What is your Work Image? Part 2
Two weeks ago I discussed communication style as it relates to your work image. This week I want to focus on your work clique and how it can affect your work image.
We spend eight hours a day (at least) five days a week at work. It is inevitable that we create relationships at work. We are social creatures and it is important to our mental and emotional state to build bonds with those around us. Most of our work relationships remain within the confines of work; however, some continue on into our personal lives. Regardless of the extent of your friendship, the image of your “friend group” and specifically their images can reflect on your own work image.
Below are a few descriptions of what I am talking about.
The Lone Wolf: The Lone Wolf is someone who has not built any relationships inside of work. The discussions between this person and other co-workers are for work purposes only. Lone wolves are not affected by others images, just their own. Usually they are seen as curmudgeons (think Ebenezer Scrooge) or work snobs-someone too good for the common folk with which they work. If you fit into this category it’s time to be a little more social at work.
The Clubber: I see this a lot among departments. It is natural that most of your friendships will be with those you are around and see most often-those within your department. However, if you are so focused on your department bonds that you rarely know people from other departments, you are only limiting yourself. Further, if you only hang out with a select few from your department it is even less becoming. Think about that group that always eats lunch together at their own table. You need an invitation into that club. People identify that kind of behavior as being “cliquish”, close-minded and ultimately not helpful.
Hanging Out with Negative Nancy, Lazy Lucy, or Incompetent Ingrid: Proximity assists in our bond building, but personality plays a part as well. So your work BFF has a reputation for being difficult to work with, but you see a different side of her-great! No one is saying don’t be friends. What is important is that you recognize the work image of your friends and work to negate the effects their image has on yours.
This is not a popularity contest. I am not suggesting that you go around and try to make friends with everyone you work with. What I am suggesting is that you take a look around your circle of friends-or lack thereof- and try to make it as diverse as possible. I work in HR, but I have work friends that span from Planning & Development to Creative Services. Sometimes I need a little mental break so I will stop by and say hi, other times we go to lunch together. There are two reasons for my friend choices: 1) like meeting and communicating with lots of different people, and 2) no one can pin me down to a certain “type” of group at work.
Your work image should be about you, created by you and be effected by the decisions you consciously make. Don’t let your work image get a bad wrap based on someone else’s doing.
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:56 am
I really look forward to these blog entries and the PennEnergy newsletter in general even though I’m now working for a seafood exporter the advice and information is completely transferable.
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:46 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog. Very eye-opening and thought provoking.
I would like permission to use this in my secretarial group newsletter, with full credit to you of course. Looking forward to your reply.
July 3rd, 2009 at 3:45 am
I agree with you on this blog, but I think slightly differently though about the approach to mingling with your co-workers. As you said, it’s a question of affinities at the end, even though one wants to be very political or win the “best co-worker” award. Besides, depending on the nature of your job, it’s not always possible to free yourself from your time consuming task, leave your desk, department, and then stop by your friends’ desks. So, I think there is great deal of “what your work environment looks like?”. Some companies offer a much better environment to employees, for social activities at the work place.
July 4th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Sir,
I am parthipan now i am working in FPSO FRADE in Brazil for mechanical commissioning technician, month this project finished within two month,
after i will not doing job, i will go for my god jesues christ ministry.
So thanks for your news letters
Thanks and Regards
praiser parthipan
July 6th, 2009 at 5:40 am
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July 6th, 2009 at 5:48 am
I agree with you i can do any thing but you sponser me and my friend aejaz we`ll do free work in your company for one year pls make sure visa policy for us we ll be thankfull to you pls reply
July 17th, 2009 at 4:49 am
I think it’s the nature of one’s work that would determine the extent of his or her relationship with co-workers.I’m a banker and my desk is so sensitive that do not guarantee a safety relationship if i get too close to people in the name of socialism.I beleive one should strongly consider the sensitivity of his or her work while making friends.