You come across co workers every day, how well do you know them or do you know them at all. You may have a nodding acquaintance with some of them by uttering a quick hello or saying hi as you pass them by. You consider yourself to be friendly at the work place, smiling whenever circumstances warrant especially during meetings, if that is possible besides work gatherings. Does it really matter, well you would be surprised to hear, it does. It is important to build strong and positive relationships at work for the very simple reason; it is bound to increase your happiness, productivity and build a dream team as well.
Break the Ice
The first thing that will cross your mind is to grab a cup of coffee and get the other person to start a conversation. Well to actually get to know a person better, it is really important that you are able to engage with the other person, and breaking the ice is the most important bit. Start by asking a few random questions to get the person out of his or her shell. Refrain from talking about work or the usual stuff like weather etc, try and get creative, an internet search would throw up interesting ideas, like, which TV show host would you prefer to be interviewed by; if you like going for a picnic on a scenic mountaintop, where in the world would that be.
A Walking Meeting
Moreover getting out from the confines of your office and ending up in a coffee shop is not a brilliant idea in particular, so drop the idea of coffee altogether. It makes eminent sense to go out and get some real fresh air, better still schedule a walking meeting as walking, thinking and talking are inextricably linked together. Besides energizing both of you and making you all the more alert it enhances your relationship building efforts as is a great tool for socializing. The best thing about it is that a minor change in scenery brings with it a welcome change in perspective, be it work or interpersonal relationships and it is equally true for jobs in Hyderabad as well as jobs in Pune too.
Share Your Hobbies
Another great occasion to know a person better is to wish him or her on their special day. A token gift, a card can go a long way in striking a conversation, just ask the other person how they like to celebrate and maybe take the cue and set the ball rolling for a small impromptu party at the work place itself. Sharing hobbies can be an instant conversation starter as well as it opens up lines of communication.
Conclusion
One needs to draw a line between work socializing and personal socializing; the former needs to be structured so as to leave you with more time to work. By and by you will find people, with whom you share more in common and you would gravitate towards them, however bear in mind that showing up at work lunches or parties and catching up with people will stand you in good stead as you would be able to get along with people much better when you know them from a work perspective and that is what really matters in the work place, smooth functions and processes are a byproduct of the positive connect you develop at your work place, so touch base often.
