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