WORKING WELL WITH OTHERS

Most of us spend more time on average with our working peers than with anyone else, and we don’t necessarily get to pick who they are.  If a workplace is to function effectively and efficiently, we all need to work well together in order to get things done.  While the majority of us learned as children to “play nice with others”, these are skills that we sometimes lose track of as we get older.

First and foremost, we must learn to pay attention to our colleagues.  That means listening carefully to their ideas and opinions and not immediately arguing with them if their ideas are different from ours – be open to the possibility that we might be wrong or their input might be better.  We can also share a bit about ourselves and, while our working partners may not be our best friends, it is good to be compassionate and show an interest in what they have to say as well.

We should limit our expectations of others and if we see that they are struggling with a work related problem or issue, work with them to find the solution – in a respectful and helpful manner.

Perhaps the most important thing is what we shouldn’t bring to work – our egos.  Grandiosity has no place in team work and can create ill-feelings and resentments.

If we all try to practice these ideals at our place of employment, it is almost guaranteed that the workplace will function better and much more harmoniously.

 

SC