WORK TOGETHER WITH YOUR WORK FRIENDS
Have you ever done a community gift exchange where you get to choose the gift you want to unwrap during the holidays? Normally you scan the gifts and choose the one that appeals most to you. Sometimes that is the biggest, smallest, brightest or funniest wrapped gift on the table. You commence unwrapping the gift, and it may be the perfect gift that everyone wants, or it may be a total bust. The same may happen when you are shopping at the store. You may choose this item over that item simply because the exterior presented it so well that it appealed more to you. Either way, the point of the matter is that you chose the gift or item solely for its packaging.How we package things is so important. Not just for the tangible things in life but also, our words. Let’s face it, we have all been told something (or said it ourselves) in a negative, non-bedside manner kind of way, especially at work. Unfortunately, those types of conversations often leave you feeling jaded, frustrated and confused among various other negative emotions. The good news is that there is an opportunity here for improved, healthy communication among co workers, colleagues and others in your life that will leave you feeling like you have friends rather than enemies at work. According to a Hardvard Business Review article, “Research shows that workers are happier in their jobs when they have friendships with co-workers. Employees report that when they have friends at work, their job is more fun, enjoyable, worthwhile and satisfying. Gallup found that close work friendships boost employee satisfaction by 50% and people with a best friend at work are seven times more likely to engage fully in their work.” Let’s take a look at this quick-guide to improved communication that will enable you to truly work TOGETHER and formulate healthy communication and respectful friendships.
THE EXAMPLE.
A coworker you are paired with on a deadlined project does not seem to be pulling his or her weight. Press pause.Naturally, you may want to unload on this coworker and let him or her know that you are having to do all the work. But as the saying goes, think before you speak. It is likely that if you wouldn’t like it being said to you, you shouldn’t say it. So press pause and acknowledge you frustration or feelings before you let them spill over. NO-GO ZONE: “OH MY GOSH JOEY! I have been busting my rump over this project so that we can get it done by the end of this week. What have you done!?!?!”Step back.Believe it or not, there is always a positive to a situation. Perhaps this coworker feels the same way or has a lot going on. So avoid pointing the finger at a person or the situation. Step back for a second and search for an attribute he or she can bring to the table that can compliment your strengths and or weaknesses. NO-GO ZONE: “Susan, I can’t believe you are so lazy and haven’t sent me anything for our project that is due. Are you going to do anything to help me out?”
Rephrase it.It is not what you say so much as how you say it. If you come at someone in a negative, accusatory manor, it's likely you will be reciprocated with a similar style of communication. Moreover, it shows a lack of respect for the individual and what he or she has going on. So, look for the positive you found once you stepped back from the feeling you were having, and use it.NO-GO ZONE: “Corey, I know this deadline on the project is rapidly approaching. Since you are so good at getting the analytical data and statistics, I thought I could develop the intro and conclusion based on that. How does that sound to you?”Be a team.There is no “I” in team so avoid operating in such a way. Once you learn the way to positively communicate with one another, your team is unstoppable. Continue to cultivate encouraging camaraderie by acknowledging the hard work your partner has done and offering words of affirmation. This opens the doors for a positive working relationship and allows you to avoid any unnecessary negative thoughts, anxiety and stress.A social experiment was done on two like plants. The plant who was “bullied” and received negative verbiage was reported to have stunted growth, whereas the plant that was given positive verbiage seemingly flourished and remained healthy. Check out the experiment here. The results are simple: words can have a huge impact on one’s emotional and physiological status which can greatly impact the stress response in the human body. Click HERE to learn more about the Wellview services available to you. We can’t wait to work with you!
– CASEY EDMONDS, CHC
Health Advisor | Email Casey
