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Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers

They might be a little strange, but your co-workers are what get you through the day. Share your best strategies and tips to work well with others, and how you work as a team with those around you.

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Network Leader: Rebecca Thorman
Groups > Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers
 
Heath Port Good for her for showing us that we don't have to work ourselves to death to be successful. At some point you have to ask yourself, "do I live to work, or do I work to live?" I would be interested to hear what mind set others have found in their work place around this. http://tinyurl.com/7o3feo3

5 weeks ago from Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers, Ask A Coach, Rocky Mountain Networking and Boulder, CO2 more

 
Heath Port If you haven't read it, I highly recommend this book. I am reading it now and it is excellent so far. Even if you aren't in the business world I still highly recommend it and its a quick read. The concept centers around openly sharing knowledge and helping others as the key to success in the new economy as opposed to the previous method of divide an conquer intrigued me. http://timsanders.com/books/love-killer-app.html

37 weeks ago from Mentors & Mentees, Networking Tips, Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers, Denver Careerists and Boulder, CO3 more

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Heath Port: You both have good points. I think it's my fault for not being clear on the crux of the book. Its not really focused on business models per say ...MoreYou both have good points. I think it's my fault for not being clear on the crux of the book. Its not really focused on business models per say as much as it is on individual behavior. His main point is really to be willing as an individual to be open and help others and be seen as a wealth of knowledge that you are willing to share with others rather than the old model of knowledge is power so you should keep it all to yourself. The argument is that you set yourself up more to be seen as valued by others over the long run and throughout your career rather than a mini tyrant. Now don't get me wrong there are lots of people that have built their little fiefdoms hoarding information, but that is as much that individuals employers fault for rewarding the behavior as it is that individual. These people typically don't do well when in a situation where they are moving from one new career move to another. They only can operate if they can manage to hold on to the position they are currently in. And in this day and age where people move around a lot professionally, that isn't as sustainable.
36 weeks ago
JRandom42: As big and powerful as Linux has become, it's become even more vulnerable. Kernal.Org, the main repository of the core linux kernal software, got ...MoreAs big and powerful as Linux has become, it's become even more vulnerable. Kernal.Org, the main repository of the core linux kernal software, got hacked and no one realized it for over 6 months. They still don't know if the kernal was compromised or not still. Also, with over 500 different distributions of Linux (see distrowatch.org), it's vulnerable to forking and fragmentation in more and different directions.

And let's not get into the long-standing fights on the direction of Linux, as chronicaled by slashdot.org
36 weeks ago

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Heath Port: @Noel, doesn't it just give you that extra energy to feel that productive on a day off? I know sometimes I can feel like my days off were wasted ...More@Noel, doesn't it just give you that extra energy to feel that productive on a day off? I know sometimes I can feel like my days off were wasted which can be a real bummer!
@Kathy, glad my use of groovy brightened your day a little bit. :)
39 weeks ago
Edward Antrobus: No, not in the least. And I do have work to do...and have to be to bed early for tomorrow.
39 weeks ago
 
Becky Benishek One more day to go! If you register for our free Workplace Bullying webinar on June 23 and can't attend, you'll get a link to the slides and on-demand recording after it's over! http://ow.ly/5nRBI

48 weeks ago from myFootpath, Job Resources and Career Coaching, Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers and GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals2 more

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Becky Benishek: I'm glad you were there! I felt the same way, we need a series on this. I believe they are working on a YouTube clip that will address the ...MoreI'm glad you were there! I felt the same way, we need a series on this. I believe they are working on a YouTube clip that will address the questions they didn't get to during the webinar--and hopefully include the ones they did so everyone can benefit.

47 weeks ago
Chris Parker: That is great to hear, I will watch that as well
47 weeks ago
 
Becky Benishek Happy to announce a FREE workplace bullying webinar! Workplace Bullying: Define, Recognize, and Respond | Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. ET. Get more info and register now! http://ow.ly/5dUPT

50 weeks ago from myFootpath, Job Resources and Career Coaching, GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals and Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers2 more

 
Becky Benishek Every day in America, 12 people go to work and never make it home. Today is Workers Memorial Day--let's consider safety a priority for ourselves and our co-workers. Articles: http://1.usa.gov/kPG0Ad and http://bit.ly/lceamM

56 weeks ago from myFootpath, Job Resources and Career Coaching and Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers1 more

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Russell Friesenhahn: Remember when we were younger and you never thought about death like that? I mean it happened, but only to old people. I'm only 26 but in the ...MoreRemember when we were younger and you never thought about death like that? I mean it happened, but only to old people. I'm only 26 but in the last few years, I've recognized my own mortality. I try to enjoy life as best I can, but knowing it ends just kind of gets to me sometimes. You know?
55 weeks ago
Becky Benishek: Russell, I completely understand. It can be hard to not-think about it!
55 weeks ago
 
Heath Port I recently watched a lecture on the power of vulnerability and blogged about my personal experience with the topic. I would love to hear your perspectives. http://tinyurl.com/48lejd5

63 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Denver Careerists, Boulder, CO, Rocky Mountain Networking and Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers3 more

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Matthew Sigmon: Some wonderful insight in your reply, Heath, and I see where you're coming from. Anything like this that cuts straight to the nature of identity ...MoreSome wonderful insight in your reply, Heath, and I see where you're coming from. Anything like this that cuts straight to the nature of identity is ultimately profound, and I really appreciate you being bold enough to lay it out in an open forum. Thanks so much for sharing your views on this and being open to mine!
63 weeks ago
Alyssa Maas: @Heath - Thanks again for a great post. The thing that hit me the most about your post and the professor's talk, was the word "embrace." I think ...More@Heath - Thanks again for a great post. The thing that hit me the most about your post and the professor's talk, was the word "embrace." I think that is what all relationships come down to, whether personal or professional (with your work, or with people) embracing that you are who you are and believe in your fight is all you can do. I once heard a definition of word integrity that I think applies here as well. A professor of mind said, "integrity, at it's root is doing what you say you are going to do." - For me, being a person of integrity requires you to be vulnerable - if commitment to action is what you stand for, you are better off being upfront about your limitations than promising the world and delivering less.
63 weeks ago
 
Heath Port I recently watched a lecture on the power of vulnerability and blogged about my personal experience with the topic. I would love to hear your perspectives. http://tinyurl.com/48lejd5

63 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Denver Careerists, Boulder, CO, Rocky Mountain Networking and Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers3 more

 
Heath Port I recently watched a lecture on the power of vulnerability and blogged about my personal experience with the topic. I would love to hear your perspectives. http://tinyurl.com/48lejd5

63 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Denver Careerists, Boulder, CO, Rocky Mountain Networking and Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers3 more

 
Heath Port Difficult coworkers. How do you deal with them. I write about it in my post "Difficult Coworkers? Bludgeon them with Understanding." Share your thoughts on the topic. http://tinyurl.com/4plnxzt

66 weeks ago from Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers

 
Becky Benishek The Dos and Don'ts of the Office Holiday Party: Come and get your etiquette on at 12 PM CT TODAY (Tuesday the 14th) on our Twitter #careerchat! http://tweetchat.com/room/careerchat

75 weeks ago from myFootpath and Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers

 
Becky Benishek Seasonal cold creeping up to you in that incubator we call the office? Got a sneezer in the next cube and a cougher down the row? Try these tips to keep the cold and flu out of you! http://ht.ly/3iOE1

76 weeks ago from myFootpath and Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers

 
Becky Benishek Seasonal cold creeping up to you in that incubator we call the office? Got a sneezer in the next cube and a cougher down the row? Try these tips to keep the cold and flu out of you! http://ht.ly/3iOE1

76 weeks ago from Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers

 
Barbara Hall I'm having a major issue at work - ongoing for 3+ yrs. 2 women - Boomers - do not like me, and show zero respect no matter what I do, or how hard I work. Its just never good enough for them. One doesn't want me to learn her duties but then complains that I don't help her. I overheard their convo today and they are planning some sort of sabotage. Also, one does payroll & disclosed my salary/raise to the other. In previous incidents, it was brought to my boss' attention, but swept under the rug.

82 weeks ago from Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers

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Barbara Hall: @Dave - I will definitely take this experience with me and learn and grow from it. And thanks for the link - its hard to believe that some people ...More@Dave - I will definitely take this experience with me and learn and grow from it. And thanks for the link - its hard to believe that some people never grow out of this childish act of bullying.
82 weeks ago
Dave Ellis: No problem. Happy to help.

Yup. It is truly sad. They are bitter, little insecure people who deal with their fears by trying to dominate others ...MoreNo problem. Happy to help.

Yup. It is truly sad. They are bitter, little insecure people who deal with their fears by trying to dominate others to make themselves feel more stable.

So sad for them...
82 weeks ago
 
Becky Benishek What team-building activities do you enjoy? What can't you stand? Join our #careerchat today at 12 PM CT and tell us about those great motivational activities and events you've gone through--and those that you wish had never been invented. Use Tweetchat to make it easy! http://tweetchat.com/room/careerchat

82 weeks ago from myFootpath and Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers

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Becky Benishek: There are definitely many wrong ways to go about team-building, especially if the activity is mandatory. One of the suggestions that came up in ...MoreThere are definitely many wrong ways to go about team-building, especially if the activity is mandatory. One of the suggestions that came up in the chat was to have the employees dictate what the activity was, not the manager.
82 weeks ago
Chris Parker: That might help, I would just think having a more bonding experience other than doing something silly like rope climbing or activities like that ...MoreThat might help, I would just think having a more bonding experience other than doing something silly like rope climbing or activities like that would be a better way to build a team. But so many places do not want employees sharing personal life and professional life.
82 weeks ago
 
Becky Benishek Today is Cranky Co-Worker Day! Appease your cubemates (or yourself) with coffee, chocolate, a knit hat--or a reality check. What's the cranky person's real message? Stress, workload and bosses all contribute, but is it all about the attitude? http://ht.ly/30aVR

82 weeks ago from myFootpath and Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers

 
Becky Benishek Friends at work--can it really be boiled down to a statement like this? "When you get to know someone outside the office, you may see a different side of them that makes it hard to respect them at work or you may bring personal feelings into professional situations." Do you agree or disagree? Here's the link: http://ht.ly/2VKuZ.

83 weeks ago from Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers and myFootpath

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Bryon Ownby: This is a good thing to think about @Becky. For me, if I am willing to hang out with them after work, it is generally because I am able to get ...MoreThis is a good thing to think about @Becky. For me, if I am willing to hang out with them after work, it is generally because I am able to get along with them quite well during work. I am usually able to read people quite well in the office based upon having conversations of their out of office activities to anticipate how they will react to off hours office events.
82 weeks ago
Mehnaz Thawer: I agree with Byron. I've had friends whom I've liked at work because our personalities have meshed well, and we've been quite good friends ...MoreI agree with Byron. I've had friends whom I've liked at work because our personalities have meshed well, and we've been quite good friends outside of work. On the other hand, you do run the risk of meeting someone with multiple personalities: excellent coworker, not so hot after hours. But I think if you're discerning enough, generally you can tell.
82 weeks ago
 
Becky Benishek Friends at work--can it really be boiled down to a statement like this? "When you get to know someone outside the office, you may see a different side of them that makes it hard to respect them at work or you may bring personal feelings into professional situations." Do you agree or disagree? Here's the link: http://ht.ly/2VKuZ.

83 weeks ago from myFootpath and Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers

Becky Benishek: In any case, this is great timing for our Twitter #careerchat on Workplace Friendships today at 12 PM CT! :)
83 weeks ago
 
Becky Benishek Our next #careerchat is on Workplace Friendships. How you relate to your co-workers may have an impact on your career! Should you befriend your boss or your direct report? Where do you draw the line at socializing? Is it just smarter to keep your personal and professional lives separate? Chat with us on Tuesday, Oct 19 at 12 PM CT. Lots of fun with #careerchat!

83 weeks ago from myFootpath, Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers and GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals1 more

 
Rebecca Thorman This week is my first week working remotely for my job (the company is in Madison, Wis and I just moved to Washington, DC). So far, so good but I can tell I'm going to miss my colleagues! I've made my boss and closest co-worker get webcams so we can video chat; we already use gchat and phone. I'm going to check out some coffee shops and occasionally work from my boyfriend's office. Are there are other suggestions to stay in the loop and not become isolated?

85 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management, Location Independent, Relocation, Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers and Washington D.C.3 more

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Elysa Rice: JRandom42: the security of wifis in a great question. my work pays for a Verizon MiFi for me to use to have internet anywhere.
83 weeks ago
Patrick Pho: Two things:

I encourage the employees on my client team that work on-site in Detroit to contribute to employee communications like the weekly ...MoreTwo things:

I encourage the employees on my client team that work on-site in Detroit to contribute to employee communications like the weekly newsletter- so they feel more connected and we have a slice of their life as well.

Second, Northside Social is the go to place in Clarendon for coffee/laptopping but check out Java Shack in Court House for an off-the beaten path place as well.
83 weeks ago
 
Becky Benishek Stuck in an office petri dish of confict? Can you resolve any issue without damaging relationships—or your career? Awkward Work Conversations TODAY @ 12 PM CT: Twitter #careerchat! Sign in to Twitter through Tweetchat.com.

87 weeks ago from myFootpath, GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals and Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers1 more

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Becky Benishek: I'll definitely post the link to the recap when it's up. Ironically, I didn't attend either because I had a department function at the same time. ...MoreI'll definitely post the link to the recap when it's up. Ironically, I didn't attend either because I had a department function at the same time. But I read through the transcript and there was a lot of good advice.
Thanks for recommending!
87 weeks ago
Becky Benishek: I'm back! Here's a short recap that contains the link to the full transcript and other resources. Enjoy! MoreI'm back! Here's a short recap that contains the link to the full transcript and other resources. Enjoy! http://connect.mypath.com/mypath/thread/2217
87 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman Have any of you ever considered asking to work remotely for your position? Not just from home, but from another city? Essentially, becoming location independent, but as a salaried professional (not freelance). Do you think you would like it? Would you miss your coworkers and boss' interactions? What do you think would be good and bad about the arrangement and how would you deal?

88 weeks ago from JobSTART 101, The Boss-Employee Relationship, Productivity & Time-Management, Work/Life Blur and Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers3 more

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Dave Ellis: Oh yeah... Good point, Bonnie! I forgot about the "ending the day" part. The "office" is about four feet from my couch here. I do tend to find ...MoreOh yeah... Good point, Bonnie! I forgot about the "ending the day" part. The "office" is about four feet from my couch here. I do tend to find myself at work at 11pm... ok, 1am...
87 weeks ago
Sarah Peck: Inc magazine did a great cover story about working from home (April issue, I believe), and how it helps / hinders the work environment. Great ...MoreInc magazine did a great cover story about working from home (April issue, I believe), and how it helps / hinders the work environment. Great stories. Here's a link to one of the articles (see related links for more stories) http://www.inc.com/magazine/20100401/no-office-no-problem.html
87 weeks ago
 
Jamie Nacht Farrell I always like being viewed as the "inspiring" executive in the workplace, but at the same time, I want to ensure I "keep it real". In 'keeping it real', you are required to be 'negative' about certain things. I believe I've been able to balance NOT looking like a negative person AND keeping it real by staying positive and light hearted in general. How do you feel about the 'haters' in your company? How have you gotten your points across without seeming like a bitch? http://bit.ly/9AySck

90 weeks ago from Work/Life Blur, Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers, Ask Penelope Trunk! and Office Politics2 more

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Jamie Nacht Farrell: Good point Sean. Something I frequently say is, "the data shows that.....". Numbers don't lie.
90 weeks ago
Kim Luu: Jamie,

When you use facts and take out emotions from the discussion, it's hard for anyone to consider you as negative especially if you're ...MoreJamie,

When you use facts and take out emotions from the discussion, it's hard for anyone to consider you as negative especially if you're bringing up the need for solutions. As a manager, I have to bring up issues about finance all the time, with both clients and employees. It helps when you address what the consequences are.
90 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman I would like to do an informal survey for a post I'm thinking about. Are you game? Okay: 1) How often do you interact with your co-workers/boss on work-related business face-to-face? 2) Would you like to increase or decrease that rate? 3) How often do you interact with other people outside of your company face-to-face? 4) Would you like to increase or decrease that rate? 5) How essential is it to interact with others face-to-face in your position? Thanks in advance!

92 weeks ago from Company Culture, Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers, The Boss-Employee Relationship and Productivity & Time-Management2 more

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Rebecca Thorman: Thanks all! Interesting to see the variations :)
92 weeks ago
Barbara Hall: 1. Several times throughout the day.
2. Decrease with co-workers. Too much time being spent finding ppl in the warehouse to relay a message. Then ...More1. Several times throughout the day.
2. Decrease with co-workers. Too much time being spent finding ppl in the warehouse to relay a message. Then it turns into a 15min conversation about personal life. Stay the same with boss. We try to shoot one line emails back and forth for quick answers to questions. And try to meet 1x week to go over projects - sometimes this is 1x month.
3. 1x a year at Annual Trade Show.
4. Increase.
5. Not essential. I could do about 80% of my work remotely. Working to get there.
92 weeks ago
 
Becky Benishek We recently asked this poll question: How important is it to be friends with your co-workers? It got me to thinking, my job is a lot of fun, but I'm also happy to come in because I have close buddies and like my teammates. So how "real" are work friendships? Do you consider them the same as with your friends outside the office? Does it make a difference if, say, you go to a co-worker's house for a party versus just going to happy hour? I'm interested in hearing your thoughts about this.

93 weeks ago from Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers

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Lindsay Wyskowski: I definitely agree with Rebecca's comment. I think even if you adore the work you're doing, having friends (both at work and outside of work) is ...MoreI definitely agree with Rebecca's comment. I think even if you adore the work you're doing, having friends (both at work and outside of work) is key to enjoying life. If you're lacking in the friend department, you're more likely to leave in search of a better situation.
93 weeks ago
Becky Benishek: @Lindsay, That's probably very true!
93 weeks ago
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