Be kind to workmates

When was the last time you performed a random act of kindness at your workplace? Just a simple act that benefited someone else and you gained absolutely nothing other than the satisfaction of making someone else happy.

The workplace can be a cut-throat, stressful and even hostile environment at times. In the event you’ve forgotten how to be kind, here are a few simple things to start with.{{more}}

• Invite someone to lunch. The meal should not be expensive, the goal is to build a relationship with the person, get to know them and vice versa.

• Help out on a project. Imagine you have a major deadline, time is of the essence and a co-worker voluntarily offers to help you meet your deadline just when you thought the task was impossible. How would that make you feel? Now do it.

• Remember special occasions. If its someone’s birthday, give a card, say Happy Birthday, buy an inexpensive gift (no joke gifts please), celebrate births, pending marriages, and offer condolences in times of bereavement. This can be done on an individual basis as office birthday clubs sometimes become too political and expensive.

• Job well done. Instead of frowning and gossiping when a colleague gets a promotion, make it a point to congratulate them on their new position.

• Mentor a new employee. New to the company or new to the work world, take the time to share your expertise with someone who is trying to get a handle on his or her new environment. Even experienced workers could use a little advice.

• Offer rides. If a colleague does not have a car or their vehicle is in the mechanic shop, make it a point to offer a ride especially in inclement weather.

• Refill the machines. Something as simple as refilling the printer and copy machine with paper can be a big time saver for someone. File or deliver faxed documents laying around at the machine to the appropriate person.

And finally the simplest act of kindness is to greet your coworkers, say hello, good morning or good afternoon with a smile.

• Karen Hinds President/CEO Workplace Success Group
Toll Free: 1-877-902-2775
Tel: 1-203-757-4103
Karen@WorkplaceSucces.com
www.WorkplaceSuccess.com
Creator of The Workplace Success Program (TM)