Thursday, April 15, 2021

The Coworkers You Need

You can’t choose your family, and in many cases you can’t choose your coworkers. But you can seek out those who can help you at work.

To make the most of your work experience, both professionally and to build a positive workplace community, spend some time considering the skills, abilities, and personalities of your coworkers. Get to know those who have great ideas, who work well together, and who stick up for each other.

12 Types of Coworkers to Seek Out

1. The Bestie – A BFF at work can not only improve your job satisfaction but can help you be more productive. But the relationship should be one that clicks naturally—don’t try to force it.

2. The Critic – You need someone who can give you the glass half-empty view. What’s not working? How can you do something better? Honest feedback will help you in the long run.

3. The Cheerleader – Everyone can feel snowed under and down in their work at times. The Cheerleader’s energy and positive mood picks everyone up when you run into obstacles.

4. The Integrator – Every workplace needs someone who can bring people together, who’s good at reading others, and can pull in those needed to get the job done. Integrators get the big picture and are well-connected.

5. The Advocate – When something goes wrong, you need someone who has your back. In a union setting, your steward is your best advocate. They have the support of your rep and are knowledgeable about your collective agreement.

6. The Foil – Whatever your personality type, it is helpful to get to know someone who is your opposite. They help open your eyes to other and perhaps better ways of doing the job. Even though you will be tempted to seek out a like-minded BFF—and they’re good to have—don’t avoid the Foil.

7. The Competitor – It may seem counterproductive to make friends with the “enemy,” but a coworker who you are competing with could become a useful ally. Learn to collaborate with them and you will be seen as a team player.

8. The Confidante – Everyone needs someone they can vent to and celebrate with. The Confidante is understanding and forgiving and will always have time for you—even when you’re a pain—and is never a gossip.

9. The Sponsor – Yes, it helps to rub shoulders with someone who has pull who can help you blow your horn when opportunities for promotion come up. Establishing trust with a sponsor will help in times of trouble or opportunity.

10. The Pioneer – Every workplace needs them—people who are full of new ideas and new ways to tackle the work. They look at the job from angles others don’t consider. Pioneers make you a better at what you do by opening your eyes to possibility.

11. The Detailer – Yup, they’re a pain. Detailers obsess over the minutest of details. But they are invaluable to ensure quality work. They often catch small problems that could turn into big problems later—or even present a safety threat.

12. The Lifer – Get to know those who have been at your company a long time and know its history. They can be a calming influence during turbulent times—“Don’t worry, we’ve been through this before and survived.” They also have a wealth of practical knowledge to draw from, both about the work itself and the personalities involved.

Source: forbes.com, monster.com, fastcompany.com

The Coworkers You Need

12 Types of Coworkers to Seek Out

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