Making friends used to come very easy to most of us when we were kids. You would just go to school, the playground, or camp and instantly you would meet new people and, in a short time, make new friends.
As we get older, you can take a nod from your 9-year-old self and try these three (3) things that can help improve your social network – in and outside of the office.
1. Give compliments: Everyone likes to hear nice things about themselves. Make a point to share positive observations, kind words, and praise about everyone at work, but especially to people you’d like to be friends with moving forward.
2. Ask them to join you for . . . Whether you are heading to Starbucks, outside to eat your lunch, or even an art gallery after work – ask others to tag along. Just like when you were a kid, some people will like the same or similar things that you enjoy. Asking someone to join you is an easy but great way to make a new work friend. After a few weeks, be sure to ask them to join your LinkedIn and other social media networks that you’d be OK sharing with this co-worker.
3. Ask questions: In the right setting everyone, even shy people, likes to talk about themselves. If you want to really get to know someone at work, start with the basics and ask them questions about where they live/grew up, their family, and other personal hobbies and interests. In order to make them feel comfortable also share some facts and information about yourself.
No matter what age you are, we can all use a friend(s) in the workplace. Your goal is to be social and cordial to everyone, and to select a handful (at most) of co-workers who can also become friends. Just like any relationship, start slow and let things evolve naturally. This week try one of these tips and start cultivating a new work friendship that might be a source of great support.