Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Compassionate Eye Foundation/Janie Airey
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Business, Psychology, Jobs
Ella Scott
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Business, Psychology, Jobs
A business expert has revealed some common signs that show your colleagues like you and how you could go the extra mile to earn a little bit more respect in the office.
Michael Doolin was once the human resources director at PwC, British Airways, and DPD in Ireland - so it's safe to say he knows a thing or two about the workplace.
Now, he is the CEO of Clover HR, a business which provides bespoke HR consultancy services and solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises across the UK.
On Monday (February 17), the specialist spoke to Business Insider about the anxieties he’s found some employees face, including whether or not they are liked by their colleagues.
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According to the expert, being well-liked at work can have a major impact on your performance and your chance at gaining a well-deserved promotion.
Of course, not everything at work boils down to performance. Because if you don’t love your job or get along well with the people you’re doing it with, then going into the office can be a real pain.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your colleagues actually like you, then there are some common signs the expert says you can keep an eye out for.
Doolin says that if you’re actively being encouraged to participate in projects or being asked to undertake jobs and/or new assignments on behalf of your manager, then this is a likely sign that colleagues enjoy your company.
“Equally, being asked to attend meetings and events, both social and professional, is a sign that people want you around and that your input is valued,” he continued.
“When a manager asks a colleague for their opinion, it shows that their contribution is respected.”
Unless you work solely for yourself, there will be times during your day job that you will need to collaborate with others.
Doolin says that if you can easily share information with others, contribute to informal and formal meetings and show some real team mentality in front of your manager, then you’re probably well-liked and respected.
However, if you find teamwork difficult, then you could build your relationships in other ways, such as going out of your way to make hot beverages for people in your work area.
“Small things like making coffee and tea are seen as thoughtful gestures,” he explained.
“They foster goodwill, showing you're willing to contribute to the group's comfort and camaraderie.
“It demonstrates that you're a team player and reflects a positive, approachable attitude, which is key to building strong workplace relationships.”
Are your colleagues always laughing at your jokes? Do they respond to your witty remarks in good jest?
If so, then that could be a clear indicator that your colleagues like you.
If humor isn’t really your bag, then Doolin suggests you try some self-depreciation to get your work buddies on side.
“That said, be confident in who you are.
“You don't need to pander to a stereotype to be liked. I've played on my Irishness in the past, but I use the pride and confidence I have from being Irish to help me form relationships.”
The way someone behaves around you can easily indicate how they feel about you.
If they present good body language - such as smiling, laughing, or turning their body to listen intently to you - then these are all signs of being well-liked, says the HR star.
You’ll also be able to see if someone doesn’t like you by focusing on their smiles, says psychology graduate and TikToker Francesca Tighinean.
“A lack of genuine smiles or limited facial expressions signals disinterest or lack of warmth in the interaction,” Tighinean wrote, via the New York Post.
People taking a step back from you or maintaining a noticeable distance could also show that they’re uncomfortable around you.
Small talk is unappreciated, says Doolin.
So, if you’re a pro at meeting and greeting people and genuinely taking an interest in what your co-workers are saying, then you’d probably rank quite high on your colleagues’ favorites list.
Social and relationship-building skills are sometimes underappreciated but can play a really crucial role when it comes to workplace politics.
“They enhance communication, build trust, facilitate conflict resolution, and support career development,” added Doolin.