Meaningful relationships with colleagues play a crucial role in promoting happiness and preventing burnout in the workplace. Research consistently shows that being liked at work positively influences career advancement, including negotiating salary increases and securing promotions. This insight comes from Juliette Han, a Harvard-trained neuroscientist and adjunct professor at Columbia Business School, who emphasizes that building strong work relationships is a skill that anyone can develop quickly.
The "Cheat Code" to Forming Stronger Bonds at Work
According to Juliette Han, successful individuals leverage a "cheat code" to establish stronger bonds with their colleagues at work – finding common ground. Rather than adopting the same hobbies or interests as their peers, they look for small opportunities to align themselves with their colleagues in conversation. Expressing gratitude, offering compliments, and seeking advice on work-related matters are simple yet effective ways to build rapport with others.
Tips for Building Relationships with Colleagues
1. Demonstrating Team Support: When a colleague expresses gratitude, respond by acknowledging their importance as part of the team. For example, saying, "No problem, I know you would do the same for me," shows that you value the team dynamic, thereby fostering support and collaboration.
2. Seeking Manager's Perspective: To make a positive impression on your manager, engage in productive conversations by seeking their advice or perspective. Using questions like “You’ve handled similar situations so well, what kind of approach would you recommend here?” or “I want to better understand how this project fits into our team’s overarching goals, what’s your point of view on that?” shows trust in your boss’s expertise and a desire to make them look good.
3. Collaboration and Respect: Maintain open and clear communication with your colleagues to demonstrate that you value and respect their preferences. Showing interest in their perspectives improves collaboration and reduces the chances of conflict, as emphasized by Juliette Han.
4. Offering Compliments: Acknowledging the efforts and skills of your colleagues by paying them a genuine compliment can significantly contribute to building positive work relationships.
In conclusion, it’s essential to recognize that professional success isn’t solely about individual performance. Learning to work well with others and fostering strong work relationships are indispensable factors in achieving career advancement. Embracing a collaborative mindset, actively seeking common ground with colleagues, and demonstrating genuine support are key strategies to cultivate a positive and thriving work environment.