Fostering friendship in the workplace goes a long way in boosting productivity and lowering work-related stress. But striking a conversation with a co-worker is easier said than done for most people. While some of us may find it quite easy to befriend a co-worker from another department or branch office, there are quite a few others who find it challenging to connect with their own team members on a deeper level.
Here is how you can break the ice to introduce yourself and make lasting friendships with anyone in the workplace.
Smile with Your Eyes
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea to flash a bright smile at every single person who walks past them. Some of us simply cannot bring a smile to our lips no matter how much we try. There is hope, though. Try smiling with your eyes. Making eye contact with a person and holding their gaze for a brief 5 seconds while thinking of something that makes you happy and gently nodding your head forward is equivalent to a warm smile that comes straight from the heart.
A Genuine Hello
You read it right. A sincere “Hello” or a greeting of the day is more than enough to break the ice and pave the way for a more meaningful conversation. Especially for those of us who are shy, a “hello” is manageable to any extent. The conversation can be continued with a “How are you?” or something more relevant to the corporate tone such as “I heard you’re working on an interesting project. I’m sure you’ll do a great job.” Such an icebreaker is sure to beget a warm response.
Skip the Weather
Talking about the weather may have worked wonders a couple of years back. But not anymore. In an office setting, talking about your take on the new remote work policy or the perks of returning to the office is more likely to get the conversation moving on an encouraging note. This is an interesting icebreaker if you have already been introduced to a co-worker and wish to connect with him/her further.
Coffee. Lunch. After-work Drinks.
Well, all is fair in love, war and office camaraderie. Take a co-worker out for coffee or share your home-cooked meal during lunchtime. Better still, head straight for a drink after office hours to connect with your team on a more personal level. Such activities are not just ice-breakers but also dealmakers when it comes to building a positive rapport with the people you work with.
Show up for Team Gatherings
Jump at the first chance when out-of-office gatherings are arranged because this is a great opportunity to meet and connect with members from other departments as well and talk about everything under the sun except work. Studies show that team spirit is heightened with an increased sense of belonging after employees return from out-of-office gatherings.
Make them Talk about Themselves
People love to talk about themselves. So, if you have run out of ideas to start a decent conversation with a coworker, simply ask an open-ended question about him/her. A good example goes like this: “How do you strategize your work schedule so well in a time-bound manner? I wish I too could manage my time like you.” This will definitely get the conversation started at a reasonably good pace. Your co-worker would be more than happy to share a few tips with you and also ask you about something they admire about you.
Spread Positivity
Even if you have a grumpy look, try not to sound irritable or begin to grumble about your unhappiness at work every time someone asks how you have been. Always sounding positive will attract more people towards you to soak in the golden hues of your positive attitude.
Just Be Yourself
Finally, you are who you are and you wouldn’t want to put up a fake façade just to make friends in the workplace. A genuine person will appreciate you for who you are and will enjoy your company at any cost. So, if you are not too inclined to make lots of friends at work, focus on your job, excel at work and always spread a positive attitude.
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