Getting along with your co-workers

Navigating diverse personalities is a necessary aspect of professionalism, albeit, sometimes, a challenging one. Learning how to manage and adapt our interpersonal approach in a diverse workplace is, therefore, a priority.

We know enough now about workplace diversity to understand that the concept extends beyond race and gender to encompass work styles and perspectives, so it is crucial to recognize and appreciate the social, cultural, and economic differences among us in order to put our best foot forward and thrive professionally. Acquiring empathetic, open-minded, and adaptable attitudes can foster better communication and break down barriers. These attributes have never been more important than now - when many are working in hybrid work environments.

This article delves into practical strategies for honing these essential skills, enabling you to foster stronger connections and collaborations with your colleagues and stakeholders that rely on you to get 'stuff' done!

Work Styles

Empathy, perspective, and flexibility are essential skills in any professional setting. But to truly develop these abilities, it's crucial to first understand and recognize the various work styles that exist. Take a moment to consider the dynamics within your own workplace. You'll start to notice distinct characteristics that reveal different work styles. Some colleagues are detail-oriented and prefer to work independently, while others thrive in collaborative environments and embrace risk-taking. You can create a more harmonious and productive work atmosphere by acknowledging and adapting to these differences. Learning how to adapt to work style differences begins with determining your own work style.

Empathy

Empathy is at the core of understanding and relating to others. Cultivating empathy is vital in actively listening to co-workers, valuing their perspectives, and fostering meaningful connections. A powerful technique is to consciously consider situations from others' viewpoints, allowing for a better understanding of their feelings and a deeper connection. Additionally, honing empathy involves mastering the skill of active listening.

Active Listening

Active listening is a transformative skill that requires practice, yet it remains one of the most impactful ways to cultivate empathy. By attentively observing nonverbal cues, posing open-ended questions, and restating what we have heard, we can genuinely comprehend others' perspectives. Through active listening, we demonstrate genuine investment in their thoughts and ideas and validate their emotions and opinions.

Perspective

Creating a thriving and inclusive workplace requires embracing the diverse perspectives of our colleagues. We all bring unique societal, cultural, and economic backgrounds that shape our worldview. To truly develop perspective, we must approach others with an open mind, seeking to comprehend their unique outlook on the world. Engaging in meaningful dialogue, actively listening to our co-workers' experiences, and delving into their values and beliefs are essential steps in this journey. By fostering these conversations, we cultivate connection, respect, and a fertile environment for continuous learning and personal development.

Embrace the Unfamiliar

Embracing the unfamiliar can be daunting, but it offers an incredible opportunity for growth. We can gain fresh perspectives and expand our horizons by being open to new experiences and learning from others. Whether venturing into a new lunch spot, taking a different route to work, or starting your daily work routine a little differently, these small changes can open doors to a more open-minded and flexible approach to life.

Flexibility

In a team setting, workplace dynamics can often throw us unexpected curveballs. However, by adopting a flexible approach, we can effectively adapt to changes and respond accordingly. Flexibility entails adjusting to evolving circumstances without losing sight of our goals. Cultivating open and honest communication with colleagues is crucial in developing this valuable skill. By authentically sharing our thoughts and feelings, we build trust and foster collaboration when facing challenges. Placing the needs of the team above individual interests creates an atmosphere of mutual respect and transparency. 

Learn to Adapt Your Communication Style

Adapting your communication style to better align with and understand your co-workers' needs can make all the difference in building strong working relationships. Some people may prefer direct, straightforward communication, while others may respond better to a more collaborative, consultative approach. Learning to read the room and adjust your style accordingly can help foster a more productive and positive work environment.

Work on Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence refers to recognizing and managing your emotions and understanding those of others. Developing emotional intelligence involves being aware of your feelings and understanding how they affect your behaviour. It also consists in being able to recognize the emotions in others and responding appropriately. This skill can help you build stronger relationships with co-workers and better navigate differences.

Investing in collaboration is essential for creating success. Empathy, perspective, and flexibility are crucial building blocks for developing understanding across teams and departments, even in virtual contexts.

But how can we achieve these goals? We can achieve them by recognizing different work styles, actively listening, embracing discomfort, adapting communication approaches when necessary, and working on enhancing emotional intelligence. By investing the time and energy into cultivating these invaluable skills—we can strive towards a more productive work environment where everyone feels supported, appreciated and heard.