Getting along with your work colleagues

Following on from my article on office romance, I though it appropriate to start a series on work relationships. That is, how to get along with the different personalities you find crowding your work space.

To cut to the chase of it all, we all need to get along with ‘work colleagues' at some point. Unless you're incredibly lucky and born into a family fortune - this is probably going to apply to you.

Getting along with work colleagues can feel a bit like high school. They will gossip, whinge, laugh, cry, annoy you and be your best friend. And you will do exactly the same to them.

Work colleagues are a big part of lives considering we spend so much time in and around the office. However you don't generally get to choose who you work with which can often cause clashes of personality in a big way. Work colleagues are a bit like family in that respect.

Like them or loath them, here are a few tips that should help you in the office.

Calm and Collected

Whatever you do, don't respond to a nasty email straight away and don't lose your cool. Easier said than done right?! Of course it is, but by staying calm you set yourself out as the professional collected type and here's a little secret ... people may vent, scream and shout but at the end of the day they would much rather be calm and collected than anything else.

By remaining professional and calm you show that you have the maturity to handle awkward situations - a quality a lot of people secretly admire in another person.

You also show that you are not bothered by the small fry. You ‘don't sweat the small stuff' as the saying goes. There are plenty of other things to worry about in the world.

Calm and collected is all about showing you've got it together [whether you actually do or not] and that is something everyone wants.

Space, Space and More Space

No one likes to treated like a child where your every move is watched and monitored. There is nothing worse than a boss stands over your shoulder or a know-it-all colleague listened to every phone call you make trying to chip in with their big ego.

So give people space and expect it back. Don't settle for someone who makes you feel awkward by always listening, watching and criticizing you. There is a time for a review and there is a time for constructive feedback. But that isn't all the time!

If people don't get enough space then they are simply on edge sending productivity through the floor. There needs to be some trust in the workplace and space is all about giving that trust.

Getting Away from Gossip

Gossip can be a lethal drug in an office so here's a very obvious and simple tip: Don't get involved. There are plenty of people that like to gossip, making them untrustworthy colleagues who poison the work atmosphere.

The best way to deal with gossip is to limit what you tell them, and don't join in their little game. Don't tell them anymore then they need to know and don't give them your personal information no matter how concerned or interested they seem. And don't give them any one else's personal information either.

Gossip is an easy game to get caught up in but is never worth the suspicion or distaste that other colleagues will have towards you. Stay away.

Lunch and fresh air

When lunch comes, try to get out of the office and away from it all for half an hour. Lunch breaks are designed to give you a rest from work and a rest from your colleagues. No matter how well you get along with them, try to get out and about. You already spend at least 7 hours together - do you really need another 30 minutes?

Lunch gives everyone a chance to wind down a little and stop the build up of tension in the team. Experts often point out the benefits of a break away from the office, even if you can only afford a matter of minutes.

Go for a walk. Buy a new book. Meet a friend for a bite. Go for a run.

Whatever you decide to do - do it away from the office and you'll come back all refreshed, calm and ready for action. And no one works well on an empty stomach now do they?

iPods, music and the telephone

Some work places won't allow it but if you can, I'd invest in some form of music player. I often put in the old headphones and type away - blocking out my colleagues and the drone of the office in the process. The idea isn't that you ignore everything and everyone around you - the idea is that you focus in without too many outside distractions.

When someone puts in some headphones, most people are astute enough to know they don't really want to be disturbed. Adding a quick comment like ‘right, I'd better get cracking on this report then?' or jokingly saying ‘just tuning you out now so I can concentrate on my report' as you put in the ear pieces generally gives a clear enough message.

Just make sure that the music isn't so loud that you can't hear the phone or your colleague desperately getting your attention. You are still at work and something may urgently pop-up. However some background music can really help focus you in on the report you've been putting off for days.

So get cracking!

The Water Cooler

Office water coolers aren't just great for getting some nice cool water. They're also good for breaking the monotony of the work, getting you away from the desk and giving you a slight breather.

Next time you go to get a glass, take your time. Stop and chat with someone along the way. Look out the window and have a sip or two before heading back.

It's not much but a great to just let your brain reboot.

If you work on a computer, experts say that you should give your eyes a rest every 15 minutes or so. You can look away from the screen, do something else or get up for a glass of water.

And who knows, maybe you will run into your company director on the way and you can give your thoughts for improving the latest work project. Say hello to a raise!

Feng Shui and Plants

Lastly, it's worth mentioning the Feng Shui trend. You may not be able to control your colleagues annoying ability to talk all day but you can control your immediate desk area with a few calming Feng Shui remedies.

Put in a tree. Clean your desk. Put up a photo or two of your family or friends. If it makes you happier and calmer then it's your ticket to a better work environment and better relationships with your colleagues.

A few years ago I introduced a plant to my overcrowded desk and with in a few days I noticed results. My desk began to collect less junk. I had something calming to look at and my colleagues saw another, more mature side to my personality.

All good things.

Unfortunately the plant died thanks to a holiday away and no water but I have since replaced it and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone.

So I'll leave with those few tips in the hope that it helps. Next time I'll start examining workplace personalities and how you can avoid the temptation of throwing your line manager out the window.