Win at Life
Work Relationships
Obviously the span of ‘things that we do for work’,
is insanely broad, so we’re going to keep this section as broad as we can too.
The self-employed cake designer would need different ideas to the headteacher – as would the neurosurgeon.
In reality – the roles may not be as clear-cut as all that, and if you work for yourself – these are people that you have to source yourself –
it’s possibly better and possibly a whole lot more work you haven’t got time for
(if you’re doing everything yourself).
Stepping back and identifying who fits where – can help you decide where to direct your attention, where you could develop relationships – and where you could maybe step back for interactions that aren’t taking you forward.
1. Colleagues
These are, quite simply, the people you find yourself with – because you got the job! It may be that you don’t have too much conversation with them other than is necessary,
They could be anyone from the new man working in the canteen, the car park attendant – to the CEO.
Colleagues are, in a way – the ‘extras’ in your work show – which may end up as friends, bosses or subordinates as your time with that company goes in.
If you’re in a large company, relationships with probably be with a small number of colleagues – with the odd notable exceptions.
2. Team Members
These are the colleagues that you need to work with regularly, perhaps in an office, retail outlet, department, kitchen, on a project, submitting a bid – or with any kind of common purpose.
These are the people you get things done with; planning, plotting, designing, implementing and reviewing.
The better your team relationships are, the more effective the team will be.
3. Work Friends
Often team members (but not necessarily).
These are the people you look forward to spending time with at work.
Maybe you’ll go to the canteen for coffee together, sit next to each other in meetings, and make a beeline for them at work events.
You might even make arrangements to see each other outside for work, from time to time.
Work friends are possibly the most important aspect of a happy workplace, fulfilling your social/support needs and keeping you sane – during what can be longer than the time you spend with your family.
4. Manager/Boss/Report
This person is the one who ultimately assigns you the work, and checks that it was been done correctly.
Ideally, they give the resources to help you succeed, motivate you, and helps to develop your skills.
Obviously, this isn’t every manager…
The relationship with your manager is an important one – you help them to meet their goals, whilst they do the same for you.
A great manager with work out how to get the very best from you – while a less skilled one may do the very opposite and make you more inclined to work to rule!
And that works in reverse for those you report to you.
5. Office Bestie (wife/husband)
This is (or definitely should be) a platonic relationship.
Your office spouse is your closest work relationship – and you are highly likely to trust them with intimate conversations about your feelings, frustrations – and what’s going on at home.
You probably laugh a lot with them – and the two of you are probably synonymous with each other; your names often said in the same breath; __Your Name___ and __Their Name__.
Or like Brangelina.
If there is any work gossip – you are more likely to share that with your Office Bestie who knows you better than anyone else.
6. Mentor/Mentee
The holy grail of professional relationships – a mentor is ideally someone who has progressed a few levels from where you are now.
They will be able to offer their wisdom and expertise to help you move forward quicker, avoid pitfalls, try out new mental models and advise on big picture stuff.
A mentor would ideally let you look at things from a different perspective, keep you grounded, and help you develop the thinking tools to achieve your potential.
Can you identify who, in your professional life fits into the categories above?
Is there a relationship you would like – and currently don’t have?
Is there one you would like to move away from?
?
Take a moment for an objective think about how your relationships are at work, overall?
How many people can you think of that currently fit into the following categories?
- Colleagues __________
- Team Members __________
- Work Friends __________
- Manager/Boss/Report __________
- Office Bestie (wife/husband) __________
- Mentor/Mentee __________
