Seven ways to have better workplace relationships
23 January 2012
Read by 1717 persons
We spend most of our day at work, with other men and women, with different temperaments, natures, and sensitivities. It seems that everyone should be responsible and aware, every day, of the good understanding that will reign there. Contrary to what one might think, clumsiness related to a lack of tact, generated by stress of everyone, can create significant tensions, frustrations and bitterness that will then be felt in the execution of tasks.
Here is a list of points to consider to work in harmony with your team, knowing that this list is not exhaustive.
1. Make real contact.
We are all used to launching the daily routine: "How's it going?" running in the office corridors. But few of us take the time to wait for the answer or to remember that this question is not only a polite formula, a way to fill in the gaps in the conversation. Stopping to listen to the answer, establishing sincere contact are ways to create real communication, to break down the barriers naturally erected between colleagues... Enriching relationships is giving them the honest and frank possibility of existing beyond empty forms.
2. Ban words that create tension.
Some adverbs can cause significant damage. Yes, the word kills. Thus, "always" and "never", "every time", "constantly", etc. are to be avoided. The overuse of the accusatory "you" as well.
3. Address the person as a function.
When there is discomfort, when you have a reproach to make, it is important to remember not to attack the person and the singular personality of the other but to speak precisely of the function and tasks. No relationship can be built in the face of the unpleasant weight of the judgment of the other.
4. Keep a positive outlook.
Often, applying the right reactions in stressful situations depends above all on how we view the event. If I dramatize, if I put myself in the position of a victim, a martyr, or if I resign myself to it, I will be in a situation of failure. On the other hand, if I keep a positive outlook, I will face the problematic situation serenely – or almost. Relativizing and avoiding absorbing the stress of others are also imperatives.
5. Avoid spreading rumors, avoid suffering from them.
Office gossip and rumors circulate. This is an undeniable reality. It would be utopian to think of destroying them and ensuring that this reality no longer exists. However, avoiding oneself, one day in a bad mood, from saying something unpleasant, vexing, can be a good start to limiting "office bombs", which inevitably end up exploding one day.
6. Be able to question yourself.
We are quick to judge others, certainly, but much less to ask ourselves how what we say about them is received and perceived. Do we accept that the person in front of us may not agree with what we propose and/or our way of proposing it? By opening ourselves to criticism, we move towards dialogue and this can only be enriching for everyone. Thus, when someone makes a criticism of us, it is necessary to try to welcome their perception without feeling attacked and humiliated in order to respond calmly and healthily.
7. Accept hierarchical authority.
It is not uncommon to experience conflicting relationships with one's superior(s) because there is confusion with a parental authority that has been too present or, conversely, too absent. From that moment on, any form of authority is experienced as intolerable and our brain can sometimes create authority dysfunctions that do not exist but that will deeply harm the well-regulated system of the Company. Obviously, it is still necessary to make the difference with a superior who would practice authoritarianism, in which case it is essential to react and defend oneself. But accepting the nuance helps to avoid this kind of problem.
In short, it is quite natural to have affinities with some people and less with others, but it is our duty to remain aware that human relationships remain the responsibility of each individual.
Article written by The ReKrute.com team
Posted online on January 23, 2012.
Here is a list of points to consider to work in harmony with your team, knowing that this list is not exhaustive.
1. Make real contact.
We are all used to launching the daily routine: "How's it going?" running in the office corridors. But few of us take the time to wait for the answer or to remember that this question is not only a polite formula, a way to fill in the gaps in the conversation. Stopping to listen to the answer, establishing sincere contact are ways to create real communication, to break down the barriers naturally erected between colleagues... Enriching relationships is giving them the honest and frank possibility of existing beyond empty forms.
2. Ban words that create tension.
Some adverbs can cause significant damage. Yes, the word kills. Thus, "always" and "never", "every time", "constantly", etc. are to be avoided. The overuse of the accusatory "you" as well.
3. Address the person as a function.
When there is discomfort, when you have a reproach to make, it is important to remember not to attack the person and the singular personality of the other but to speak precisely of the function and tasks. No relationship can be built in the face of the unpleasant weight of the judgment of the other.
4. Keep a positive outlook.
Often, applying the right reactions in stressful situations depends above all on how we view the event. If I dramatize, if I put myself in the position of a victim, a martyr, or if I resign myself to it, I will be in a situation of failure. On the other hand, if I keep a positive outlook, I will face the problematic situation serenely – or almost. Relativizing and avoiding absorbing the stress of others are also imperatives.
5. Avoid spreading rumors, avoid suffering from them.
Office gossip and rumors circulate. This is an undeniable reality. It would be utopian to think of destroying them and ensuring that this reality no longer exists. However, avoiding oneself, one day in a bad mood, from saying something unpleasant, vexing, can be a good start to limiting "office bombs", which inevitably end up exploding one day.
6. Be able to question yourself.
We are quick to judge others, certainly, but much less to ask ourselves how what we say about them is received and perceived. Do we accept that the person in front of us may not agree with what we propose and/or our way of proposing it? By opening ourselves to criticism, we move towards dialogue and this can only be enriching for everyone. Thus, when someone makes a criticism of us, it is necessary to try to welcome their perception without feeling attacked and humiliated in order to respond calmly and healthily.
7. Accept hierarchical authority.
It is not uncommon to experience conflicting relationships with one's superior(s) because there is confusion with a parental authority that has been too present or, conversely, too absent. From that moment on, any form of authority is experienced as intolerable and our brain can sometimes create authority dysfunctions that do not exist but that will deeply harm the well-regulated system of the Company. Obviously, it is still necessary to make the difference with a superior who would practice authoritarianism, in which case it is essential to react and defend oneself. But accepting the nuance helps to avoid this kind of problem.
In short, it is quite natural to have affinities with some people and less with others, but it is our duty to remain aware that human relationships remain the responsibility of each individual.
Article written by The ReKrute.com team
Posted online on January 23, 2012.
