How to Be Liked By Everybody at Work - The Muse

How to Be Liked By Everybody at Work - The MuseHow to Be Liked By Everybody at WorkYou want to be well-liked by absolutely everybody in your office (who doesnt, right?). Sure, those donuts you bring in for your team every Monday morning are definitely a step in the right direction. But, when it comes to being admired and respected, theres a little mora to it than those frosted pastries.Whats even more important? Being an inclusive and empathetic team member. Embodying those qualities will leid only mean youre well-liked, but also respected.So, how do you go about it? Here are a few tips to set you in the right direction. 1. Resist the CliquesMuch like in a high school cafeteria, cliques can quickly form at work. You find the people who you get along well with, and then you tend to spend the majority of your time socializing with only them.That might be comfortable, but its hardly inclusive. So, challenge yourself to venture outside of your usual group and interact with some new peopl e.Sit with a different table at lunch or strike up a conversation at happy hour with someone youve never met before. The more you can put yourself out there, the better 2. Pay Attention to Your LanguageYou know that being inclusive means being all-encompassing. But, youd likely be surprised at how often your word choices can betray your intentions.Did you departure an email with a seemingly casual hey guys? Perhaps a more neutral hey team wouldve been better. Did you provide well wishes for a holiday you just assumed your co-worker celebrates? Did you make a comment or remark that you meant to be humorous- but could be easily misconstrued by someone with a different cultural upbringing?Listen, as long as you were well-meaning, most people wont take offense from a minor slip-up. But, if you really want to roll up your sleeves and be more inclusive of all of the people you work with, keeping a watchful eye on your words is a great place to start. 3. Be the New Employee Welcome WagonYo u likely know firsthand how intimidating it can be to start a new job. You need to get up to speed on the entire company- while feeling like you dont have a single ally or confidante in your corner.Why not step up and be that trusted friend for people who are just getting started? Take a new team member out for lunch or for an after-work drink during his first week. If you see someone looking lost in the hallway? Help get him to where he needs to go.Being warm and welcoming to new employees is not only just the nice thing to do, its also a great benefit to you too- youre widening your web of contacts and friends in the office 4. Think Outside of YourselfWhile youre gathered around the coffee pot in the morning, one of your colleagues laments to you that shes feeling totally stuck in Excel. Considering that youre hardly a spreadsheet whiz yourself, you commiserate with her and then go about your day.But, being inclusive extends far beyond just what you can do for someone else- it hel ps to bring some other people into the fold as well. So, if you know for a fact that Dave in accounting is a tried and true Excel master, offer to connect the two of them so that he can help her with her problem. Doing so is a surefire way to not only be more inclusive yourself, but to encourage that atmosphere across your entire office. 5. Ask QuestionsPeople sometimes assume that being empathetic and open-minded means blindly accepting things without a second thought. But, in reality, that couldnt be further from the truth.Inclusiveness is about understanding and accepting all different types of people. And, asking questions about various beliefs, traditions, or opinions is a great way to engage in a thoughtful conversation while learning more about the people who differ from you. So, talk to that team member about that cause she regularly volunteers for or ask that colleague about that religious tradition hes currently honoring. Theres nothing more inclusive than putting in the e ffort to get to know people on a deeper level. When it comes to being well-liked in the office, bringing in the occasional treat is a great place to start However, being likable goes much deeper.Employees who are inclusive, empathetic, and friendly are the ones who are always most admired and respected by their team members. So, put behauptung tips to work, and youre sure to have stronger bonds with all of your co-workers.