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The office space is an environment dictated by company politics and power struggles. With so many different individuals in one place, many relationship dynamics form. You can expect everything from minor conflicts and outrageous disputes to lasting friendships and even romance. Building Bridges: The Art of Creating Strong Co-worker Relationships
Forming good relationships with your coworkers can make your office days much more enjoyable, but they are also essential for your career.
Here, we will look at the intricacies of inter-coworker relationships so you can make the most of your situation. Whether you work in a small start-up or a giant corporation doesn’t matter.
Acquiring insights and soft skills to navigate the often volatile landscape of interpersonal workplace relationships will be valuable to your confidence at work and career goals.
Types of Coworkers
To get along with the people you work with, you must try to understand them. It takes time and observation to the personality traits of each person you work with. However, the archetypes outlined here may serve as a quick resource to help you better understand them.
The Rabbit
Characteristics: Conservative, avoiding risks, obedient, work security is a top priority, possibly a workaholic.
The rabbit is a coworker who, whether or not they like their job, is fiercely dedicated to keeping it. The most important thing for them is job security. This might be because they are a parent or have other dependents who rely on them. People whose personalities are typically classified as rabbits tend to be obedient and less likely to take risks.
The Lion
Characteristics: Confident, dominating, ambitious, leading, responsible.
The lion is brave and honorable. They are not afraid of taking risks as long as there is a clear goal to work towards. They are not afraid of conflicts. They do not avoid responsibility, so you can trust them with meaningful work. However, the lion is attracted to power and is a natural leader. They are not afraid to do the work and put themselves up for a promotion.
The Butterfly
Characteristics: Friendly and social, curious, mysterious, artistic, working on personal projects.
The butterfly is ambitious. But their ambition is not necessarily aligned with the ambition of your company. They are likely here for a little while to gain a particular skill set or experience. They would love to get to know everybody and determine the people they want to work with. Eventually, they might leave but also take a coworker or two with them if a better opportunity exists.
The Bear
Characteristics: Relaxed, unconcerned, avoiding hard work and responsibility.
The bear might be socially acceptable, but their work ethics are questionable. They avoid working too hard and prefer not to be appointed as a project manager. Responsibility is not their thing, and they are more interested in their Friday night plans than next month’s targets. However, they are consistent, so once you’re familiar with them and their work performance, you can count on them being steadfast.
The Panther
Characteristics: Ambitious, manipulative, selfish, power-hungry, treacherous.
The panther is smart and sexy. They would do anything to achieve their goals. They will likely conflict, but you can be sure they are plotting and scheming to come out on top. The panther is after a promotion. Or after the CEO. Beware.
The Migrating Bird
Characteristics: Malleable
This person isn’t sure how they got here and what they are doing exactly. This might be their very first job. Their work ethics and behavior are uncharted territories. They are likely to leave their position for anything enticing, but if they can find a connection and leadership, their archetype will manifest itself.
So, what archetype applies to you? Be aware that your colleagues might already have figured out what kind of “animal” you are, so if you’d like to restore their good opinion of you, then it may be time for some self-reflection. The following section might help.
How to Be a Good Coworker
1. If you are new to the office, be friendly and introduce yourself to your new colleagues.
2. If you have been working there for a while, be friendly towards newcomers and politely introduce yourself to them.
3. Keep your desk clean if you are sharing the workspace with others.
4. Keep your office clean, even if it’s your own space.
5. Be polite and helpful. Don’t turn away the people who need advice or help.
6. Participate actively and contribute to the best of your abilities.
7. Communicate with your colleagues frequently. Ask them about their work and maybe offer insights when you can.
8. Actively seek feedback for your work. Take criticism calmly and learn from your mistakes.
#9. Don’t be too harsh when asked to share your opinion of other people’s work. Explain your views and suggest improvements, avoiding any comments interpreted as judgments on personal character.
#10. Practice holding casual conversation. This will help you break the ice with people and appear more approachable.
How to Communicate With Your Boss
Proper communication with your superiors is essential for establishing a good professional relationship. Here are some best practices to bolster your relationships with the leaders in your organization.
1. Write down all your questions before a formal meeting with your boss. This way, you will look prepared, interested, and professional.
2. Never ask your superior “why” – instead, ask them to provide additional context—asking why directly can be abrasive or challenge one’s authority.
3. Do not approach your boss when you are upset and emotional. Let time pass, cool off, and go to them only when you are calm and have collected your thoughts.
4. Don’t go to your boss with complaints alone. Instead, think of solutions and improvements that you could suggest to them.
5. Ask your boss for clear KPIs (key performance indicators) before the start of projects.
6. Listen to your boss carefully and determine what their most important priorities are. Do your best to meet those demands.
7. Do not gossip in front of your superiors.
8. Make sure to thank your boss when they have helped you. Everyone appreciates credit where credit is due, even if it is small.
9. Communicate with your superiors regularly to establish rapport and trust.
10. Ask your boss about the direction of your company’s plans and targets.
11. Seek support and guidance promptly when you need help. Nobody benefits if you are feeling lost and confused.
12. Practice confident body language and speech to earn the respect of your superiors.
Avoiding Romance in the Workplace
Big companies like Google and Facebook have been open about their “dating a coworker” policies. The romance between superiors and subordinates is generally discouraged. And for good reasons.
The heart wants what it wants, and an “official company policy” will not likely stop anyone from pursuing the person they believe might be their life partner. However, don’t give way to your impulses without considering the points outlined below:
1. Check your company’s policy if you find a coworker attractive and want to date them. Failing to do so could jeopardize both your careers.
2. Don’t ask one of your colleagues on a date out of the blue. Try to establish some rapport first.
3. Get to know your romantic interest better by casually spending time with them in group settings outside work. Ask your romantic interest to join you and your team for drinks after work.
4. Do your best to determine the status of your romantic interest relationship. Check their social profiles and go through their pictures to see if they’re involved with someone else. You may feel dirty about prying on their information, but it is the lesser of two evils.
5. Before getting involved, consider how you would manage working together if the relationship ends.
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