Building workplace relationships
Building relationships at your new job is vital to learning about that workplace. The information you gain may be how the coffee machine works or it could be integral information about communication processes.
You may find it difficult to remember names when meeting many new people. A good memory strategy is to repeat their name when they are introduced, for example "Hi Craig, it is great to meet you too". Also imagine burning their name into their forehead - sounds crazy, but it works!
Meeting with your boss, supervisor or manager
If appropriate schedule a meeting with your boss, supervisor or manager within your first two days of a new job. This is a good opportunity to find out about how your role fits with the organisation, get to know who you are working for and what their expectations of you are. Listen to the language he or she uses, what concepts they focus on, how they see this job being done.
General hints
- Listen to people's points of view, particularly when working on projects or tasks together
- Be a flexible team member and support your colleagues. Others will be more likely to help you when you need it!
- Exercise maturity - show your colleagues respect. Don't gossip, don't get caught up in politics and don't discuss confidential information.
- Smile like you mean it - greet people when you cross paths. Make small talk in the elevator and the kitchen. Small gestures go a long way toward establishing you as a friendly, approachable person.
- Attending social events (work lunches, sports teams etc) can be beneficial to building connections with colleagues.
- Social media isn't the forum to complain about work issues and colleagues.
- Keep at it! You never know what you have in common with your co-workers if you don't talk to them! Those 40 hours a week be far more enjoyable once you have work friends to spend them with.
