A positive work environment is the basis of any successful enterprise. Colleagues who collaborate effectively are better able to address the needs of the business and overcome their daily challenges at work. Not all co-workers immediately form close relationships; sometimes finding the right mesh among the staff takes work.
To foster positive and professional relationships among colleagues, follow these steps for maximizing the potential of the group through a well-functioning collective effort.
Learn about Your Colleagues' Work
Getting a sense of your coworkers’ responsibilities, working style, professional strengths and areas in which they wish to grow can be a good starting point for a relationship and can help you be more appreciative of their work. Shadowing your colleagues (of course, with your supervisor’s approval) is one way to get a better sense of their schedules and required tasks. This familiarization will foster appreciation and give each employee a view of the context of their respective responsibilities and shared goals. This is also an excellent opportunity to learn ways in which you can help others and who you should turn to when you need assistance in different areas.
Earn the Respect of Your Peers
Become someone who your colleagues can rely on if or when they need support. If you commit to a deadline or project, be sure not only to act on your promise, but also to follow through in a timely manner. Conversely, if you know something is not possible for you to do, admit it and explain why, asking for help if you need it. Another aspect of building trust is sharing information. Maintaining regular and open communication with one another will help to pave the way for a trusting, honest relationship.
Attend Social Gatherings
Socializing after business hours is an effective way to create a friendlier and more effective workplace relationship. Getting to know the person, rather than just the employee, will open new avenues of communication and give you a better understanding of what you have in common.
If social gatherings or happy hours are not regular occurrences on your team, talk to your supervisor about scheduling a team-building activity. For example, you can suggest a charity event that your company and your teammates can sponsor or help support. By participating in a community event or social gathering, employees will become more comfortable with each other overall, with the added benefit of discovering new ways of relating to each other while on the clock.
Resources
Building Good Work Relationships
Fostering Positive Professional Relationships in the Workplace
Seven Characteristics of Successful Work Relationships
Building Positive Relationships at Work
