Going from intern to landing a new job, the people you work with will have a significant influence on your job satisfaction. Learning how to get along with co-workers is crucial because you’ll spend the majority of your time with them. While being collegial is important it doesn’t mean that everyone you work with will become your friend.
Develop good habits of observing the work culture around you and pay attention to the behaviors and attitudes of those who are successful. While you spend the majority of your time focused on your workload don’t overlook the value of creating good working relationships.
According to an article by Fortune, making friends at work leads to a greater chance of being promoted. However, it is difficult to meet colleagues if you stay at your desk. While touring an office floor a couple of weeks ago, I noticed how many chairs were empty during lunch and how many were eating at their desk with headsets in place. The numbers were about equal.
The people you meet at work will often be those you stay in contact with throughout your career and that’s why it is important to develop good friendships. However, not everyone you meet is worthy of your friendship, especially those who cross your core values. Associating with co-workers who use poor judgment and expect you to cover for them puts you in an awkward position. That’s not friendship; that’s being used and putting your career in jeopardy.
Keep your boundaries up when acclimating to a new work environment. Always strive to understand the company culture and hierarchy. After-work gatherings are good ways to develop a team spirit however be careful to use good judgment when in a less than formal setting.
200278041-001All it takes is one event to create a lasting impression. Case in point, when off-site meetings take place during happy hour, colleagues may start gossiping and sharing too much personal information from relationship issues or venting frustration. Driving a colleague home who has had too much to drink is being a good friend; however, keep your boundaries up, as your career can be influenced by your associates.
Making friends at work while sometimes involving risks far outweighs the stigma of being socially inept. People promote those who are likable and getting to know your colleagues is worth pursuing. Know the hierarchy, be respectful and develop trust. A friend with your interests at heart is priceless.
How have your friendships at work influenced your career?
