Pay attention to your body language: When talking to your colleagues, try to maintain a healthy level of eye contact to show that you are interested in what they're saying. We all have bad days every now and then, but when arriving at work be sure to put a smile on your face and greet your workmates with love.
Respect one another: We are usually many different cultures in one organisation, so learn to respect each other. Never criticise another person's culture.
Get to know them better: Mix with the people you are working with. It's okay to occasionally talk about your personal life, like your family and personal experiences, as these shared thoughts help us to build stronger teams. Treat each one of your team members the way you wish to be treated.
Be direct: Right from the start, tell them what you like and what you don't like. This way you prevent any potential conflict that may come your way. If you have a problem with a colleague, talk to her privately - don't go around and gossip about her.
Learn from each other: Be open to learning new things from your teammates. Some of them have experience that will be valuable to you. Engage with them.
Ask for help: To build a good relationship with your co-workers, ask for assistance where you need it. Never be afraid to ask for a helping hand.
Trust and respect: Mean what you say, and always follow through. Being congruent helps your teammates to trust and respect you.
Find out more about Staff Training's Effective Communication course, or call us at (021) 839 3021.