Make Friends with your Co-Workers

Your boss may be in charge, but your co-workers are the people with real influence over your career. Good relations are imperative to success. Here are some tips:

• Help out. When you see a co-worker in need of assistance, don’t wait to be asked. Offer your help and do your best to support him or her. You’ll share in the success, and encourage others to help you.

• Share the credit. Remember that you’re part of a team. When you receive praise for a good job, mention those who contributed along with you. They’ll appreciate your willingness to spread the credit around.

• Communicate with honesty. Don’t hide information from your colleagues. That doesn’t mean sharing every detail of your work or your life, but keep co-workers updated on what’s going on and how it may affect their work—for better or worse.

• Be friendly. This sounds basic, but busy workers sometimes forget the essentials of a good relationship. Wish people a good morning, smile when you see them, say “please” and “thank you,” and be as cheerful as you can. No one enjoys working alongside a grouch.

• Bring cookies. Maybe you’re not a master baker, but you’ll always score points by bringing snacks to the office. Be a little creative: Instead of doughnuts or candy, find some healthy munchies like granola or fruit that people can enjoy without adding on unwanted weight.