Interpersonal skills are invaluable at work for office managers. How your co-workers see you can have a big impact on your career long-term, as well as on your day-to-day life. You may be the most brilliant person at your company, but if you cannot get along with your colleagues, you will not get far. These five actions will not only help you make better connections at work, they will also improve how others perceive you.
1. Put on a happy face: If you smile often and have an upbeat attitude, your co-workers will be drawn to you. And when you are having a bad day, try not to pull others down with you. You may find people pass you by in favour of those with a more cheerful outlook.
2. Show that you care: When it comes to praise, do not hold back the applause. If a co-worker has done something you appreciate — no matter how small — thank them for it. Identify at least one attribute you value in each of your co-workers, and let them know about it. Give colleagues a warm welcome whenever they call you or visit your office.
3. Be considerate of colleagues: Take note of what is happening with your co-workers. Recognise the happy events in their lives and be sure to show your genuine compassion when they face any personal tragedy. Show colleagues you value their input by asking their opinions.
4. Be an active listener: Unfortunately, active listening is becoming a lost art. Being an active listener shows that you intend to both hear and recognise another’s perspective. Using your own words, repeat what the speaker has said.
5. Promote togetherness: Help co-workers thrive by creating a friendly, cooperative environment. Treat everyone the same, not like they are part of a hierarchy, and do not act like one person’s opinion is more important than another’s. Never ever gossip about your colleagues. Always consider your co-workers’ suggestions. — Agencies
