Brazen careerist
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I have practically nothing in common with any of my co-workers, and I’m having a really hard time just feeling like I belong here. Worse, this alienation can’t be helping my chances to really stand out as a great team player. Help!
08.18.08
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Email ThisAlter your approach to your co-workers. Even though you may not have bonded with any of them on any level, you can still acknowledge them by being present. If you let people do a great deal of the talking, you will be considered an incredible listener and a friendly individual...Alter your approach to your co-workers. Even though you may not have bonded with any of them on any level, you can still acknowledge them by being present. If you let people do a great deal of the talking, you will be considered an incredible listener and a friendly individual who sees things from their point of view. Et Voila! You are likable even though you aren't necessarily drinking the company Kool-Aid when it comes to the social scene. This may take all of fifteen minutes, leaving you ample time to head back to your desk to focus and get your work done.
I also think that there is a way to open up to each individual personally if you observe them independent of this collective group chatter. Appeal to the nobler motive of building a bridge to people by making them feel validated and understood. Pay special attention to ways in which you might connect to each colleague in a simple way. Compliment Susie on the photos she has up on her PC of her lovely kids. Grab an extra Twix bar out of the vending machine for Doug, knowing he has a sweet tooth. Ask Patty what she thinks of your new shirt, commenting that you respect her eye for smart fashion. Simply smile at people as you walk past their desk in the morning. Be sincere and you will create good relations by appealing to people's higher instincts even if you don't feel an incredible bond with anyone in particular.
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