It can be rather hard for the younger generation to make it from being a worker to first Line management. This could possibly have something to do with the fact that in their spare time they played video games at mum and dad's house, where our generation was out playing in the park.

It is hard for kids that never had any experience playing with peers their own age “un-supervised" i.e. in the park or where ever kids hang out these days. When you socialize in school, or at after school activities there are always adults there to supervise.

Where as when you're in the park with only other kids is when you have they have the chance to develop the above average social skills. If you can survive the playground where no adult rules are imposed, as an 8 year old and be the person people would like to hang out with you got a good head start.

My heart really goes out to them; a lot of them are really intelligent young adults that have worked very hard in university. They just simply lack the social skills to go far unless they get a personality make over.

So how do you become a liked co-worker?

I believe that if you like to you can learn anything, and that doesn't stop at personalities. If you would like to become truly successful, you really need to be a person that people want to be around. One thing I know for sure is; no matter how many brilliant ideas you have, or how hard you work, if you can't connect with your co-workers you won't be successful. Those ideas will only be brilliant ideas and you will only work hard, you need to make people like you if it doesn't come natural to you. The

good thing is there are several things that you can do to improve your self.

Here are a few tips:

Smile: When I was a child my dad always told me to smile, as a teenager I just thought he was silly me smiling isn't going to change the universe. He told me that people that smile a lot are the ones that become really successful and get far. Good thing is, I was always smiling when I was around my friends and maybe that's what made people like me and maybe not who knows? Nobody wants to be around somebody that is depressing, everyone have their own cross to bear. So for what ever amount of hours always keep a happy and cheerful attitude about life and work, the positive energy that you will send out to others will come back to you.

Appreciative attitude: Try to find something positive about everyone you work with and let them hear it. Generously praise people and give them kind words of encouragement. Always thank people when they help you out, and make your colleagues feel welcome when they stop by your desk. If you let co-workers know that they are appreciated and that you are happy to spend time with them, they'll want to give you their best.

Show other people you’re interested: Take an active approach in listening to peoples happy milestones in their life. Ask questions (people love talking about themselves) and let them see that you are interested. If one of them tells you that they're going to their kids first school play on a Friday, ask them how it went on the following Monday. Sympathise for their difficult situations, like illness or death. Always make eye contact and address people by their first names. There is nothing that makes people feel as valued as if you ask for their opinion, in their head you are recognizing their professional skills when you do this.

Always actively listen: Make sure that you understand other people’s point of view, and prove to them that you do. If someone tells you something make a point of restating this to them, so they can confirm to you that you have understood them correctly. This will also prove to them that your responses are more then just lip service, and that you actually listen to what they say.

Make others be a part of "your world": Create your "own world" around you, where you bring people together. Show them that you always treat people equally and never play favourites, start showing the qualities of a good leader before you officially become a leader. Never talk about others behind their backs, follow up on people's suggestions and requests. In staff meetings if someone have suggested something at an earlier stage, kindly say in a non offensive way that you quite like the idea so and so came up with at this occasion and you were wondering if we could do something about that. It shows people that you actively participate in their ambitions. If you state something make sure to see that you have been understood. This makes people see you as a fair and solid person and they will start to trust you.

Resolve conflicts: This is the part of management that I dislike the most. It is a really crucial part that a good manager needs to master. You need to learn to become an effective mediator. When you co-workers bicker over work related or personal things, offer them to sit down with all parties involved and help them sort out their differences. By taking on a leadership role like that you will gain respect and admiration from those around you.

Realize how to communicate effectively: It is easy while under pressure not to pay attention what you say and how you say it. If you want to be a good communicator you need to make sure to avoid misunderstandings. Someone that expresses them selves eloquently creates an intelligent and mature image, regardless what age you are. If you don't think about what you say and how you say it, people won’t put much weight on your words.

Have a good sense of humour: Be funny and clever, people want to be around people that makes them laugh. Humour is an excellent way of break down barriers and to gain other people’s affection.

Don't forget to see their point of view: You need to be able to empathize and understand how other people feel. View a situation or a response from their perspective, it will make not only your, but also their life easier. Stay in touch with your emotions; if you cut your own feelings off it will make it hard for you to understand and empathize with others.

Don't be the "chronic complainer": There is nothing worse then the person at your work place that always complains or whines. All work places have them and nobody want to be around them. I know everyone needs to vent to someone, but maybe start keeping a diary. If you have to verbalize your grievances vent to a personal friend or family member, but make sure to keep it short. Spare people around you, otherwise you may be the one that gets labelled as the "chronic complainer"