Networking Tips for Good Work Relationships & Career Progression
We spend a large part of our adult lives working with people as professionals. Hence, building good work relationships with colleagues and business associates is not only a good idea, but it is also a smart move for your career progression.
Close work friendships boost employee satisfaction by 50%. And people with a best friend at work are 7 times more likely to engage fully in their work. Besides, you will be more productive if you are happy at your workplace.
Building a good working relationship with your bosses, colleagues and even business associates is a smart strategy to create a strong network for yourself. We share with you tips on how you can build good work relationships at your workplace and create an amicable environment at work.
1. Be Friendly
Greet your colleagues with a smile, friendly nod, or a quick “Hi” when you arrive at the office or when they approach you for work assignments. A smile always brightens the day.
Get to know your colleagues. Showing interest in their life (kids, passion, or hobby) gives you a wider platform to understand your colleagues. Grab some lunch with your colleagues. If time is limited, sharing a laugh, or engaging in a quick chat after the weekend helps create a friendly demeanor.
2. Offer to Help
If possible, offer to help lighten your co-worker’s workload without affecting your own responsibilities. Sometimes, a colleague just needs someone to bounce ideas off you or have a listening ear to offload some of the work stress.
Forward relevant articles or notes to your teammates who may find it helpful for the duration of the project is another way to be helpful.
3. Show that you Care
Celebrate significant events that are meaningful to your colleagues, for example, their birthdays, anniversaries, the birth of a child, or work milestones. Offer your congratulations if you cannot attend or celebrate in person. Be genuine in your happiness for your colleagues’ triumphs at work be it closing a big sale or being promoted to a new position.
If a colleague seems particular down, enquire after them or check in on their mental wellbeing. People remember how you make them feel, especially during their low moments.
4. Admit your Mistakes
Mistakes at work are inevitable. We are all human beings after all. When you make a mistake, apologize and take responsibility for it, especially if it inconveniences someone else. Do try to make up for it by helping to resolve the mistake. Be kind and forgiving when others make mistakes.
5. Engage with The Process
Being engaged with the office culture.
What other tips do you know about building good work relationships? Share them with Us in the comments below. We will also love for you to connect with Us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
