Few of us can succeed in our careers without support from co-workers – from new hires to seasoned veterans full of institutional knowledge. Everybody needs support. Hence why workplace relationships are so important.
Successful, stable businesses are built by dynamic leaders but maintained on a daily basis by employees. First, it starts with a culture of communication, the foundation of any working relationship.
Envision the perfect co-worker. What characteristics make this an amazing person?
Strong work relationships allow employees to be their best. These relationships allow co-workers to support each other, feel comfortable asking for – and offering – help and on occasions, socialize outside of work. As a result, employees show more empathy, take responsibility for failures, share their success with others, prove to be trustworthy, embrace positive criticism, and pass on important knowledge.
Why Work Relationships Matter
Work relationships are tied to the success and failure of many employees and their companies. Happy employees save companies money since they need to do less hiring. We all know that the hiring process is expensive and time-consuming. And companies with a successful company culture always reward accomplished employees.
8 Tips to Improve Your Communication
Here are some work relationship tips that can improve your communication with co-workers, vendors, and clients.
1. Open Communication
Recognize how co-workers prefer to communicate – from emails, text messages and IMs to phone calls, and face-to-face conversations. Respond accordingly.
2. Don’t Just Hear…
The key to solving conflicts is often simple: Listen. We all want to be heard. For the reason that we need to know somebody values our opinion. Be that person!
3. Support Others
You can usually tell when a co-worker needs help. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Rather, offer assistance! This could include volunteering to execute a simple, daily assignment or joining a project team.
4. Take Responsibility
If you make a mistake ― submit a task after the deadline, for example ― admit it. Hold yourself accountable. Most importantly, don’t blame others. Your co-workers, including your boss, will respect you for it.
5. Vent Outside the Office
Everybody needs to vent every now and again. But do it outside the office. And try not to involve co-workers. It’s OK to discuss the ups and downs of the company. Also: It’s actually healthy. But conduct these conversations with the goal of improving the company.
6. Stay Classy
Don’t take criticism personally. It’s just business. Learn from it. Get better. Then teach others.
7. Share Yourself
Allow coworkers to get to know you. For example, make an effort to grad lunch in the company cafeteria. Connect with them on a personal level. Expect leaders stress that in order to become a good leader you need to know what motivates your team.
8. Set Personal Boundaries
Keep politics and other controversial issues out of workplace conversations. Also, respect co-workers by not prying into their personal lives.
Interpersonal Skills for Professionals
If you are interested in improving your professional communication, we highly recommend signing up for a Dale Carnegie of Orange County seminar: Interpersonal Skills for Professionals. This all-day event is held at the Santa Ana office.
About Dale Carnegie of Orange County
Dale Carnegie training techniques have transformed companies and employees for decades, creating strong leaders. Newfound skills have allowed organizations to exceed financial goals and improve employer rankings.
Contact us to learn more about our events, including the Interpersonal Skills for Professionals seminar.