Do you ever feel like you spend more time with your coworkers than you do with your family?
A lot of us work long hours, day after day. The pressure of juggling tasks, doing more with less, and managing mounting stress can take a toll on our mental and physical health.
We spin our wheels when we know we need to be the best versions of ourselves, maintaining a helpful and pleasant demeanor with our internal and external clients alike.
Does that sound familiar?
One of the best ways to make your time at work more enjoyable and productive is by establishing or contributing to a collaborative space.
But the ability to create a collaborative space at work while being mindful of our emotions can elude us for one simple reason: our humanness.
How do we preserve a spirit of cooperation when working with diverse personalities, differences of opinion, clashing values, and varied interpretations of priorities?
How is it possible to rise above the small stuff and remain focused on the big picture?
The answer to creating a collaborative space at work lies in leading yourself first in all relationships—professional and personal—by honing the three skills I’m about to share with you.
One of the best ways to make your time at work more enjoyable and productive is by establishing or contributing to a collaborative space. Click To Tweet1. Confidence.
The ability to address business and life situations with confidence is one of the most attractive traits we can possess.
Interestingly, at times when we need it the most, confidence can elude us.
Examples include making an unpopular or difficult decision that impacts your team, mustering the courage to take a stand on behalf of your peers, or the need to address a critical issue with a coworker or manager.
When we can tap into our inner resolve in these situations, we have the opportunity to strengthen relationships and solidify our reputation as a proactive problem-solver who values the wisdom of a collaborative, rather than a combative approach.
2. Composure.
Much has been written recently about the importance of EQ.(emotional intelligence), over IQ,(cognitive intelligence).
It can be challenging to respond professionally to a disparaging remark. Having composure allows us to keep unpleasant business interactions from spiraling out of control.
When such conflicts escalate, the damage to our working relationships may be irreparable.
Worse, negative consequences can be immeasurable in terms of lost productivity and impact on our organization’s reputation.
Responding to these scenarios with mindfulness will go a long way to restoring calm, re-establishing trust, and reminding all that harmony and respect are the keys for outstanding teamwork and a great workplace culture.
I’ve written more on sustaining an extraordinary workplace culture—find it here.
3. Credibility.
A job title does not signify instant credibility! But many of us attribute this trait to one’s credentials.
The truth is, credibility has nothing to do with position power and everything to do with consistency in action.
We admire individuals who are not only clear about their values but live them on a daily basis.
A job title does not signify instant credibility! The truth is, credibility has nothing to do with position and everything to do with consistency in action. Click To TweetBy the way, you don’t want to miss what I wrote about the 5 Biggest Credibility Killers Leaders Can’t Ignore.
When we tell others we “value great workplace relationships”, are we demonstrating this core belief in all our interactions?
We acquire a positive reputation by being values-based in everything we do.
Imagine the possibilities if we all committed to saying what we mean and meaning what we say.
Values not only drive our behavior, but they also drive an organization’s purpose.
When we communicate authentically, we are able to connect with our peers on a deeper level and appreciate different points of view.
By developing a greater understanding of others, we are able to contribute to a collaborative space, enjoy the camaraderie of our colleagues, and achieve renewed passion for our chosen vocation.
Another way to create a better workplace culture and a more collaborative space is by encouraging diversity and inclusion. You can learn more about that here.
If you’d like to learn more about my motivational speaking services, let’s get in touch!
You can also learn more about my consulting and coaching services here.
This article was originally published on January 31, 2015, and has been updated.
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