Coach and business consultant Evgeny Kreslavsky is sure that we can become happier in the workplace. Provided that we observe some rules of work in a team.
To cooperate means to work productively together and achieve common goals, to help each other, to support. But we are not always ready for this. We are generally big individualists*. Russians love to build high fences (literally and figuratively), do not trust their partners and do not listen to their colleagues (“not” is one of the most frequent words in our speech**). At work, this manifests itself in the fact that we are careless in relation to each other: we do not transmit information on time, we forget to answer letters when planning, we do not take into account the interests of colleagues … In general, our level of cooperation is extremely low. And that is why we are unhappy at work: the need for business communication remains unsatisfied, we cannot rely on colleagues, because we ourselves are not ready to support them. Meanwhile, following the basic principles of cooperation, you can become much happier.
See others. Often we are convinced that we are doing the most significant work in the team and we have the right to act in a way that suits us. And it’s convenient for us to communicate formally – after all, we are very busy! But work in a team is not effective if employees do not respect the feelings and interests of each other, do not appreciate the contribution of each to the overall result. Therefore, it is important not to ignore the requests and questions of those with whom we work (after all, they need an answer). Make an effort on yourself and try to respond to colleagues. And in a difficult situation, take on some of their responsibilities.
Talk more often … at the table. Where does trust arise? First of all, at the table. Lunch – when we have a snack together, drink coffee and talk about different things. At the negotiating table – when we try to understand the interests of the parties and within their framework we find a common solution. At the conference table, where we publicly express our position and listen to the proposals of others. Of course, meetings after work also help build trust, although it must be borne in mind that such rapprochement does not change the distance in the working relationship.
Set clear rules and follow them. For example, to agree that we share information. Or that during a general conversation we do not look at the smartphone. There may be less obvious points, such as “never sit on my desk” or “don’t raise your voice at me.” Even the odd rules are practical and work great.
Align interests. Conflicts always exist, and resolving them constructively does not mean making concessions. It is better to look for a solution that is useful to everyone. And for this you need to openly express your interests and feelings. Is it easy for a colleague to guess about your long-standing resentment if you do not tell him (her) about it?
Understand your interests. At work, we often act impulsively, obeying strong emotions. Do not rush, take a break to analyze: what do you actually want? Sever all relationships with business partners? Understand what happened and try to cooperate further? Or would you prefer to be compensated for the wasted effort and leave? Each situation has its own tactics, which best suits your interests.
* V. Magun, M. Rudnev “Basic values of Russians in the European context.” Social Sciences and Modernity, 2010, no. 3–4.
** According to the project “One Speech Day”, carried out at St. Petersburg State University under the direction of A. Asinovsky.
Evgeny Kreslavsky, director of the New Opportunities Institute (St. Petersburg).