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Getting on with Your Co-workers

It is clear that it is easier to accept and tolerate some people more than others. Working as a contractor means you can either not care about the people in your office or do your best to maintain a healthy relationship with them, no matter how long your assignment will run for. Landing a great contract is definitely not enough. You have to think of developing relationships with people with whom you will be working with from now on. At a first sight this process may seem easy but in fact it isn’t, as people tend to have different needs, attitudes, objectives etc.

It is thought that contractors do not get on with co-workers mainly because of the following reasons:

They are not aware at all that they are upsetting people
They are aware they are not getting on with co-workers but they have no idea why
They are aware of the fact they upset people they work with but they do not care

In order to build good relationship with co-workers, consider following the tips.

Don’t take things personally
It’s a sad fact, but contractors can often be picked on by permie colleagues; however the office is not really the right place to be touchy and over-sensitive. If it is easy for permies to annoy you with vindictive comments, try not to let your frustrations take control of you; if they do, you could potentially damage business relationships by developing unreasonable personal grudges and instead of focusing on doing work you will be thinking of how to take revenge. Remember that person making nasty or rude comments about you may not know you at all and is probably just jealous. The best solution is to always stay calm and never ‘bite back’, behave in the office in such a way, that does not give your co-workers a reason to pick on you. How others see you should be determined by your actions only, not negative things said.

Don’t let your temper slip out of control
If you are a quick-tempered person, getting cross easily over unimportant things and people it might make permies and fellow contractors steer clear of you. By constantly getting angry or even looking irritated, you’ll easily isolate yourself from people even if you don’t mean to. Always stay calm and cheerful, that way you will develop far more positive relationships with your colleagues.

Don’t annoy others
Sometimes it is really hard not to annoy people. Not everyone’s day is as great as yours. If you sense one of your colleagues has had a bad day and wants some space and time to them self, give them that. If people tell you frankly that one of your habits annoys them, better start making some changes. Chances are they’re for the better.

Don’t spread rumors
No one likes people who talk behind their backs and the moment you start doing it everyone will hate you for that. Don’t allow gossip to rule your life as it can be very destructive and give you a negative reputation.

Don’t act arrogantly
Sheer arrogance has no room in this world. There’s absolutely no reason to think lowly of other people. So don’t carry a demeaning attitude. Everyone has got abilities, and you don’t know what other people are really capable of.

Be helpful to others
Simple gestures like helping people carry a load or holding a door for them, go a long way.

Be respectful
The world’s full of differences. However, these days prejudice will never be tolerated. So learn to acknowledge people’s uniqueness and respect them. It’s the only way other people will tolerate your own unique person. When in disagreement with one of your colleagues attack the problem, not the person. Imagine that you aren’t getting information you need from another department, and it’s causing your work to suffer. You may presume the other department is lazy, or doesn’t care, or is trying to sabotage your success. Instead of attacking the people involved, attack the problem. Suggest a meeting to determine what the problem is and why you aren’t getting the information. The real problem may be short staffing or system problems , or they may not be getting the information they need from someone else. You’ll stay solution-oriented and engage others with your professionalism intact.

Let your actions talk not your tongue
How you say something counts for far more than what you say. When confronted with a difficult situation, always say less than you think. Curbing your tongue in a stressful situation will be more likely to create fewer stressful situations. How you handle yourself in a crisis will give others confidence in you and in their ability to bring problems and issues to your attention.

Keep your word
If you intend to make promises, you had better be prepared to keep them. The easiest way to lose the respect of others is by guaranteeing things that you are either unable or unwilling to deliver. When you tell someone that you intend to do something, it is your responsibility to see to it that you follow it through. Others will note an irresponsible attitude and be wary of approaching you on any level in the future if you continually break your promises.

Be supportive
Never let an opportunity to show kindness or encouragement to others to pass you by. Praise good work, regardless of who did it. Sometimes you can turn even the most hardened of your fellow workers into real softies once they realise that you are not afraid to compliment them or give encouraging words, despite how they may perceive you ordinarily. At the same time, when giving criticism, do it helpfully and gently, never spitefully. Show concern for another’s feelings and well being. You will benefit greatly from even the smallest kindness shown.

Be interested in others
Learn about others’ interests, their homes and families, and even their problems. Gaining the confidence of fellow workers is made much easier when you demonstrate that you have a caring attitude. When others are joyful, rejoice with them; when troubled or in mourning, be sympathetic. Let everyone with whom you have contact, no matter how humble, realise that you regard them as people of importance.

Be cheerful
We all carry a load of some sort, and although the old saying “misery loves company” is still widely held up as truth, keep in mind that making others miserable is truly a disservice. Don’t dwell on your minor aches and pains and small disappointments. Maintaining a cheerful attitude at all times will not only make others more comfortable in your presence, but you will feel better as well.

Keep an open mind
Don’t let yourself get into arguments. Discuss things with people rather than argue. Being disagreeable is likely to put others off; they will much prefer to deal with those who have a calm and reasoned approach. When confronted with a situation that you either disapprove of, or dislike, keep this in mind: it is the mark of a superior mind that can disagree without being disagreeable.

Don’t worry about credit which is due you
Do your best. It’s the best you can do. Concerning yourself about how much credit you receive will only burden you with more stress. Let others see your work ethic, and you will be able to take pride and pleasure in a job well done.

Communicate in an emotionally neutral language
If you must criticise, do it in “if then” format so you don’t sound like you’re giving an order. Rather than “well from now on tell me when you’re going to need help!” Say, “if you let me know when you’re going to need help, I can adjust my schedule in advance. If you ask at the last minute, I can’t promise to be available.” You’re not telling them how to act, you’re just explaining alternatives.

It’s important to be able to get along with your co-workers. Working in a cohesive environment will help you perform your job duties more effectively and create a relatively happy workplace. Many top companies report that the ability to become a team player is one of the top three qualities sought in new hires. Make sure to keep your reputation unblemished by learning to appreciate others and veering away from potential conflicts. Occasional disagreements are to be expected when workers are combining their different problem-solving perspectives, but a habitual arguer will soon “wear out his or her welcome” at any workplace.

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