Don't hate your co-workers just because they're not you

In the office, a little self-awareness goes a long way.

An article in last weekend's Sunday Times had some interesting statistics on the attitude of holidaying business people to their gadgets that keep them in touch with the office. A whopping 97% of people surveyed took their mobile phones with them on holiday and 68% took either a laptop or a Blackberry.

The article, quite rightly, outlines that mobile communications can either be a help or a hindrance depending on how you manage them and while some people need a complete break while they're away, others find it less stressful if they keep in touch with work so they know they're nothing ominous brewing or awaiting them on their return to the office.

When we work with business people, we encourage them to take various steps to understand in greater detail how they work best. It sounds obvious but frustrations in the workplace and compromised efficiency crops up time and time again when people either don't know what their strengths and weaknesses are, or, they know what they are but they don't cater for them carefully enough.

There are 3 main areas where knowledge of how you perform best can save you time, energy and reduce office stress levels.

1.Communication
Some people like to write and some like to talk. Those who like to read emails, reports, project updates and instructions don't like people who process information verbally and see lots of meetings and chats as a waste of time. Those who learn by talking things through can't understand why the visual learners won't stop for a chat.

Tip - You can spot those who process information verbally - they'll often say things like 'I hear what you're saying' or lean their heads to one side or the other when they are listening to you. Those who learn visually will say things like 'I see what you mean' and look up a lot when they're talk as they visualise what they're saying.

For a smooth running office, all learning and communication styles must be catered for. One is not better than the other.

2. Larks versus Owls
Some people perform best first thing in the morning while others take a while to warm up and are at their best later in the day. Knowing when you perform best and when the rest of your team is at their most effective allows you to schedule important meetings when you're sure you'll get the best input from all those attending.

Tip - You usually can't change people from one group to the other so getting frustrated at a colleagues lack of attention in a morning meeting will only wear you down. Compromise and do it in the afternoon to make your life easier.

3. Details vs. Bigger Picture
Everyone in the office deals with information in different ways. Some can't perform unless they know all the finer details of a project. Others hate detail but are brilliantly efficient as long as they know what they are contributing fits into the wider purpose of the team or the company. Knowing which style you prefer allows you to manage your workload effectively. Knowing which style your team prefers enables you to manage them effectively.

Tip - Pair up small stuff people with bigger picture people to get tasks completed faster.


What role do you play in the office and how do you manage it?