Interacting with co-workers


When working within a company you will have many colleagues that you interact with daily on a daily basis. You will speak with them about a variety of topics ranging from, what you did on the weekend to discussing the minutes from the morning meeting. Today we will focus on typical situations and potential interactions you could have in the workplace.

Introducing yourself
Depending on the size of your company, you will have to introduce yourself to new co-workers or managers from different departments now and then. In the workplace it can be very important to make good first impressions, you never know who you might be talking to. Occasionally you may need to speak about your qualifications and previous work experience. Being comfortable answering these questions may also help with job interviews.
  1. What subjects did you do in highschool?

  2. Name the two subjects you enjoyed the most and the least.

  3. Where did you go to university?

  4. What did you study and when did you graduate?

  5. Do you have any previous work experience?

  6. Why did you leave your previous job?
Offering and asking for help
Helping others is always a great idea. If you can help your co-workers, it will help build a good working relationship with them. It could help the business achieve goals sooner and by being more involved it will show the rest of the office that you are a team player.

Basic examples of offering assistance:
  1. I’ve finished everything I need to do for now so I have some extra time. Let me know if you need help with anything.
  2. You’re doing the analysis on Company ABC? I did that last year. If you need any help, just let me know.
  3. I’ve been reading up on that topic a lot lately. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Basic examples of asking for assistance:
  1. I’m having trouble implementing Plan A, could you have a look and see if I’m missing a step?
  2. Can you help me analyze the finance data? This is my first time and I want to make sure it get done right.
  3. Do you have a few minutes to help me with this? I can’t figure it out.
Dialogues between co-workers

The following is a few basic conversations one may have in the workplace.

Dialogue 1

A: “Hey Sarah, what have you been up to today?”

B: “Just finishing this project but other than that, not much. How about you?”

A: “I’m just about finished for the day. I’ve got one more thing to do on my assignment, but I’m having a quick break before I get to it.”

B: “Did you have to work with Jake on that assignment?”

A: “Unfortunately, yes.”

B: “Oh my gosh. I feel so sorry for you.”

A: “Don’t remind me, I’m just glad it’s over.”

B: “Yeah, I remember when I worked on the data analysis with him. Everything he did, I had to re-do. It would have been faster if I did it alone.”

A: “That’s exactly what happened to me! The project would have been finished by now if I didn’t have to re-do everything.”

B: “If the manager ever wants me to do a project with him again, I’m going to tell him that I would rather do it myself.”

A: “That’s a good idea, maybe then the manager will realize the guy isn’t cut out for this place.”

B: “Well I should get back to this project, enjoy the rest of your break.”

A: “Thanks, I hope the project ends up being a hit!”
Dialogue 2

A: “Hey Jordan, did you go to the team meeting this morning?”


B: “Yeah, the manager did a presentation on a new project that we’ll have to do.”

A: “I really shouldn’t have missed that, but I was stuck in another meeting. What else did you guys talk about?”

B: “We just discussed the usual. We spoke about the progress on current assignments, due dates and the manager mentioned hiring another worker.”

A: “Alright and what is the new project about?”

B: “It’s hard to explain but don’t worry, she emailed everybody. You can just review the document she sent out.”

A: “That’s perfect, thanks for the update. I’ll go have a look at that document now.”

Dialogue 3

A: “HI Bob, sorry to bother you. DO you think you could spare a few minutes?”

B: “Hey, sure no problem. What’s up?”

A: “I’m having problems with my computer. I don’t know what’s wrong with it.”

B: “Let’s have a look then. Oh, here’s the problem. You computer has a virus. You’ll need to install an anti-virus software. That should take care of the problem.

A: “Great, for the help Bob.”

Dialogue 4

A: “Hey, how is your day going?”

B: “The same as usual. How about you?”

A: “Same here, I’m getting sick of work man.”

B: “I’m already past that stage.”

A: “Well what are you still doing here, why don’t you find another job?”

B: “I’ve thought about it, but if I put in two more years I’ll get a good pension. I can’t give that up. This job may be boring but at least it’s easy.”

A: “You’ve been here for eight years already. You have something to stay for. I’ve only been here two years and I can’t see myself doing this for another two. I want to gain some experiences in other areas while I can.”

B: “Have you brought that up with the boss? Maybe you could get into management or move to a different department.”

A: “For the management spot, they usually want someone with an MBA degree or a person that is willing to put in 80 hours a week.”
B: “That’s what it takes then, it’s either this or that.”

A: “Yeah, I better think about what I want. Why didn’t you go into management?”

B: “It would have taken me too much time. I have a family that I want to spend time with, so it wasn’t worth it for me. But you’re young and single. YOu can put in a few good years of hard work and put yourself in a good position before thinking about settling down.”

A; “You have a point. I’ll have a look at my options. Hopefully, the manager will support my ambitions.”

B: “Just be honest and open with her. I’m sure she won’t stand in your way, especially if you’re unhappy with the way things are right now.”

A: That puts my mind at ease, thanks for the advice.”

B: “Don’t mention and good luck with everything.”

Discussion
  1. Can you walk me through your typical Monday at the office?
  2. What are your responsibilities within the workplace?
  3. How do you get along with your co-workers?
  4. Is your relationship with your co-workers the same as your relationship with your manager(s)?
  5. Is there anybody in your office that you have trouble interacting with?