How can I have a better day at work?

byslcrist

443 followers

8 years ago

If you work in an office, does this sound familiar???

You: "Good morning".

Co-worker: "Good morning. How are you?"

You: "Fine. How are you?"

Co-worker: "Fine".

Even when everyone is pleasant, it doesn't make our day that much better. This type of greeting has become such a common habit that we think this is friendliness. To some degree it is, but it's not friendship, or honest concern or connection.

What if instead of just going through this robotic habit, we were to focus our attention on the actual person we are greeting, and connect with them in a more real and genuine manner? A warm smile, a question that involves personal details that engages them, and more of a reply than "fine" when they ask how you are... these are all ways to uplift yourself and your co-worker. Also, noticing that someone isn't their usual self, or that they're sick, is a great time to simply ask, "Are you ok?" or "Is everything all right?" They might actually open up if they trust that you are being genuine in your concern, and that they can trust you with whatever they choose to share.

When you show others you care about them, and when you take the time to let yourself care about someone in any real way, the sense of connection and compassion will improve your day. Work is work, but remembering that people are more than resources is important. If you have honest conversation and build on these friendships, you will see that everyone has issues that are difficult (health, children, spouse, job stress, financial, adjusting to medication, loss of a loved one, etc.).

Try connecting and engaging, rather than operating on auto pilot, and see if you experience a positive boost as you start your work day. Spending a few extra moments to really talk, listen, and reply with meaning can add more happiness to both of you.