Show Kindness to Co-workers as a Networking Strategy

While it seems disingenuous to be nice to somebody only because you want something from them, the old adage “what goes around, comes around” remains true. If you are nice to people you work with, you may find yourself being rewarded in various ways, such as being chosen for a special project that is worth more money, just because people think you are nice to work with. Being kind to others may be part of an overall networking strategy.

(Photo Credit: Victor1558/Flickr)

1. Listen to Others

Communication is a two-way street. In addition to being able to express yourself, to be a good communicator, you also have to be a good listener. The professional and personal benefits of learning to listen sometimes overlap.

When we take the time to listen, we put others at ease. People who feel you have listened to them will also feel as if you did them a favor, because it felt good to be heard. When you can empathize with the speaker, you will likely gain their confidence that you at least understand their point, even if in the end you do not agree with each other. You build both personal and professional bonds with other people by being kind enough to listen.

2. Lend a Helping Hand

Especially with a new employee, offer to help out. That may mean being willing to answer the new person’s questions, show them around, or assist with a project if she is very busy and you are able.

The benefits of lending a helping hand do not stop just because there are no new people in the office. People who are willing to help each other out at work not only produce better results for the employer, they strengthen their own network with each other and may get noticed by management.

3. Avoid Gossip

Don’t gossip. Just don’t. It creates bad feelings and more often than not causes misinformation to travel as fact. Not only is it an unkind thing to do, but it will destroy your network. When coworkers hear you gossiping about others, they will wonder what you are saying behind their backs.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you go out of your way to be kind to others at work? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment or join the discussion on Twitter.