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Step 1
Why is it that an office environment reminds you of a soap opera? In fact, a soap opera might have less drama than what is displayed in the average work place. The work environment tends to bring out a person's insecurity and makes for a very tense and stressful place to work. What is it about work that makes people feel threatened? Maybe if we can understand the why, it will help us lower the tension and make for a better environment for everyone involved.
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Step 2
How can we make the work environment less threatening?
One major problem in today's work environment is that people tend to bring their home life into their work place. Do not mix the two worlds. The people that you work with do not need to know your personal business. Develop your friendships outside of work and not in the office.
Emotions are difficult to keep in check with friends. The more at ease we feel around people the more we tend to open up and share way too much information. Do not share problems with your life mate, with the people with whom you work. Just as you leave your work when you clock out every day, and not take it home with you, by the same token, leave your home life in the car when you arrive at work in the morning.
Personal relationships are the greatest danger to your job. It is a good practice to never date anyone from work. When that kind of relationship sours, your job will be in danger. It is just not a good practice and is certainly not professional. -
Step 3
Maintain professional relationships with coworkers
The atmosphere at work is best maintained when everyone interacts on a professional level. If you are a supervisor, a professional relationship means you do not show favoritism. You do not go out with certain employees. The only time it is appropriate to go out with your supervisees is when they go out as a group.
Do not let your hair down with those with whom you work. When co-workers drink together they tend to loosen up and share too much information. This is one cat that you can never put back in the bag after it is released. -
Step 4
Learn the art of valuing each other and expressing gratitude
Always treat others the way you want to be treated yourself. Most people tend to reflect back what you give them. Is it so difficult to say thank you? Those two little words can do more to change work dynamics that any I know.
Take on the challenge to mentor others
Is someone in your office in trouble? Is someone struggling with learning a job, or trying to be more accepted by other workers? Why not go to that person and offer words of encouragement and help? Why not get involved with training him/her? Why not go to the supervisor and ask to take that person under your wing and be a mentor? I can almost guarantee that the next time you feel threatened or unsure of yourself, someone will be standing there to return the favor. Life works that way. You need to give in order to receive. -
Step 5
Conclusion
Turning around the dynamics of a work place, from one that is threatening, to one that is warm and welcoming, is not easy. But one thing you can be sure of is that in order to be part of the solution, you will have to have been part of the problem. Only those involved in that work place can change it. Be the first to step up and offer to help someone else. Show gratitude and say thank you. You will be surprised how quickly your job will become a delight. Maybe you cannot change the entire workplace, but at least brighten the corner where you work!
