How to be a Pleasure to Work With

Come to your work space with a positive attitude.

Of course nothing in life is perfect, but arriving at your work space with an upbeat outlook on the day, job, project, etc will only do good things. I promise. I’ve worked with a number of people who were “black clouds” on a daily basis and NO ONE wanted to work with them.

COMMUNICATE and BE CLEAR.

I have worked on these two points an incredible amount throughout the years and like any type of relationship, it takes constant work and attention! People aren’t mind readers and you need to CONVEY what you need done, how you need it done and when you need it done…. And, if something’s bothering you, nip it in the bud.

Respond to emails in a timely manner.

This may seem simple, but try your best to respond to your coworker/client emails timely. If you can’t get to a full response, send a quick note to say “Thanks for your email. I just wanted to let you know I saw it and I will respond by _______ with a more in-depth response”. Then the other person isn’t left in the dark.

Be open to input from your team/coworkers/employees.

Some of the best ideas have come from collaborations and teamwork, so be open to the idea that YOUR way isn’t always the best way or only way.

Have boundaries.

Don’t get wasted with your employees or tell too many personal stores (TMI!). Keep work separate from play. “Just say NO” to after-hours extra work, weekend work (if you have that option) and doing personal tasks for your boss, unless that is part of your position.

Acknowledge when others are doing a good job.

(Don’t just focus on the things they’ve done wrong.) Humans need to know where they’re thriving. Who wants to go to work to be nit-picked and brought down? Not me. I want to feel good about my work and know that I’m (hopefully) making a difference.

xo
~Rachel