London Buzz

Your relationships with your co-workers are important. Good working relationships can help you to do your job better, enjoy your work more and help you along in your career. Here are eight simple steps that you can try to help you along the road to better office relationships.

Step 1: The most important thing to do in order to get along with your colleges is to fulfil your responsibilities. If other people are counting on you it is essential to make sure that projects are handed in on time and if this is not possible then ensure that you communicate this and the reason why to the other members of staff.

Step 2: Listen to what other people have to say, even if you don’t agree with their suggestions. Ask questions when you don’t understand something, no one will appreciate a know-it-all attitude and if you don’t understand something you will probably get it wrong. There’s nothing wrong with initiative but try to not to tell people what they’re doing wrong in an arrogant way. If you do have an idea that could make a colleague more efficient, tell them in a friendly manner so that they know you are not reproving them.

Step 3: Learn people’s names and be polite, it is a sign of respect and your colleagues will appreciate that you are civil and professional.

Step 4: Make an effort to lunch with your co-workers and get to know them. Try to socialise with people in a non-work environment so that you can build up good relationships with people. Don’t talk up your accomplishments too much but rather ask your colleges about theirs and show an interest in them.

Step 5: Don’t discuss topics that could make your colleagues uncomfortable—such as religion, your personal life and politics, try not to become too personal with your colleagues.

Step 6: Find a way to get along with even the most difficult people—there will always be difficult colleagues who rub you the wrong way, but it is important to have a good working relationship with all of your co-workers.

Step 7: Don’t spread malicious gossip—don’t spread rumours about people, even if you know they’re true.

Step 8: Respect your colleagues—this is the foundation for any good work relationship.