THE ART OF GETTING ALONG WITH PEOPLE IF
OVER the years in the corporate world, I have observed that the success of one’s career depends greatly on one’s ability to get along with people. Having all the knowledge, skills and experience will not help if one cannot work well with people. In fact,
employees learn to get along with one another, there are great benefits to companies as well as individuals: • People will communicate more effectively;
They will trust one another more;
There will be less conflict; There will be better team spirit;
Productivity will increase; Morale of staff will be higher; Individuals will be less stressful; and,
The workplace will be more harmonious, and people are happier. Here are 6 proven ways of getting along with people:
1. RESPECT ONE ANOTHER
One essential value to help us get along with people is to respect others. Yes, we may come across some seemingly difficult characters, but if we begin with respect for them, we already start with the right footing. Think of it this way, if God created such people which He deems them as worthwhile, then the very least we could do is to show respect for them. It is amazing how the power of respect can win over “seemingly difficult people”. Psychologists tell us that a lot of so called “difficult people” are actually suffering from low self- esteem. By showing them respect, we actually enhance their selfesteem, making it easier for them to make connection with others.
2. TAKE INITIATIVE TO GET TO KNOW OTHERS
There is one effective way to get people to like you. It is by taking a genuine interest in them. An effective way to build rapport with people is to ask about the other person’s interests, their work, their concerns and their families. Some people may come across as “unfriendly” initially but once you break the ice and show your interest, they will begin to respond warmly and they may even end up being good friends with you.
3. LOOK AT THE BETTER SIDE OF THE OTHER PERSON
No one is perfect. If we are to pick on each and every flaw of people, then we will find it hard to get along with everybody.
The key is to focus on the strengths of people rather than their weaknesses. People make mistakes. However, the art of getting along with people starts with recognising the right things people do and complimenting them. This is the concept of catching people doing the right things and reinforcing that behavior to encourage its sustainability in the future. We certainly cannot condone the mistakes others made. People are more open to correct their mistakes later, if they are first recognised for those things that they do right.
4. LEARN TO RESOLVE CONFLICT
There is no escape from conflict in the workplace. Even for the best people working together, situations will arise, leading to conflict. Addressing conflict the right way will ensure that people can continue to work harmoniously with one another. It is important to first understand the real situation and then acknowledge the problem. Communication should be open and focus on issues rather than individuals. Persuasive approach will work better than a coercive one. The strategy selected to resolve the conflict must result in a win-win outcome for both parties.
5. WATCH YOUR TONE OF VOICE AND NON-VERBAL GESTURES
Often it is not what one says that offends the other person but it is the way he or she says it. If we use a sarcastic tone in our suggestion to correct someone’s mistakes, the person will retaliate and defend himself.
Likewise, if we frown or exhibit a displeasure look, the party affected would not take it well. He or she might fight back all the way resulting in a full-fledged conflict. We must watch what we say but more importantly be very careful with the tone of your voice and your body language as you communicate with others. Make these your allies rather than your enemies if you want to get along with people.
6. BEING MAGNANIMOUS
The ultimate way of getting along with people is being magnanimous. People who are magnanimous have a generous attitude in showing kindness or forgiveness of any insult or wrong that others have done them. They do not take uncalled for remarks or insensitive outbursts personally. They do not seek revenge or harbour resentment as they refuse to let such “pettiness” bog them down. The magnanimous person practices what Eleanor Roosevelt advocated, “Nobody can get you upset without your consent”.
When a person is magnanimous, he has a big heart and he does not let trivial matters affect his or her mood or well-being, and that is a magnetic person, everyone will find easy to mingle with. Human resources are not the key asset of a company until their people learn to get along with one another. Human resource leaders can help create a more harmonious and productive workplace by encouraging their people to practice the 6 positive behaviours to get along with people better.