Building and maintaining positive work relationships is an important facet of workplace success. These positive relationships can play a key role when it comes time for management to assign coveted projects and award promotions, raises and bonuses.
Principles of business etiquette
Your behavior is the foundation upon which positive relationships are created. The following principles of business etiquette should define all your business relationships:
Respect
Courtesy
Collaboration
Non-aggression
Most people understand that they need to treat superiors and clients with respect. They may not, however, be as mindful of their relationships with peers and subordinates. Keep in mind that work environments can and do change rapidly. You never know who you may be called upon to work with in the future. The best practice is to establish and maintain good working relationships with all you encounter. By being mindful and consistently applying the principles of business etiquette you build positive work relationships, increase your opportunities for success and make your workplace a more pleasant place.
Workplace relationship skills
The following skills are essential for building positive work relationships:
Communication:
Be a good listener. Use verbal and nonverbal cues to demonstrate that you are focused on what the other person has to say.
Think before you speak. Consider what you want to communicate and choose your words carefully. Be mindful of how you speak—don’t raise your voice, use harsh tones or use profanity. Speak like a professional and you will be perceived as one.
Don’t interrupt.
Avoid miscommunication—clarify by summarizing and repeating back what you heard. Ask questions if you don’t understand.
Aim for face-to-face communications as opposed to voice mail or e-mail.
Be diplomatic.
Emphasize the use of courtesy and respect in all communications.
Conflict resolution:
Approach conflict as situation-related as opposed to person-related. Focus on the problem, not the person.
Be positive and goal-oriented. Offer solutions and suggestions for fixing the problem.
Be clear and specific. Don’t say, “John, I can’t do anything with this report. It’s all wrong. Fix it!” Instead say, “John, the Q1 data was used but we need Q2 data, can you make that change to the report today?”
Be proactive instead of reactive. Respond with solutions rather than complaints.
Be slow to anger, particularly regarding insignificant issues. Being perceived as cool-headed and rational adds weight to your responses.
Keep an open mind. Listen to the other person’s point of view without interrupting or arguing and strive for a win-win solution.
Accept feedback—whether positive or negative—with poise and without becoming defensive. It speaks volumes about your professionalism.
Never criticize a coworker or employee in front of others.
If you find yourself in a disagreement with someone, don’t air your differences in public. Find a private location to discuss the concern.
Support and appreciation:
On group projects be sure to credit and compliment everyone who contributed.
Speak well of your coworkers and acknowledge their accomplishments.
Never take credit for someone else’s efforts.
Acknowledge coworkers’ birthdays, promotions, engagements, weddings, new children or the death of a loved one. Such thoughtfulness leaves a lasting impression.
Magic words:
These simple expressions of courtesy should be more often remembered in business because of the difference they can make. Make it a practice to use them.
Please
Thank you
Good job!
Great Idea
Pardon me
I’m sorry
