Surrounded with various relations, sometimes we forget to pay attention to those relationships which apparently do not carry much importance in our lives but in reality have a profound effect on our whole personality, on our whole life. Corporate relationships or the interpersonal relationships that we share at our work place form one such category.
If it is asked 'why do you work?', then most of us will answer 'for money and benefits, of course'. But after a certain point, when we are making an adequate living and our basic needs are met, surveys show that we work for other reasons as well; like, appreciation from bosses or the people we hold in esteem, our innate tendency to take challenges in life, our desire to accomplish something more and better, etc. Statistics also show that most of us spend more of our waking hours at work than at home. Considering this, it won't be wrong to say that our work place is like our second home and, therefore, we cannot neglect our relationships with our colleagues at work. Those surrounding us at our work place contribute a lot in our career growth and job success. If we get along harmoniously with our allies or colleagues, then these positive interpersonal relationships definitely fuel our work achievement, happiness, and success. On the contrary, everything may turn dysfunctional, if our work 'family' is besieged by loud personalities, in-fighting and jealousy. The repercussions of incompatibility, discord and disharmony happen to take away our peace of mind and affect our overall growth.
The uncertainty as to what kind of people we may be surrounded with at our workplace is always there. We might have to deal with the most difficult people around. Surely, we cannot change them. But, one thing that we can surely do is to learn to mould ourselves as per the situation. You may find the following tips helpful in regard to maintaining healthy relationships at work:
MAINTAIN A COMFORT LEVEL WITH YOUR BOSS AND OTHER COLLEAGUES
Be an effective conversationalist. Never blind-side your boss or other colleagues. Lynching and ambushing your co-workers will never work in your favour. It is good to first discuss the problem with the person directly involved.
If you have made an error, then don't try to cover it up or blame others. Blaming others will only get you enemies. Tell your boss everything honestly because covering up mistakes and blame games never contributes to effective relationships.
DISAGREEMENT IS FINE, DISCORD IS NOT
It might happen that you don't agree with someone on an important decision or you are not satisfied with your boss's working style. In such cases, instead of trying to change the decision or working style of others and showing discontent towards them, focus more on trying to understand other person's decision or working style. And if in case, things go out of control and assume the form of a conflict or dispute, solve it at your earliest opportunity. Reason being, unresolved conflicts fester just under the surface in the organisation and hamper the total growth.
SHARPEN LISTENING SKILLS
Though each one of us is caught up in our own cobweb of problems, yet we should always have time for listening to the problems of our colleagues and employees. Extend your helping hand to them. Often, the key in trying to help others lies not in attempting to solve their problems but in being a good listener. By being truly listened to, people are often empowered to solve many challenges on their own. Also, spending time with allies or occasionally having lunch together helps us to strategise better and even strengthen our relationship with them.
EXHIBIT TOTAL PROFESSIONALISM
Overcoming the little jealousies and personal envy like a true professional, always encourages oneself and others. Moreover, alliances only work when trust factor is present. If you are trustworthy, people confide in you and are unhesitant to share their hearts. Never participate in gossips or in discussing the business of co-workers behind their backs. Always remember– “Trust is like a mirror... Once it's broken, you can never look at it the same again.”
No matter what your education, your experience, or your title is, if you can't manage well with others, you will never accomplish your work. An effective work relationship in view of all the above mentioned aspects is only possible if we have a personality bejewelled with courage, positive attitude, patience, and, a mature and composed mind.
This indeed is only possible though Self Realisation. When we realise our true self practically, all these qualities are automatically unravelled in our inner being and slowly, through practice, are reflected in our personality. With such a dynamic and balanced personality, we are able to manage our relationships well and definitely succeed to get job satisfaction and promotions at all levels.