How to get Along With Coworkers

Coworkers will always be a mixed bag. You'll find some you like and get along with perfectly. However, there will always be at least one you have trouble working with. This one person can turn an otherwise positive work experience into a nightmare. Practice some tips to make this situation more manageable.

Instructions

1. Focus on your job. You can't avoid communicating with coworkers, but try not to force friendships with them. Staying focused and not worrying about how your coworkers do their job can help you get along.

2. Confront coworkers with problems directly. If a coworker does something that conflicts with your job, talk to them about it instead of going to a superior immediately. You may work out the problem without causing hard feelings.

3. Respect coworkers. The first step to getting a team member to respect you is to respect them. Before you take an action, take into account how it affects your coworkers. If it affects them negatively, consider if the action is necessary to do a good job and if it is, talk with your coworkers and explain the situation immediately.

4. Remember everyone is under stress. Your job may be causing you a great deal of stress and you may feel like taking this stress out on your coworkers. But, remember they are likely under just as much stress as you. Instead of taking it out on them, think of them as people who can relate to your situation.

5. Make a good first impression. Always be friendly and professional from the beginning with new coworkers. Working with new people is stressful and being understanding of this is a good way to get along with them.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid overly critical coworkers. Some people are always looking for things to criticize their colleagues about. Work with these people when your job demands it, but otherwise avoid them.