No matter what industry you’re stepping into, socializing with your new workmates can be a tough nut to crack. This might somehow be intimidating and you may have butterflies in your stomach each time you want to start a conversation, but you figure out that you don’t know the other person completely and you fear messing up. Work and business can be a hell of a lot more pleasurable if you develop friendships with the people around you, making friends with your co-worker while you both work on that blocked stormwater drain is the same as two chefs making friends whilst preparing a full course meal. Whether it is a blocked drain, an 18-hour surgery or a home renovation, it is a lot more comfortable when you’re around people you are friendly with.
Fret no more! Here is how to go about it:
1. Introduce Yourself and Participate in Small Talk
As you walk into an office setting for the first time, you may be in a position where you are too nervous to talk, or you may feel out of place. These feelings are natural but can be dealt with. All you need to do is make the first move – let people know who you are. Engage with a couple of workmates away from your work station and introduce yourself. Get involved in small talk and you will surely feel more at home.
2. Always be in the moment
After introducing yourself, don’t zone off or start looking at your phone. Stay engaged with them, respond to questions, ask anything that you are uncertain about and generally be actively involved in the conversation. This will go a long way in making the people you are interacting with feel at ease as they engage with you since they know that you are interested in what is being said.
3. Always be ready with a smile while at the work place
A smile works wonders to make a great first impression. A smile that doesn’t seem fake will definitely warm the heart of someone even before you start talking., You may have a rough morning at times, however, you shouldn’t let that get in your way. Do what makes you happy and enter that office with as much positivity as you can. This sends a great message to your new workmates and you will definitely enjoy your working environment and you will always be approachable.
4. Offer a snack in once a while
Food is also a key source towards the hearts of many. Presenting homemade snacks once a while such as baked cakes or cookies is another way of creating a good impression on your workmates. This is also a great conversation starter since many will admire your baking skills or which recipe you use.
5. Have a positive attitude
An optimistic person is one who always looks at all issues from a positive perspective. This is one of the hardest things to achieve, especially at a new work place setting. Present a positive attitude in everything you do and you will capture the hearts of many.
6. Always be willing to assist around the work space
Become involved more in the office and do your best to always be present. Helping out around the office is also a way you can get to interact with more fellow staff members and learn more about what the new work place entails, their cultures and what they hold dear in their daily endeavours. This will show that you are interested in getting more out of your new job. It will help you familiarise yourself with the norms of the office procedures and be part and parcel of that community. Offering assistance is a great aspect of networking as well.
Being armed with these tips and practicing them frequently will definitely eradicate the feeling of being left out in the office space. You might even make a best friend or start a long lasting friendship team!
