MY 8.30 TO 6.30 – FAMILY
AND OTHER ANIMALS
“YOU SPEND A GOOD CHUNK OF YOUR LIFE WITH YOUR CO-WORKERS. SO LEARN
TO GET ALONG WITH THEM”
They’re a kind of extended family. They love you and hate you. You sometimes live through life’s most special moments with them, yet there are days when you’d gladly see them disappear.
Office colleagues are that peculiar breed that you’re not too sure how to deal with. Different people have different opinions on the subject-while some believe that there’s no point in getting too personal(after all, you go to your
workplace to get a job done, not to socialize), others disagree. The contention of this lot is that given the amount of time you spend at the office, it’s like a second home, and your co-workers are a part of the experience. You’re bond over job-related stress and work problems-and haven’t some of the closest friendships been forged within the four walls of an office? Between the keep-your distance gang and the bonding brigade, however, there lies a middle of the road mindset which essentially believes in maintaining a smooth working relationship with everyone, regardless of whether they’re objects of fondness or dislike. That’s perfect professional etiquette, and here’s how you can achieve it:
· Every office has its share of difficult people. If you have a hard time getting along with certain colleagues, it’s best to avoid them unless you have to deal with them. In case of latter, always maintain a polite demeanor-it isn’t healthy to aggravate a situation that could culminate into a full-blown war and in turn affect your credibility.
· Office gossip abounds in every workplace, but it can be malicious and destructive, so give it a wide berth. Pretend to be busy when a gossip heads your way. But if it’s harmless, indulge at your discretion as it’s a form of bonding with your colleagues.
· And what about the boss? Should you bond with him/her? Just get your work done on time and cultivate an image that’s positive. Adhere to discipline and dedication, and you’re safely across the river. But bosses are human too (though some could be dead ringers for barracudas) so don’t hesitate in communicating your doubts or trepidations to them. The only problem is that if you’re too friendly, you could be considered a sycophant.
· What do you do when you have boorish colleagues who try to undermine you? Learn to speak up for yourself and not give in to them. A few tips
· The rude receptionist: she’s sweet to the CEO and shoots darts at you with her eyes if you ask for something. The only way to deal with her is to drip sweetness and be gracious. Try and make her feel
important whenever necessary. Try and be assertive without being rude. She’ll get the message soon enough.
· The competitive colleague: She likes to do all the talking and wants more credit. It’s important that you hold your ground and insist on taking turns to talk. If she monopolizes a situation, but in saying that you like to get your point across (ensure you do have a valid point to make). It’s also important that you praise her and give her credit where it’s due. This will help prove that you’re a team player and that you aren’t threatened by her.
· The irritating intern: He doesn’t follow up on duties that have been assigned to him but spends his time chatting with everyone else. Be gently persuasive with this type because statements questioning his efficiency or skill aren’t likely to achieve anything. Instead, keep checking his progress on the tasks given to him, ask him if he needs any help and be polite at all costs. If he finishes the work in time, give him credit.
· So, the bottom-line is that like most institutions the workplace has a good and a bad side, and as in most families love-hate relationships are common here. All you to do is put a little effort into developing cordial relations with those who work with you because you never know when you’ll need them. After all, it’s a corporate jungle out there.
By: Mrs.Lata Lakshminarayanan
Contact number: 98414 63445