Some employees find getting along with coworkers to be challenging. Although people may be doing similar work using related skills, their differences may outweigh these useful parallels. Differences in temperament, goals, speed and ability can create disunity among two or more people within an organization. Jobsite conflict could lead to organizational woes or obstacles to an employee’s efforts to get ahead.
Fortunately, getting along with a coworker doesn’t require strenuous effort. All it takes is common sense, courtesy and compromise. Here are several sensible tips that may be able to help.
n 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? Learn to filter meaningless drivel that some people offer while working, mainly just to pass the time or to be friendly. A pleasant smile or nod of the head can show you are listening while allowing you to keep focused on your job.
n Schedule talk-time away from your desk - If a co-worker 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.
n Work in distinctive but complementary fashion - If you are part of a pair or team composed of employees with different styles of doing things, you may want to arrange tasks so that everyone can do their part separately while getting feedback from the other members at some point. This might mean working offsite or at home for some and can help to reduce tensions and differing ways of managing the same task, without anyone appearing to be right or wrong, good or better. Everyone will feel like part of the team effort without stepping on the toes of others.
n 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.
n Respect diversity - Many companies employ one or more associates who may seem different from the majority of other employees due to race, ethnicity, gender, age, or other characteristics. 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/she represents. Do your part to respect all differences within your work area and try to encourage others to do the same.
n 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.
n 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.
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