Learning how to get along with coworkers is one of the most important things we can do on the job. After all, we spend a third of our lives at work – doesn’t it make sense to get along with the folks we work with? It’s not always easy. Learning how to get along with coworkers requires active listening, proactive communication, and plenty of patience. That being said, you’ll find our best tips to help you get along with coworkers in this post. Let’s get started.
How To Get Along With Coworkers: Top 4 Tips
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Be Dependable And Accountable
Everyone appreciates it when someone does what they say they will do. If you say you will deliver a project by a certain time, make sure you deliver. If you are delayed, communicate the delay as soon as possible. It’s not rocket science, but it does take consistency and follow-through. If you are seen as someone people can rely on, you will be given more responsibilities over time. When you are respectful of others’ time, people will know you can be trusted, will want to invite you to meetings, and want to work with you. And if you make a mistake or miss a commitment, own it. Trust is earned. When you are willing to be real with others, they will be more willing to be authentic with you. Become someone your coworkers can depend on every time.
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Listen Well
We can’t stress this one enough. When you listen to someone, you show that you are interested in them. Asking clarifying questions is another way to show that you care about what they have to say. Your coworkers – just like you - want to be heard. While you are at it, memorize the names of everyone you are working with. This builds trust fast. You don’t have to be besties, but you do want cordial working relationships. When people feel that you have taken an interest in them, it speaks volumes.
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Manners Matter - Always
Your Mom harped on manners for a reason. Listening to her advice pays off in the workplace. The simplest words like “please,” “excuse me,” and “thank you” go a long, long way in getting along with coworkers. Be sure to be on time to meetings with your coworkers. Even better, be a few minutes early. This shows respect for their time. Manners always matter – don’t forget them as you move up the career ladder!
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Be Honest And Communicate Clearly
Given that we spend more of our waking hours at work than we do at home, it is likely you will encounter humans that you would not choose as friends. You may find that one person that takes credit for your work, doesn’t communicate, or is always late to important meetings.
When we encounter someone like this, we have a choice to ignore or address the issue(s) at hand. It may be tempting to go to a person’s supervisor to discuss an issue, but we recommend speaking with the offending individual first. Most managers will ask if you have done so. They want to see that you can communicate in the middle of conflict. Navigating conflict is an essential skill that has positive effects far beyond the workplace. When confronting a coworker, ask when a good time might be to talk with them. People often need time to mentally prepare for these conversations. When you do talk, start the conversation with what you genuinely appreciate about the person. Then, move on to what you would like to see improve – without casting blame or pointing fingers. Be honest, direct, and kind. Don’t ever raise your voice or get defensive. Finish with more appreciation when closing the conversation.
How to Get Along with Coworkers Who Dislike You: Top 3 Tips
Not everyone is going to like you. Once you accept this, life gets easier. However, we always want to live in harmony with coworkers. What do you do if a coworker does not like you? Here are our top 3 tips.
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Give Credit Where Credit Is Due
Everyone wants to be appreciated. If you run into someone who is not a huge fan of you, find things that you like about them and point them out to others. When a coworker sees that you are for them, it will be harder for them to be against you.
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Don’t Gossip
No matter how much you want to, gossip is never the answer. If someone is willing to gossip about someone, they are willing to gossip about anyone. No one is safe and people know this. Keep your integrity intact and refrain from saying anything negative about anyone, including that coworker that doesn’t seem to like you.
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Practice The Golden Rule
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
It’s the simplest phrase, but it goes a long way in getting along with others. Put yourself in the shoes of the person you don’t get along with. How would you want to be treated? Treat them the same way. Who knows – you may end up converting an adversary into an ally. Kindness is always a good plan!
Coworkers: Getting Along With Them Is Worth It
If you are respected, reliable, and produce results, you may be the first to be thought of for key projects and promotions. No one wants to work with or promote someone who is disliked or can’t be a team player. Believe it or not, how you get along with coworkers says a lot about you as a person. If you are well liked by your coworkers and managers, you will also be able to withstand downsizing better. In sum, if your work matches your character, you are likely to be promoted faster than others. Getting along with others can pay off in a big way!
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Conclusion
Getting along with coworkers isn’t always easy. But if you are willing to put in the work, practice kindness, and be authentic, you are likely to win over the hearts of those you work with. It’s simple, but not easy. You’ve got this!
Additional Reading:
- Promote Job Openings to MC's >1M-strong community
- Time Management: How to Keep Employees Productive
- Teamwork Skills: Increasing What Employers Value
- Mental Models: What Are They?
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