When you think of job performance, you often think of your job duties - getting tasks completed effectively and efficiently while boosting company performance. Many employees focus heavily on the task-oriented side of their jobs, while neglecting the social aspect. Building and maintaining healthy relationships at work is important for anyone willing to grow in their position and excel in their career - it creates an environment of collaboration and communication, and will aid you in boosting your job performance and bolstering your career prospects. Here are a few things to be aware of as you navigate your workplace relationships.
1. Open Communication
The number one, most important way to build strong relationships with your coworkers is through open communication. They can’t read your mind, and you can’t read theirs! Make sure everything is extremely clear – even if you think something is obvious, or you assume your coworkers already know something, it doesn’t hurt to keep things crystal-clear to make sure no information gets lost in translation.
2. Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is the ability to know what you’re feeling, and to be conscious of that when you are communicating with your team members. If you’re having a frustrating day, or something upsetting happened earlier, it’s important to not let it affect the people around you. Taking out your frustration or emotion on your coworkers is a one-way ticket to ruining important relationships!
3. Empathy
Pay attention to how your team may be feeling and understand why they may be feeling that way. Empathy is a great way to develop strong relationships. It forms an understanding between two people and can bring them closer together.
4. Be a Good Listener
A good rule of thumb is for every minute you speak, listen for two. It’s important to listen to and understand your coworkers to make sure you’re communicating effectively.
5. Offer Assistance
Being helpful is a great way to be a good coworker! If your team needs something, offer to help - even if it may be outside of the scope of your position. Going above and beyond for your team will build a positive relationship between you, and they’ll appreciate you for your efforts.
6. Know When to Ask for Help
Just like you need to be ready to aid your coworkers, you should also know when to ask for their help in return. Just like offering help, accepting help can be beneficial to your relationship.
7. Be Present
Make sure to be present when you’re at work. Make time to interact with those around you, and you’ll be on the fast-track to having mutually beneficial, healthy workplace relationships!