Don’t underestimate coworkers’ support

If your boss knows that you work hard, why should you bother about coworkers? This logic is adopted by many people, who either ignore their team members completely or fall into negative office politics that eventually alienate them with a minor group. Although no one wants to be in a constant position of trying to please everyone, having negative – or no – experiences with coworkers doesn’t help, either. In many ways, coworkers within your immediate team and the overall company matter – and can be eventually critical to your position in the company and chances of advancement.

For instance, if you’re seen as a slacker – despite of your productivity – coworkers may be reluctant to invite you to big projects or trust you with responsibilities that require reliability. This is just one example of how your position as a team member can crumble and eventually lead the management and your supervisor to question your abilities.

The question is: how can you achieve a balance between managing your work life the way you choose – that is hopefully also the way approved by your supervisor – while maintaining a positive image with nearly everyone else? Here are a few points to keep in mind:

Cooperate

Coworkers can be unforgiving for someone who they’ve got a chance to work with. When you cooperate with others, you give them an opportunity to know your work ethics and experience your productivity. In addition, this can break the ice and allow them to ask you personally about any situation that may appear out of the ordinary in their eyes, otherwise. Working together also gives you and your coworkers a real-life experience they can refer to in the future whenever they think of you. While opportunities may not be there to work with every single person in your organization, make sure you initiate a sort of cooperation whenever you can – and even if it is not a professional one. Does your company plan birthday parties, retreats or training? Be there as an active member and mingle with those whom you usually don’t get a chance to work with.

Know the differences

Many people who follow a regular schedule and work routine may not have to deal with this issue. However, if your work circumstances are specially different than your coworkers, speculations may be growing about your status. For example, if you’ve worked out a deal with your supervisor that allows you to a flexible schedule to provide dependent care or study, this may not be clear to everyone else – and can be a source of gossip and concerns about favouritism. Another difference can be in your own work responsibilities, if your goals are tailored significantly different that others who are in a similar position, questions may be raised about why you’re not required to fulfil similar duties. Regardless to the scenario, what you need to keep in mind is that once these differences are identified, work out a way to communicate them to coworkers that you still do your job and there are no favour exchanged with anyone. Share your concerns with your supervisor regarding how your special circumstances may be viewed by coworkers and make sure they won’t get in your way of teamwork.

Avoid politics

It goes without saying, the easiest way to lose coworkers’ trust is to take sides and get involved in office politics. Although it sometimes may seem that everyone is taking one side or the other, employ your best judgment in what and who you talk about. Your energy can be much better utilized in developing new connections or finding better strategies to handle your work and your office relationships.

Focus on business

People who strive to do their best typically leave a good impression. Again, this is about your attitude rather than productivity – even though the latter is critical. In general, taking your job seriously and demonstrating this seriousness by being punctual, respecting your work time and others’, and following through on tasks and projects can go a long way. In doing so, you’re not chasing an elusive approval from coworkers, but you’re actually being an employee who will have enough people who are willing to support if needed. Remember, many organizations may shuffle staff around in unpredictable ways. With that in mind, having fans and friends around your team can’t hurt. In addition, don’t underestimate the importance of being able to reach out for help and assistance from your team whenever needed.

Rania Oteify, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is currently an editor based in Seattle.