How does one become popular at work? How do we increase the odds of being liked in the workplace?
If you are popular in your workplace it might be something you take for granted, something that comes easily; however if you are struggling with bonding with your team or colleagues and feel that you are unpopular this can seem to be something elusive or hard to get a handle on. There are of course always different work places and cultures, but there is also usually a lot we can do ourselves to influence the odds. Here are some ideas:
Learn from Others
Many successful people recommend learning from others who are doing what they want already. Look at who’s popular at your workplace and identify what you admire about them. You could ask someone you admire to mentor you. Traits like happiness, thoughtfulness and being a team player are common ones for popular people. I’m not talking about “copying” or being something that you are not, but about being aware of the ways of being that make it easier to get along with your colleagues. Once you have identified common traits of popular people you can look at what inspires you and work on developing those characteristics within yourself in your own way.
Be Generous
Being generous is worth highlighting when talking about popularity in the workplace (and otherwise). It is human nature to look out for ourselves first to some degree but taking the time to look out for others around you too makes you stand out and bucks the trend of “me first” that we can all get stuck in at times. Workplaces can be difficult; lots of different personalities under one roof being expected to work together harmoniously. Buying gifts for coworkers on their birthdays or covering for a coworker when they’re having a difficult time are some examples of ways we can show the people we work with that we care about them. Try to find ways to make life easier and more enjoyable for the people you work with and you will find yourself bonding with those around you.
Try Not to Worry Too Much about Being Popular
I know this might seem like it contradicts the title and what we are talking about, but sometimes that is how life works; we are more likely to get what we want when we stop striving for it. Have you ever noticed that when you try too hard at something, that it can make it worst? That is very much the case with popularity. Put your best foot forward around increasing your popularity at work; learn new skills, try new approaches and build better relationships with the people you work with and then… learn to let it go and be happy with who you are.
Bio: Jen Smith is a Life Coach, Mentor & Writer. She has tried many career paths herself and now helps people achieve their goals and dreams.
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