By
Akindotun Merino
As humans, we are not designed to be completely alone. Whether at home or work, for your mental health and to build resiliency, it is important to develop positive, non-toxic relationships with others.
Getting to know colleagues is vital to developing positive relationships. When at work, do you ever feel like the world is sitting on your shoulders? There is no need to let this happen. Building and maintaining a support network will benefit you extensively. It will change your life for the better and make dealing with uncomfortable situations, and accomplishing new tasks easier. When we think of a support network, it’s usually family and friends that come to mind, but getting to know your colleagues and building a network at work can be just as beneficial.
Before building a support network of your colleagues you must get to know them as individuals.
Here are some tips for getting to know them:
- Use an icebreaker
- Remember names
- Find common interests
- Spend time together outside of work
Establishing new relationships or strengthening old ones doesn’t mean anything goes. You want these relationships to be positive for you and the other party. Part of having a positive relationship is having and managing boundaries. For some, talking about boundaries is addressing the elephant in the room, but you want to be honest and upfront about them so no one gets hurt.
How can I set boundaries?
- Recognize your limits
- Clearly communicate your boundaries
- Be aware of your feelings
- Let your actions speak louder than your words
- Address any breach of boundaries set
It goes without saying, that in order to develop relationships, you have to collaborate at some point. Whether it be working on a particular project together, or working in the same department.
READ ALSO: Trust Building At Work: Transparent Communication
Collaborating with others can be a valuable experience, but can also be stressful if you don’t understand the concept of working with others. Each person is different and has a different personality. Learn how to work with different personality types. Some of these include:
- Extroverted and playful: These people require more attention and verbal approval than some other personalities.
- Assertive leaders: This type of personality requires loyalty and recognition of achievements.
- Meticulous planners: Meticulous people need the space to complete the tasks, and their perfectionist habits require understanding.
- Peacemakers: Peacemakers work to avoid and settle conflict. They require a calm work environment and appreciation for their efforts.
Thanking others for their help is not hard to do. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. A simple, “Thank you”, goes further than you know. Whether you are thanking someone for volunteering to help with something that is not part of their required duties, or thanking them for what they get paid to do, it is always appreciated, and can build morale.
While the words, “thank you” are sufficient, it’s understandable that sometimes you want to do a little more. Below are some ideas on things you can do.
- Free lunch
- Opportunities of career advancement
- Peer recognition program
- Give employee extra time off
- Bonus
- Company branded merchandise
- Gift card
- Movie passes
READ ALSO: Change: Acceptance And Management
Dr. Akindotun Merino is a Professor of Psychology and a Mental Health Commissioner in California. She is the President of Jars Institute. Feel free to share your successes and challenges:
Prof. Akindotun Merino
Jars Education Group
info@akinmerino.com
YouTube.com/akinmerino
Instagram: @drakinmerino: Twitter: @drakindotun
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