It’s no secret that our work life impacts our overall quality of life. When you and your team get along, you feel productive and engaged, the days fly by, and you’re able to go home at the end of the day and enjoy your evening. But when you and your team don’t get along? Forget about it.
I know it’s easier to blame everyone but yourself for a toxic work environment. But the reality is that we all play a role in conflict, whether we’re aware of it or not. This is especially true when you are the leader of a team, either the owner, boss or manager.
So in this article, we’ll explore how to better maintain positive relationships in the office, including simple team building strategies you can start using today to create a happier environment. Let’s jump in.
Take Responsibility
To manage your relationships with others at the office, it all starts with you. Really. It’s nice to blame others (and no one’s claiming they’re blameless!). But self awareness and self management are key to better relationships, period. In short, you must be ever conscious of how others are perceiving you. It’s also important to read other people so you can get a sense of their mood.
Remember that everyone is unique. Even if you have five kids (like I do!), chances are they will all have very different personalities. It’s important to recognize and celebrate those differences in others rather than try to make them change who they are. Everyone doesn’t have to be like you!
Many arguments at work start because people assume they know what the other person is thinking, or that they know their intentions. How often does this happen with your team?
So again, it’s best to take responsibility before you react. Learn to say ‘tell me more’ before jumping to conclusions. A simple, non-aggressive question can often clarify intentions and (hopefully) clear the air. And be sure to listen fully, instead of planning what you’re going to say next.
Always be aware of your own attitude, positive or negative, and how you’re affecting the people around you. Sometimes taking a few deep breaths can help you calm down, stopping you from saying something you may regret later on. Learn more strategies for dealing with workplace conflict here.
Quick Team Building Tips
The following techniques are designed to help you create a thriving work environment and a cohesive team:
- Communicate and compromise with each other. Provide positive feedback and reassurance to each other when appropriate. Be respectful and pay attention.
- If you have a conflict, seek a fresh perspective from a third party, as they may help you see the situation from a new light or advise you on how to resolve the conflict.
- Conflict is best resolved with cool heads. Take some space apart to allow time for you both to look at the situation from both sides. And prepare what you want to say.
- Agree to disagree. We don’t have to have the same beliefs or opinions. But we do need to respect the other person’s right to theirs.
- Your work ‘family’ is important, so try your best to solve problems with them. They are not the enemy. Aim for a win-win outcome instead of always needing to be right.
Never underestimate the power of small gestures. I dare you to do one nice thing a day for someone else at the office, and see if that doesn’t have a big impact.
To live a satisfying life, you need to think of all your relationships as precious cargo to be nurtured. This includes your work relationships, whether that’s easy or not.
I’m not saying team building easy. In fact, my passion is helping small to medium sized business teams deal with all their interpersonal ‘stuff’ so they can move on to bigger and better things (get in touch for a free consultation!). But what I am saying, ultimately, is that doing this work is the only way to create true team cohesion that spills over into a happier, calmer life. And I wish you all the best on your journey!