Business
Communication Skills
Much of your workplace success is based
not on what you do but who you know. The
better your relationships with coworkers and
others in your workplace, the better your
career will go. Here are 7 simple steps to
improving your relationships at work.
1) Make small talk: Get to know
your coworkers so it does not always seem
all about work. The key to making
appropriate office small talk is to not get
too personal too soon. Keep it general at
first and then gradually work your way up to
discussing family and more personal issues
when your coworker is also moving in that
direction of discussions. Also keep small
talk at work limited (don’t go on and on) to
respect everyone’s tight deadlines.
2) Help each other out: Show them
that you are willing and able to help them
out when they are under a tight deadline.
Not only will they reciprocate for you, but
they will begin to trust and depend on you.
3) Ask them for their thoughts and
opinions: This is a great way to show
them that you really value and respect them.
People like those who they feel like them.
Show them that you value their advice and
feedback.
4) Get away from the office gossip:
Even if you have resolved not too gossip
about your coworkers, you can be guilty by
association. When workplace gossip starts,
excuse yourself. This will show people that
you will not be involved in the gossip and
that they can trust you.
5) Do little things like get them
holiday cards or birthday cards,
congratulate them on their good work, and
offer to grab them some lunch when you are
going out.
6) Let others take the credit when
they have done most of the work. If you are
incorrectly given credit and praise,
acknowledge the coworker who deserves the
accolades.
7) Handle workplace conflict
seamlessly: If you are not directly
involved in the conflict, stay out of it, at
least initially. If you decide you must get
involved, plan out some negotiation
strategies ahead of time and facilitate the
resolution of the conflict. The key is to
show that you care, but without becoming
rash or worked up.
These tips, while effective, may not work
in every workplace and with every person.
When in doubt, ask. Ask your coworkers how
you can best help them. Most importantly, be
sure to follow up and keep your word by
doing what you say you’re going to do.
Larina Kase, PsyD, MBA is President of
Performance & Success Coaching, LLC. She
helps people reduce stress, improve
communication and speaking skills, and excel
in their careers. For more tips, visit
www.pascoaching.com.
KEYWORDS
office small talk, office gossip,
workplace gossip, workplace success,
workplace conflict, small talk at work,
negotiation strategies, reduce stress,
communication and speaking skills
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