Cracking open your shell on a new job
Looking for a job?
CareerOne provides you with the right information about jobs so you can apply with confidence.
Discover your next job now
Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent or a young person entering the workforce for the first time, the prospect of becoming an employee or even a business owner can be very daunting. You may feel very overwhelmed at the prospect of it all. However, you can take steps to reduce the anxiety that you feel.
Make the First Move
When you are the newest employee or you’re trying to get clients, being the first to break the ice when you’re in a situation with colleagues or potential customers can really make it easier to start positive professional relationships. Simply saying hello or remarking (positively) about something related to your work can open the door to new friendships and working relationships.
Stay Positive
You don’t want to be the one in the office who is always complaining or spreading rumours. Instead, speak positively throughout the day at work. If someone is bad-mouthing someone else, don’t take part just to fit in. In some situations, it’s better to stay a bit apart from the action at work because participating can come back to haunt you, say if your manager or client gets wind of what was said.
Offer to Help
While, of course, you don’t want to be doing someone else’s job, showing that you are willing to help a colleague out when they are very busy goes a long way to showing that person that you are a team player and are kind. It isn’t hard to quietly help clean up after a meeting or to answer the phone for a business when someone else who usually does that job is busy. You can also offer to help on a large project that someone has to do. You can help ease their workload.
Take the Initiative
When you see something that needs to be done at work, do it, and don’t wait for someone to ask you to do it. Taking the initiative to get work done shows that you are a hard worker, and this can break down any barriers to getting to know colleagues. They may not know what kind of person you are, and showing them with your actions instead of with words all the time can make a positive impression.
Simply Be Kind
At the end of the day, you don’t have to go very much out of your way to be nice to the people you work with. A simple email to say thanks, or a “Good morning” can put people in a good mood. Even if you’re not a social butterfly or are nervous about being around so many people or working on a team (even if you work from home), making small gestures of kindness can help you to relax and get into the swing of work. Likewise, it can help people to feel more comfortable around you.
Show No Preference
Sure, you’re likely to have people at work or in your business that you like more than others, but be sure to treat everyone you come across with respect and dignity. No matter what their jobs are or whether you like them as individuals, be kind.
Stay Positive
Opening yourself up to people in the world of work requires a positive mindset that doing so is the best action to take. Sometimes, you may feel overwhelmed or frightened at the thought of putting yourself out there and taking a chance on being vulnerable. In the end, though, it will be for the best.
Beginning to work or to start your business requires a lot of courage and stepping out in faith that you will form great relationships with your colleagues and professional acquaintances. However, by taking these steps, you can show them that you are open, friendly, and ready to work.
