I used to get so anxious about working at a new company, wondering how I would get along with my co-workers without being the workplace snob or getting into everyone’s “business”? I needed a healthy balance.
Well, the reality is that office dynamics can be tough to navigate, particularly if you’re a newcomer. On one hand, you don’t want to stick out like a neon sign too much. On the other, you don’t want to build an invisible fortress around yourself, just to end up being known as the joykill. Where’s the balance though? We’d like to not indulge in every gossip circle, but still appreciate being offered that pack of chips or pastries someone brought back from their lunch break.
But let’s break it down and look at how we can strike a balance.
Step One: We’d start with a smile. Smiling goes a long way. We’re not saying that you should go around grinning from ear to ear 24/7 scaring people, we just give that friendly “Hello, I’m human” smile. You know, the kind that says you’re approachable without needing to constantly be in the spotlight.
Step Two: Be supportive, not nosy. We can show an interest in your co-worker’s tasks, perhaps share a helpful tip or two. Not too much for them to think that you actually want to do the work for them. You’d be surprised how much a little supportive gesture can help establish rapport without feeling like you’re imposing. However, don’t cross the line into the territory of being nosy, it’s not a nice place to be. We’re talking about knowing when to take a step back. When in doubt, ask yourself: are you being helpful, supportive or just really, really nosy?
Step Three: To share or not to share. A lot of us have this insecurity about sharing too much after we’ve had a conversation. Not all of us enjoy revealing our deepest secrets over the team bonding sessions, and that’s totally okay. We can share in other ways. Why not share from the ginger shot recipe you found over the weekend, or that cool shortcut you discovered on Excel? Little snippets of shared wisdom or interests can spark conversations without becoming personal drama tell-alls.
So, finding a balance in the office dynamic might take some tweaking, some trial, and some error, but we can find it. And if you work fully remote, we think you can apply the same things too.
It’s not about forcing relationships or trying too hard, it’s about being true to ourselves, while being respectful and supportive of those we work with. It’s about balance – a rapport that allows us to thrive as professionals and make our work-life just a bit more enjoyable.
