WAYS TO ENCOURAGE YOUR COWORKERS

Who doesn’t have that one coworker who is a bit annoying without even knowing it? They just need a bit encouragement, don’t you think? No matter what life throws at us, we have to stay encouraged.

As a collective, whether a family unit, a couple, or a coworker, people need people (great song, look it up!) Look, we ALL are just trying to make it through the day. And if we are crappy and mean all the time, well NO ONE will want to work with us, live with us, or date us! But when it comes to work, the collective has one goal… or two… you do the job, and you keep the job. Another key point is we want to be satisfied in our work.

Getting along with others is a tough one sometimes, and it tries your patience, that is no one’s best kept secret! However, If you have annoying coworkers (you may be one), who talk too loud or too much, the overachievers, the quite quitters, the ones who take your food out of the fridge and eat it, those whose work ethic is well, lower and slower than yours. I’m here to say, they need encouragement to want to be better.

THERE IS HOPE!!! We all want to do the happy and harmony dance everywhere we go, however, some need help from others to assist on that journey. Positive ways to help your coworker, just make feel good in the process. Let’s break it down a bit…

Annoying Behavior

1. Excessive Interruptions:

If a coworker tends to interrupt others frequently, whether making good points or not, try suggesting the importance of active listening during team meetings. Encourage them to jot down their thoughts and wait for appropriate pauses to share them. Moreover, do this with a smile…be the example, you start the jotting… All in all, we want to have a great day, right?

2. Negative Attitude:

For colleagues displaying a consistently negative attitude, recommend focusing on the positive aspects of work. Engage them in discussions about accomplishments and offer support during challenging times, after all support is needed. This can also be a sign that your coworker is struggling in other areas. All in all, anxiety can show up too, making someone feel they aren’t good enough, and hold negative feelings towards those who are doing well.

3. Poor Time Management:

If a coworker struggles with time management, provide them with tips like creating to-do lists or using time-tracking techniques. Offer assistance in prioritizing tasks if needed. Personal Tip: Buy sticky notes and write an encouraging quote on one and give the sticky notes to your coworker. with all things considered, remember your coworker may be overwhelmed for whatever reason, be observant, but not a nuisance.

4. Lack of Communication:

Let’s stay here for a few. We all have had periods where we haven’t communicated well, we’ve use passive aggressive tactics, or we’ve just plain “froze” someone out of the conversation, or we go silent! Basically, there is a reason…trust. Specially, we should give people a comfortable space and atmosphere to be able to trust and communicate effectively. Honestly this can be hard for others.

We can address this is different ways. First, we can address the entire team as a whole. Second, we can suggest regular check-ins. Third, remind everyone, the contributions each are making to the team and share it with each another. Fourth, play a word game (love them!), a word of the day! Surprisingly, giving people a comfortable space to communicate can break them out of old habits and into their true self!

5. Disorganization:

Guilty! As a matter of fact, did you know, being and staying organized is not only a healthy physical habit, but a healthy mental habit as well. It doesn’t matter what position we hold at the company our spaces should be organized in a way we understand and make us productive, and efficient. We also could help our coworker out by sharing personal organizational tips which might motivate them to improve their own personal habits. Really, some don’t know, what they don’t know.

6. Micro-Managing:

Don’t we love this one… and we are all guilty of it! The coworker who tends to micromanage, even if they are not in a position of authority (or even if they are!). Certainly, and tactfully, we must remind them of the importance of trust and delegation. Since, micromanaging comes in different forms, it uses the same philosophy…, control. Stay calm and be encouraging, share stories of successful collaborations built on mutual respect. Hint: Think Apple…

7. Inflexibility:

This is a case of “you don’t know, what you don’t know” And this comes from a place of the “fear of the unknown”. We encourage flexibility by emphasizing the benefits of adaptability. We learn more when we become adaptable. As an illustration, imagine the willow tree, it bends and flows in many different directions, through its ability to adapt, it never breaks. Encourage and highlight how being open to new ideas can lead to innovation and growth. People usually are inflexible due to a lack of knowledge. We must always continue to grow and always look at different perspectives and find new innovative ways to do the same old things.

8. Lack of Teamwork:

Basically, find the “WHY” Bad management can lead to lack of teamwork, despite this fact, there are other factors like, personal problems, not liking the job. Listen some managers are just that, a manager of “things.” Some managers don’t know how to LEAD! Leaders in companies emerge from everywhere. Some of your top performers are terrible managers. Being a part of a team and the power of collaboration bonds innovation and people skills, that’s what you want at work! If someone isn’t contributing effectively, you be the first to get the heart of “why”, you don’t have to wait for management to step in.

9. Constant Complaining:

Can someone get a “Gratitude Journal”, please? This is where you can really shine. We all have something to be grateful for, if not…. think of something! And those who complain all the time, are unhappy within themselves. Encourage them to share something positive each day to shift their mindset. Tip: Ask them to write a letter to their “future self” to read for the next day… Complainers can turn into positive proclaimers!

10. Ignoring Boundaries:

Setting boundaries is really to protect ourselves and in fact, I will admit, some people have to be taught this behavior. In essence, empathy and patience are a requirement for this. A suggestion would be to have an informal conversation with your coworker, ask specific questions about their boundaries and why they are important to them, and you share yours as well. Communication and even learning different strategies, in the long run, can create a better work-life balance for you both.

The goal is to approach these conversations with empathy and a willingness to understand their perspective. By offering guidance and support, you can foster a more positive and productive work environment for everyone involved.

Learning more about ourselves…helps others

Being confident in our own skillsets, enhances our ability to help our coworkers. Here is a great start, I have linked Gallup’s Clifton Strengths for your review. I loved taking the assessment and I learned a great deal about myself, I hope you will too!

The Benefits in Helping our Coworker

1. Fosters Team Collaboration: By assisting your coworkers, you contribute to a culture of collaboration. This helps build stronger relationships within the team and promotes a sense of unity. (Less stress)
2. Speeds Up Problem Solving: Addressing issues directly can lead to quicker resolutions. Instead of waiting for managerial approval, you can work together to find solutions on the spot. (possible job promotion)
3. Shows Leadership Skills: Taking the initiative to help coworkers demonstrates leadership qualities, this showcases your ability to take charge and support others, which can be recognized and valued by both peers and supervisors. (both of you get a promotion)
4. Reduces Managerial Burden: Managers have multiple responsibilities, and by helping each other, you decrease their workload. This allows them to focus on more strategic tasks and decision-making. (make your manager shine!)
5. Enhances Work Efficiency: Collaborative problem-solving often leads to increased efficiency. By working together, you can combine your skills and knowledge to overcome challenges more effectively. (make work friends)
6. Boosts Morale: When coworkers assist one another, it creates a positive work environment. The mutual support boosts morale, job satisfaction, and overall team spirit. (you feel better and they do too!)
7. Develops Skills: Helping others can sharpen your communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills. Teaching and explaining concepts to coworkers can enhance your understanding of the subject matter as well. You can become a SME. (subject matter expert) (join the training department)
8. Builds Trust: Mutual assistance builds trust and respect among team members. This behavior can lead to better communication, reduced conflicts, and improved overall performance. (PEACE OF MIND)
9. Encourages a Learning Culture: Sharing knowledge and expertise encourages a learning culture within the team. This benefits everyone by promoting continuous improvement and personal growth. (Namaste)
10. Demonstrates Empathy: Offering help demonstrates empathy and concern for your coworkers’ well-being. This contributes to a more compassionate work environment. (soul spirit tribe)
11. Nurture a Supportive Network: When helping others, they are more likely to reciprocate when you need assistance. This creates a supportive network that can be invaluable in times of need. (a work husband or wife)
12. Leads to Career Growth: By showing your willingness to help, you position yourself as a valuable team member. This can lead to recognition, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to take on more challenging projects. (SUCCESS!)

Words of Encouragement

We all need them, and we all want to strive and be successful in our lives! Joy is found in helping others.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

Let’s chat soon!