10 Ways to Get on Everyones Good Side at Work - The Muse

10 Ways to Get on Everyones Good Side at Work - The Muse10 Ways to Get on Everyones Good Side at WorkHaving a hard time getting along with a certain coworker? Not sure how to break the ice between you and a colleague? Or, are you just hoping to take your relationship with your boss to the next level- a.k.a., past awkward acquaintances?Getting on someones good side- no matter who he or she may be- is just as important as sitting down every day and doing your actual job. For starters, it helps your team work better together. And the better you work together, the happier and mora enjoyable your actual job can be. (See that full circle we just did there?)All it takes is a little extra effort. Not sure how to get started? Ive listed 11 ways below.1. Throw Out a ComplimentYou know how much it brightens your day to walk into the office and have a colleague compliment your recent presentation, or even mention how flattering your new haircut is. So its no surprise that your little comment cou ld have the same positive effect.Instead of focusing solely on your own to-do list, meetings, and stresses, recognize that everyone around you is in the same boat and could use a kind word.Do it TodayPick a co-worker, any co-worker, and casually toss out a compliment. Maybe she finished a project before the deadline, maybe he had a successful sale that day, or maybe her homemade lunch just looks amazing. It doesnt have to be a significant accomplishment, just an acknowledgement. 2. Make the Conversation About the Other PersonOn average, we spend 60% of conversations talking about ourselves. Thats not shocking if you really think about it. (Dont believe it? Try counting how many times you say I in your next conversation and tell me Im wrong.)Whats my point? We love talking about ourselves, almost so much that we tend to shut everyone else out. Knowing that, the key to getting on someones good side is as easy as letting someone talk about him- or herself and simply listening, rather t han chiming in every other second.Do it TodayAsk your coworkers about their lives outside the office. What do they normally do on the weekends? And- heres the trick- actually pay attention to what they say. 3. Ask for FeedbackNobodys perfect. But some people certainly appear to be. So if youre normally the employee who never asks for assistance or always binnenlandseems to have everything put together, youre probably pretty intimidating. You dont need to play dumb, but you should show people that youre not above making mistakes, asking for feedback, or seeking out constructive criticism. Do it TodayRequest feedback on a recent project, report, or meeting. It can be as simple as saying, Im looking to improve on XYZ- and Id love your thoughts on what did I do well, as well as what I can work on in the future.4. Confront the ProblemQuick story When I was in third grade, this girl used to always glare at me during class. Eventually I got the courage to ask her if I had done something to upset her. She told me that I always glared at her during class so she thought I didnt like her either Turns out I was partially blind and needed glasses, so whenever I tried to see across the room I had to squint, making it look like I was always a bit unhappy.The moral of this story is that if you think theres something between you two, confront the situation. Do it TodayIf this scenario sounds familiar, resolve it today. Shoot the person an email asking if you can talk for a few minutes. Odds are the conversation will either be, No sorry, I have resting bitch face, or Actually I hate when you interrupt my meetings Either way, youll be on the way to figuring out the issue.For more, check out How to Disagree With a Co-Worker (and Not Want to Punch Each Other) for ways to healthily solve a disagreement.5. Stay Away From GossipPeople might like the Work Gossip for his entertainment value, but they certainly dont trust him. Your coworkers will feel more comfortable approaching you if they know they can count on you not to spread rumors. And youll feel a lot better about yourself when people recognize you as a good friend, rather than a good storyteller.Do it TodayThe next time you want to send a snarky email or chat to a co-worker, stop yourself and do something else productive instead. Check Facebook, take a walk, or get up and grab a glass of water. 6. Be ThankfulThis sounds silly, but often something as simple as thank you is all it takes to get on someones good side.Why? Because we dont really say these two words enough. Weve become so accustomed to expecting certain things at work- someone opening the door for you, someone fixing the coffee machine, someone giving up a conference room- that we forget to be grateful for the little things.Do it TodayGenuinely say thank you to a co-worker before the day is over.7. Be Aware of Other Peoples Schedules and HabitsEveryone functions differently, so even if you think your schedule works great, it may not be ideal f or everyone. Acknowledging that is the first step to becoming easier to work with. So when you want to do things your way (a.k.a., only holding morning meetings because its when your brain is sharpest), consider putting aside your preferences and letting your colleagues have some input, too. Do it TodayThe next time someone asks to meet with you, dont just send your availability. Also ask what works best for him or her. Novel, I know.8. Offer to HelpDont you have days when you wish you had an extra pair of hands? Well, tell you what, you could be that extra set of hands to someoneYou cant be expected to take everything off another persons plate, but even just offering to bring lunch while he or shes cranking out reports could make someones day. Do it TodayWhen you have free time, dont use it to catch up on Instagram. Instead offer up your assistance to a co-worker who looks overwhelmed. 9. Initiate an InteractionSome employees are shy or more introverted, so they might seem like the y dont like you simply because they dont know how to approach you. So, be the first one to initiate and get to know someone.Do it TodayThe next time you pop out of the office to grab lunch, or a coffee, invite someone you dont often speak with to joih you.10. Plan an OutingThe best place to actually get to know someone is usually outside the office- away from all the formality and jargon. Youll be able to have a more casual and relaxed conversation thatll (hopefully) lead to you bonding over something besides the new accounting strategy.Do it TodayShoot out an email to your team asking whos available to grab a drink next week. Simple, right?11. Know When Its Time to Connect (and When Its Not)Sometimes people are just not in the mood to chat with you- about work-related matters or otherwise. Be aware that while your conversation may be about an upcoming project, it might not be on this persons radar at the moment. Do it TodayBefore you interrupt someones work with a project status up date, do a quick visual check to see if he or she seems busy, or even just in the zone. If so, refrain. Photo of co-workers laughing courtesy of Shutterstock.