Let’s face it - we spend just as much time with our coworkers (or even more) as we do with our families. And because of this, it is highly likely that we will bond with our officemates, and probably even build a few long-lasting friendships that will keep going even after we leave the company.
But, what happens when you look around the office and feel like you just don't fit in? You know the feeling. You’re standing by the water cooler, and it seems like everybody (and their mother) saw that movie over the weekend but you. So, there you are -- smiling, nodding your head, sipping your water, trying to come up with something, anything you could contribute to the conversation. And then you slowly dismiss yourself from the group and awkwardly start walking back to your cubicle. “Oh well,” you tell yourself. “I’ll try again tomorrow.”
Well, friends, today is the day to try again! Here are a few ideas on how to build office friendships so that you may never have that awkward walk back to your cubicle again:
- Say “hello” every morning and “have a good night” every afternoon. Just by starting this one-on-one correspondence, you are opening up a line of communication that can eventually lead to more conversation.
- Don’t rush the process. Self-disclosure is not something you want to dive into. Start by sharing positive experiences, like family weekend trips or that great restaurant you enjoyed last week. Then, as trust builds you can start divulging more and more about yourself.
- Keep it positive. While many coworkers can bond through the sharing of hard, stressful work-related issues, try to stay positive about your surroundings. Rather than going on and on about your boss and that impossible deadline, consider talking about your plans for the weekend. After all, Proverbs 17:22 (ESV) teaches us that “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
- Ask about them. How are they doing? How long have they worked there? And, as they are talking, search for similarities. Once you get on common ground - whether it be your love for music or a specific sports team - you’ll always have thatto talk about.
- Don’t fear rejection. For whatever reason, not everyone is going to want to be your friend (hard to believe, I know). People get rejected every day all over the place, but if you don’t get out there and try again you’re just hurting yourself. Joshua 1:9 (ESV) says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
By building relationships with those placed in our lives -- whether it be a neighbor, co-worker or recent church member-- we are opening doors to share God’s truth. Matthew 28:9 (ESV) states, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Today, we encourage you to ask God to lead you as you reach out to those around you. Ask Him to give you the words to say, and the strength to share your heart even when it might be easier to keep your head down and get your work done.
By Gini @ DaySpring
