Shecky’s

With varying personalities and work ethics, not everyone you work with is going to get along. The best way to minimize conflict in the workplace is to keep up the R-E-S-P-E-C-T…even if some of your colleagues feel otherwise (lead by example)! I’ve compiled a few tips to help you be a fab coworker and keep from committing any career faux pas. Work is called work for a reason; it isn’t easy!

-Tai Nycole Harriss

DO’S

BE COURTEOUS: You don’t have to like your coworkers, but as mom said, mind your manners and be polite! Say “hello” in the mornings and “goodbye” in the evenings. Having even a basic relationship can make work interactions move even smoother.

HELP WHEN YOU CAN: Nobody is able to do everything all the time and sometimes we need an extra hand. If you’ve finished something and have the time, offer to help a coworker. Or, if you see someone acting really stressed and frazzled, see if there’s something you can do to lighten their load! You never know when they’ll be able to return the favor.

BRING IN BIRTHDAY CHEER: If you know when everyone’s birthday is (be the one who starts a birthday calendar if your office doesn’t have one), you and your colleagues can chip in for a card or treats. The gesture will mean tons more than the actual gift.

RESPECT PERSONAL SPACE: Your office may not be that big, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t respect your colleagues’ space. Don’t read over their shoulders, hover over them while they’re working or crowd in their area uninvited. If you’re already tight on space, having someone else in it will only make matters worse!