10 Tips for Being a Good Neighbour at Work → Ian's Messy Desk

If you work at a standard full-time job, you spend at least 35% of your waking hours on the job. That’s a lot of time relating to your co-workers. It’s no wonder workplace conflicts arise.

Just like getting along with the guy who lives next door, you need to make an effort to be a good neighbour on the job. Here are ten steps you can take to make sure you’re not the source of conflict at work.

Speak up:
Greet you co-workers as you meet them through the day. Take an interest in others. Demonstrate a caring attitude. Make others feel they important to you.
Shut up:
Listen more than you speak. Be careful what you say in stressful situations. Always say less than you think. Co-workers will gain confidence in you if they see you react calmly during difficult times.
Only promise what you can deliver:
If you make promises, be prepared to keep them, no matter what. The easiest way to lose the respect of others is by promising things that you are unable or unwilling to deliver.
Be kind and encouraging:
Take advantage of opportunities to show kindness or encourage others. Praise good work, regardless of who did it. If you must give criticism, do it helpfully and gently, never spitefully.
Be cheerful:
Everybody carries some type of personal problem. Sharing your minor aches, pains or disappointments will only bring others down. Being cheerful not only makes others feel good, it will make you feel good as well.
Keep an open mind:
Don’t argue with people. Learn to discuss. Learn to disagree without being disagreeable.
Know your own weaknesses:
Don’t get caught up in gossip. Don’t point out the speck in the other person’s eye while ignoring the plank your own. Tearing down another to prop yourself up is a huge waste of time.
Be sensitive of others:
Jokes at someone else’s expense are not worth the trouble. Think about other people’s feelings before you poke fun. Things said in jest often have the sharpest barbs.
Don’t listen to what others say about you:
The person making comments about you may not be fully informed. Let your own actions determine how others see you.
Don’t worry about getting credit:
Do your best. It’s the best you can do. Let your work speak for itself.