Whether you’re stuck in an office cubicle, waiting tables or student-teaching, you’ll be working with people in some way or another. One of the most important things of joining the workforce is learning how to work and interact as a member of a team, regardless of your position.
To help you out, we have broken down the different types of people you may encounter at your internship or job.
The Boss
There is nothing worse than going to work every day and having to face a demanding boss with unrealistic expectations. No matter how hard you try to impress him or her, it seems like you just can’t do enough.
While some people’s attitudes are impossible to change, you always have the power to control yours. Be more open-minded and try to see things from your supervisor’s point of view, you may then be able to better understand how they work and why they expect the things they do. While this may not make them less demanding, it can help to improve your performance and relieve some of your stress.
The Friend
One of the best parts of working is forming relationships with people who understand what it was like to be in your shoes and are willing to help you improve. It is useful to have a mentor whom you can go to with questions and be completely honest with.
As you embark on your new job, be open to the supervisors or managers who try to reach out and help you. More importantly, initiate conversations and forge new connections on your own. It may just be the start of a lasting friendship.
The Leader
It is the one who is not afraid to take charge of any situation. If you are especially shy, then the group leader would most likely be your lifesaver.
Don’t be embarrassed to ask for guidance, the leader will usually be more than happy there to help. As you become more comfortable with your role, don’t be afraid to become the one who initiates projects or reaches out to others.
The Go-getter
In many workplaces, there is always this one colleague who turns every day into a competition. The one who is always trying to outdo everyone or going all out to impress the boss. While having someone to push and challenge you can be beneficial, the added stress can take a toll on you over time.
Learn how to be confident in your own abilities and do not compare yourself with others – just focus on what you are assigned with.
The Gossip
Unlike in schools, it can be quite hard to draw the line between being social and being labeled the resident gossip in the office.
As you get closer with your colleagues, learn to filter what you say because word gets around quickly in an office and it can easily come back to bite you. Feeling uncomfortable when someone else initiates the gossip? Smoothly change the subject into something that will interest them.
