As we spend eight hours plus every day at work, we often develop lasting friendships with some of our colleagues.
In some cases we find our ideal partner at work or through work network.
Although some of our colleagues will be never be your friends, for a wide range of reasons.
Nevertheless, in a professional environment you should always strive to form at least a good working relationship with all characters.
Although at times, we will encounter people with people with characteristics we abhor, we need to ensure we develop the right level of people skills to cultivate good working relationships.
This is especially evident if you are part of a team and will reflect on your appraisals and general career success.
You should do everything you can to avoid conflict in your workplace, as it risks damaging your image in the company.
You can advance well in a company if you are seen as a good team player and easy to get along with.
However, taking all of this into account, you should not become a doormat.
Always stand up for your beliefs and ideas, so that you maintain a level of respect.
However, you need to manage this, whilst not infringing on other people's opinions and avoiding conflict.
To help you build excellent working relationships you should: - Always aspire to be friendly, polite and supportive at work.
- Always collaborate with colleagues with any projects with you are involved.
- Aspire to acquire a status as a superior team worker.
- Do not be a soft touch.
You need to stand by your beliefs so as not to lose respect in the department.
- Be the team player.
Be conscious when you have free time to offer your help.
- Never disrespect colleagues' opinions; be diplomatic and do not argue.
- Focus on colleagues' good points although they may not be obvious.
- Do not gossip about colleagues, as this can be a cause conflict.
- Do not disclose information about yourself which could lead to others gossiping about you.
- Pay compliments to colleagues when they have done well as they appreciate this and you go up in their esteem.
- Tell others of your accomplishments, without exaggeration.
This will build your professional respect.
- Be calm and communicate clearly if you have a disaster; avoid being a drama queen.
- Prepare well for meetings so that you can make a meaningful input.
- At meetings allow others to have their say and respect their viewpoints.