WEEK 13 - TUESDAY MAY 17th - BUILDING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

TUESDAY MAY 17^th 2011

WEEK 13

SWAT IT: DEMONSTRATE INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS

BUILDING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

POSITIVE: indicating, relating to, or characterized by affirmation, addition, inclusion, or presence rather than negation, withholding, or absence <took the positive approach and struck a new deal rather than canceling the contract.

NEGATIVE: lacking positive qualities; marked by features of hostility, withdrawal, or pessimism that hinder or oppose constructive treatment or development <a negative outlook> <negative criticism

Responses That Build Positive Relationships

Unfortunately, lack of respect in the workplace can lead to an unhealthy work environment. When people at work offend or humiliate us, it hurts our dignity and sense of self. It also affects our ability to work well. Our ability to perform at our best is dependent upon our physical, psychological and social well-being.  We have to rely on and work with others in order to be productive and achieve positive outcomes.

Another key to forming effective working relationships is to deal with differences directly. In a conversation where each person listens to the other, discovering more about the other’s values and opinions can be meaningful. One may, for example, discover a new perspective. While confronting differences face to face can be uncomfortable, attempting to understand them is a good step in building a positive relationship. This is more encouraging than withdrawing, blaming and fighting. Treating people unfairly because of differences only contributes to a hostile work environment.

The problem is that many work environments do not encourage positive relationships. Instead many of us have worked in environments where the supervisor and/or a colleague wait for an employee to make a mistake.  This is an environment where the focus is on ‘mistakes’ and this can lead to an unproductive and negative relationship responses. There are many ways to build positive relationships at work.

Respectful relationships at work also come from the cooperation and collaboration required to instigate solutions. When all workers are included in meetings, discussions, training and events, the opportunity for people to participate in quality improvement is created. While not every person can participate in every activity, it is important not to leave any one person out. Use people’s ideas to change or improve work, and praise much more rather than criticize. This attitude and environment can build satisfying and empathetic relationships.

                            Building Positive Relationships: Some Helpful Responses

1. Respect your colleagues and supervisor’s their point of view

2. Appreciate your time spent with them at work

3. Recognise their individuality

4. Accept differences of opinion

5. Know you can ask them for advice as you work through an issue

6 Being more than willing to offer your time and advice to them as well. The foundation of any healthy relationship,

                   Respect can be demonstrated by

1. Treating others with courtesy, kindness and consideration, regardless of their race, religion, gender, size, ability, age or country of origin.

2. Encouraging co-workers to express opinions and ideas. Listen to what they have to say before expressing your own viewpoint. Never interrupt or cut off another person.

3. Never insulting people, blaming, threatening or calling people names, even if you are angry or hurt.

4. Addressing conflict in a positive and respectful manner and reporting abuse, discrimination or harassment. Remember that constant criticism, belittling, judging, or demeaning behavior added up over time, constitutes bullying.

                      Reflecting Empathy

Empathy inspires one to be kind and sympathetic toward others. Developing the ability to respond empathetically to people at work requires a different way of thinking. First, it involves a commitment to suspending judgment while taking the time to truly understand another’s behavior. Understanding the needs, values and beliefs that influence an individual’s behavior can change one’s attitude toward this person. When you truly listen to them, you are able to develop empathy for their position or situation.

Secondly, an empathetic response involves acceptance of the facts. This does not mean that you agree with or approve of another’s choices. It simply means an acknowledgment of the facts without any value judgment. Understanding and accepting another’s behaviour can lead to forgiveness. Once again, forgiveness does not mean approval or agreement but simply a letting go of the past and looking toward a better future. When you forgive another, you have given up on revenge or retaliation. The accounts are balanced and nothing is owed for the mistake.