DaĂ ich weggezogen bin, mit amerikanischer Personalarbeit nichts mehr zu tun und mehrfach “unsubscribe” geklickt habe, hĂ€lt amerikanische Personalarbeiter (bzw. in deren Selbstwahrnehmung “Human Resources Specialists”) nicht davon ab, mich weiterhin regelmĂ€Ăig mit ihren Newslettern zu beglĂŒcken. Manchmal habe ich dann auch gerade nichts besseres zu tun, weil das Teewasser noch nicht kocht oder so, und lese die Dinger sogar. Zum Beispiel den nachfolgenden, der mich doch ein wenig verstört zurĂŒckgelassen hat. Ich fasse das GewĂ€sch fĂŒr die, die gerade doch was besseres zu tun haben, kurz zusammen: Menschen mögen dich, wenn du devot bist, nicht stinkst, lĂ€chlest, wenn dir der Bully wieder dein Pausenbrot abnimmt, so tust, als fĂ€ndest du sie interessant und ihnen schmeichelst*. Was ist denn das fĂŒr ein Menschenbild, zefix?
Mich begeistert ja nun wirklich nicht jede Alterserscheinung, aber die, daĂ es mir inzwischen wirklich wurschtegal ist, ob mich jeder mag, fĂŒr die haben sich die Jahre doch gelohnt.
6 Ways to Become More Likable at Work
1. Making a peace offering. If you know you’ve offended someone by saying the wrong thing, then simply say “I’m sorry.” If you’re too shy to do that, or afraid you’ll mess it up, try sending an email. Even better, drop a small gift at the person’s desk, such as an coffee mug labeled with the person’s favorite sports team.
2. Doing the smell test. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this uncomfortable topic. Often, you’re unaware you have bad breath or body odor that is offensive. Maybe you don’t wash your hair often enough, or your clothes smell musty and unpleasant. All things that can drive away colleagues very quickly. Sometimes even your friends or family members won’t be honest, so consider going to a nice hair salon where you can get an unbiased opinion. Talk to your doctor or dentist, who may discover you have a health issue that is causing an unpleasant odor.
3. Smiling. There’s really nothing more effective or easier to do if you’re trying to win over colleagues than to just smile. Look them in the eye when you pass in the hallway and think of something that makes you happy. That way the smile will be genuine and not some fake facsimile that will creep people out. Smile when you see them first thing in the morning, and let it be the last thing you do before leaving work every day.
4. Sharing. If you make great brownies, bring some to work to share and post with a note: “Hey everyone…enjoy!” (Make sure you sign your name.) Or, if a client sends you a box of fruit for the holidays, share with your colleagues. Share an interesting article on the industry or share information on where you recently found really cheap gas.
5. Asking questions. Colleagues often steer away from those who can’t shut up, who have an opinion about EVERYTHING or who are NEVER wrong. Tell yourself that every day you are going to ask at least three questions. It can be something like, “What did you do this weekend?” to “What’s the most challenging thing you find about working with that new software?” to “What was the best presentation on this subject you’ve ever heard?”