How To Break The Ice & Make Friends At A New Workplace
Whether it's your first job or fifth, it is not uncommon to get the newbie jitters. The feeling of being new and alone, with no friendly familiar colleague can seem like a challenge. And most of us turn the first few weeks at a new workplace into an insurmountable challenge in our heads. However, there are certain ways through which you can deal with this situation positively and break the ice with new colleagues.
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Don't Wait For Introductions
If it's your first day at the office, then make sure you set your ego aside and introduce yourself to the other team members as soon as you can. Don't wait for your manager to do the job for you. Chances are he may be busy with some other,possibly more important tasks and have no time to make introductions.
Break Bread With Your Colleagues
Sharing food and eating together is a wonderful bonding exercise. But that doesn’t mean you show up to the workplace with a bag full of chocolates and cookies like Santa! Without making it obvious that you are using food as a tool to win your colleagues’ hearts – a little subtlety never hurt anyone– share some home-made specialties, tell a little story about it and have fun.
Show Interest In Others
Dale Carnegie published 'How To Win Friends and Influence People'way back in 1936, but his advice never gets old! Carnegie points out quite rightly that if you want to be interesting, then first learn to be interested. People like to talk about themselves and get heard rather than hear your stories all the time. So do try to show genuine interest in what they say. This practice will soon get you noticed in the new workplace, and hopefully, earn you a few friends.
Hang out with your co-workers
There's nothing wrong with going out for a coffee or a drink with your new colleagues. In fact, it will give you a chance to get to know them personally and break the ice big time! Moreover, if the budget permits, then invite them over for drinks during the weekend. It's a great way to cultivate relationships outside the workplace.
Compliment Others
The next time you see a colleague sitting right next to you in a great outfit or if the IT guy shows you a few hacks with your new email, don’t miss the opportunity to pay a compliment. People don't forget when someone gives them genuine positive feedback or an honest compliment. These are some of the most common yet overlooked ideas that can help you break the ice and start a conversation with your new colleagues. Also remember that the people who look the most difficult to talk to, are often the ones that have a lot to talk about. Just give them a reason to open up to you.
What according to you is the best way to break the ice with new colleagues and make friends at the workplace? Please share your ideas with us.