Upside, downside of on-the-job friendships

Getting along well with members of your team is basic to productivity. And having an actual friend at work can be helpful and make your day more pleasant in most cases.

To keep your friendship in a positive state, the communications department at Washington State University recommends:

• Be open and trustworthy.

• Be fair and objective in giving friends your support.

• Avoid favoritism among fellow workers.

• Have friends away from work so you have someone to turn to if your workplace friendship deteriorates.

• Don't let discussions of personal problems take much of your time.

• Realize that if either you or your friend is promoted, your relationship will change.

Men or women coming into an office from another city often form friendships that include their spouses. They may go to dinner or attend concerts together. But it's important to cultivate other friends in the new city as soon as possible.

If your best friend at work is your spouse, you have a delicate situation. Experts say only a small percentage of such arrangements has a positive outcome. There are few couples who really want to be together 24/7.

Get more recognition for your accomplishments

Everyone wants to be recognized for their contributions and good work. It's part of what's called "psychic income," the elements of a job not concerned with benefits or money. 

Here are a few ways to improve your recognition factor:

• Make friends with your boss. You have to be liked. You were liked when you were hired, but that may not continue automatically. You could fall out of favor if you are careless or overconfident. Review what your boss liked about you when you were hired and keep those qualities.

• Talk to your supervisor. Discuss what you have done and give well-thought-out ideas and suggestions for improving the bottom line. Find a reason to talk with the boss instead of sending a memo. 

• Do more. Volunteer for additional assignments. Increase your visibility by participating in fund drives and community-relations activities. Join your boss's favorite charitable organization.

• Be ready for your appraisal. Carefully note your strengths. Tell what you accomplished, how you could have done something better, what areas of conflict you have . If the review isn't what you hoped for, think of ways to make the next one better. 

• Never complain. It brands you with the reputation of a complainer.
  
  

How to win the support of co-workers

Whether you've moved to a higher level in your own department or moved to a new one, gaining the respect and cooperation of others is important to your success.

In-house mentors can help, including your supervisor. Get advice on how to avoid pitfalls and promote your plans. Get your boss's approval of any changes you plan to make and your timetable for making them.

It pays to determine who the opinion leaders in your department are. Once you do, spend extra time getting acquainted with them, especially before meetings. It pays to make friends. They can be very helpful.

When you are tagged to lead a team of experienced people, acknowledge any frustrations they have and invite suggestions on how to make the team more effective.

Office politics can play a role in your new workplace, so think about how to get support for your agenda. Listen to others. Perform additional duties that associates appreciate. Look for easy wins in the beginning.

Sometimes you will be working for a supervisor who says change is needed but actually doesn't want to change anything. In this case, you must realize your plans will take longer to develop.

>> "Business Basics: Supervisor's Corner" articles