Office Furniture Connection, LLC  Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey
Creating Productive and Comfortable Work Environments
for Government and Commercial Industries since 1995.
  • Home
  • Product Lines
  • Services
  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Press Release
  • Capability Statement
  • Purchase Card Form
  • OFC Productivity Blog
  • Employment Opportunities

Productivity Blog

NEW!  Join our Blog to learn ways of making  your job more productive and your life easier. 

Receive automatic Blog updates by joining us
on Facebook.

Join us on Facebook

10 Tips for Better Karma at Work

1/27/2014

0 Comments

 
Getting along with coworkers is an important part of doing your job. Many top companies report that the ability to become a team player (and by implication, get along with others) is one of the top three qualities sought in new hires. 

Make sure you stay on the company’s A-list by learning how to appreciate others and step back from potential conflict. An occasional disagreement is fine when it invites different problem-solving perspectives. But a habitual arguer will soon wear out his welcome at any jobsite.


1. Talk less, listen more 

Many conflicts escalate from what start out as harmless word exchanges. Then one or the other person says too much, too little, or the wrong thing and trouble begins to brew.

During discussions with coworkers, gauge your contribution proportionately to one-third mouth and two-thirds ears; after all, that’s how the body is designed, right?


2. Schedule talk-time away from your desk 

If a coworker wants to chat more often than you are comfortable with and to the point where it interferes with your job performance, politely remind your associate that the task at hand is occupying your attention, but you will have time to catch up during the coffee break or over lunch. Simple comments like this will help to keep things in perspective. 

3. Avoid controversial topics 

Everyone knows that no matter who you are or where you work, certain topics should remain off limits.  These topics typically include politics, religion and personal values, among others. If conversations begin to veer in the direction of conflicting viewpoints, carefully introduce a different topic or make a neutral or even humorous statement to deflect tensions.  Keeping things light can go a long way toward getting along with others on a routine basis.

4. Respect diversity 

Many companies employ one or more associates who may seem different from the majority.  While these traits may draw attention because they stand out, they are not cause for making crude comments or biased jokes at the expense of the individual or the group he represents.   Do your part to respect all differences within your work area and try to encourage others to do the same.

5. Submit to authority

Sure, there are plenty of bosses out there who abuse their authority and make life hard for some employees. Rather than refuse to comply with demanding expectations or make waves with the brass, it is usually smarter (except for grievous circumstance) to ignore the negative attitude and do your job to the best of your ability. 

6. Sidestep office politics 

You know the type: in most offices there is usually someone who stirs things up by complaining, gossiping, or whining. Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the oil, but that is not the best way to attract supervisory attention.  Stay away from such employees and don’t become one. If you have a problem, take it to someone who can help. Don’t share personal or job-related problems with coworkers who can do nothing about them. They will only spread rumors and feed the gossip mill that may damage your reputation and your job at some point.

7. Guard your reputation 

Don’t get caught with your hand in the cookie jar, figuratively speaking. When getting along with coworkers is a priority, you will have to watch your back and protect yourself from others’ negative impressions. Do your job the best way possible. Don’t take questionable shortcuts.  Avoid involvement in potentially explosive situations, such as romantic entanglements at your worksite or illicit activities using company property or equipment.

8. Seek clarification 

When a problem erupts, stay calm and seek clarity on the issues instead of arguing with a coworker or supervisor.   For example, if you are told you will be laid off due to the company’s downsizing, don’t explode in your cubicle where others can hear. Go to management directly for the facts.  Never assume!  Go to the most appropriate source for information when you hear controversial rumors or statements.

9. Go above and beyond 

If getting along with coworkers really is essential to your job performance, find ways to do a little extra to ease strain and discouragement within the department or among the staff.  Offer to help someone who seems overwhelmed, or bring in muffins on a big deadline day.  People will remember you as the one who keeps a positive outlook in the face of stress and difficulty. 

10. In conclusion

Practice smiling more, speaking less and listening most of the time to perform your job the way it should be done and to become a real asset to your employer, as well as an encouragement to your colleagues.

Getting along with coworkers is not difficult, but it does require effort and patience before you begin to see lasting results.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    01/28/19 Smith Willas 
    01/16/18 
    Susan M. Heathfield
    10/25/17 Royale Scuderi
    08/25/17 Daniel Wallen
    ​05/05/17 Siimon Reynolds
    04/17/17  John Rampton
    06/28/16  Jessie Liu
    ​12/22/15 ROBERT LOCKE
    10/06/14 MICHELLE S.
    08/26/14 KATE MATSUDAIRA
    07/11/14  JOHANNA CASTRO
    06/10/14 TAYYAB BABAR
    05/15/14 ROBERT LOCKE
    04/14/14  Ciara Conlon
    03/31/14 Ben BRUMM 
    02/28/14 Jennifer Wasylenko
    01/27/14  Rose Alexander 
    12/15/13 Royale Scuderi

    Archives

    January 2019
    January 2018
    October 2017
    August 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    June 2016
    October 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013

    Categories

    All

Copyright © 2005-2019 Office Furniture Connection, LLC