What do you think would work?” or “Why do you think he expects that of you?” or delve into the emotions of the situation by asking what would make the person feel better about the situation. Most people can talk themselves to the solution, they only need some guidance. You will not have to feel as if you are stuck in the middle because you only asked questions without inserting your opinion.

Protect yourself

Of course, we all want to use as many positive strategies as possible to maintain a good working environment, but it is also important to take care of yourself by documenting interactions with others, especially when there is some animosity involved. Keep track of communications in case you need to prove you followed proper procedures. Not everyone wants to play nice.

Making the workplace stress-free and a place of congeniality and collaboration may take some extra effort on everyone’s part, but it will make such a difference in the ambiance and performance level. You may enjoy going to work instead of dreading it.