Every office has that person – the one who makes you feel good about yourself, helps things to run smoothly, and generally makes the whole workplace more pleasant. That person is an exemplar of positive coworker qualities. How can you become one of those folks? Here are eight ways:
1. Be a team player
Being a superstar on your own is great, but in most professional settings a lot of work is done in team settings. If you can master the skills needed to work in a group, you’ll find it much easier to build key relationships.
2. Have a good attitude
Being upbeat and confident makes you enjoyable and inspiring to be around, and serves to bring out the best in others. Even if you have to fake it ’til you make it, being positive makes you far more likely to win friends and allies than being negative or off-putting.
3. Details, details, details!
Being “detail oriented” may sound like a trite phrase from Job Interviews For Dummies, but it is actually very important. Attention to detail is necessary to avoid mistakes, and getting things right will make everyone involved feel pride in their work.
4. Modesty is the best policy
Keeping your head down and letting your work speak for itself is one of the best – and longest-lasting – coworker qualities. It will be easier to make friends this way than by bragging about your every win, and you will soon have people speaking about your triumphs for you, which is the most effective thing of all.
5. Remain I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T
If you are self-managed and self-disciplined, you will take up far less of your supervisor’s valuable time, and he or she will notice. If you are willing to do what is expected of you and more without being instructed every step of the way, you will stand out in the crowd.
6. Be a great communicator
You will never be the great communicator, as that title is taken. However, developing your skills in that area will pay off in spades. Make sure you can write well, as not being able to do so can end up costing your employer big bucks. Be able to speak in public (if you need some help in this regard, you can join a group like Toastmasters to get some practice). Actually listen when people talk, and share your ideas when asked.
7. Fit the culture
“Company culture” has become a bit of a buzzword lately. However, it is a real thing, and very important. Get a good idea of the prevailing norms at your company, and do your best to fit in while still remaining professional and being yourself. If you operate too far outside of the company’s norms in important respects, it may well draw you unwanted attention.
8. Be passionate
If you love what you do, almost all of the above suggestions will happen naturally. If it’s at all possible, try to find yourself a job that almost doesn’t feel like work. People will find themselves gravitating to you because of your obvious enthusiasm and joy.
