How to Work with Strangers by Lee-Ann Joy

How to Work with Strangers.

Whatever your profession is, it can be a tough gig to start a new job and walk into a room full of strangers. In most instances, there is an established hierarchy of office dynamics from people who have worked together for quite some time. So, how do you work with strangers? No one rule suits everyone, but from my experience, here are my top ten tips:

1. Arrive with your head up, and a smile on your face.

Holding your head up means people can see it, which inadvertently demonstrates confidence and self-assurance. More, studies have shown that when you see a smiling face, this processes sensory awards in an area of your brain called the orbitofrontal cortex. So, when you smile at another person, you are activating a part of their brain that makes them feel rewarded.

2. When meeting and greeting, look everyone in the eye while you smile.

Eye contact shows focus and is a simple and powerful technique to show your undivided attention to a stranger. Additionally, by holding their gaze, you are demonstrating that they are the most important person at that moment.

3. Write down everyone’s name, and refer to your list until you know their names off by heart.

After being introduced to the staff, it can be nearly impossible to remember everybody’s name. So, after meeting everyone, sit down at your desk and write down everyone’s name. For those that you can’t remember, ask the person next to you. However, remember only ask once, twice can appear rude.

4. Keep a mental note of how each person speaks – are they pleasant, or nasty?

This observation will allow you to know how your workmates talk and will provide you with the knowledge to understand how to steer the conversation from a negative to a positive.

5. Don’t engage in gossip.

Often there is someone in the office who is prepared to give you a run-down on everyone in the team. If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial not to engage in their gossip. If a person talks about another, by their nature, they will most likely talk about you too.

My rule of thumb – listen to the person gossiping rather than the object of their gossip because this reveals more about their real character than the other person.

6. Don’t step into existing conversations; instead, initiate your own.

Everyone wants to feel they belong, and it can be hard to feel like an outsider in a group conversation. However, it’s best not to step into other people’s conversation that can result in interrupting the groups flow and potentially creating an awkwardness. Instead, initiate your own conversation when the opportunity arises.

7. In meetings, listen first and talk last.

Sometimes it takes great restraint to hold back on your views and opinions when a topic arises that you feel passionate about, or is it is within your area of expertise. However, as a new person, it works to your advantage if you listen to what everyone else thinks first, to then be able to collate an opinion and voice your opinion at the end.

8. For the first couple of weeks, take your tea breaks and eat your lunch in the tea-room.

Walking into a small tearoom with regular staff can be hard. However, the tea-room is an excellent opportunity to connect with your co-workers and other people within the organisation. Tea rooms are like the epicentre for networking, and will often help you connect and develop friendships with people, faster and easier.

9. If you are invited out to lunch or after-work drinks – make sure you go.

It is beneficial to accept an invitation when offered. An invite is an opportunity to mix with other staff members in an out-of-work environment, and it’s important to acknowledge their gesture by accepting.

10. When leaving the office, say goodbye to everyone within your sight.

Saying goodbye to everyone shows warmth and respect in your character, and allows others to know that you have left the office.

I hope these ten pointers are helpful, and I’d love to hear your feedback on any tips or advice that you have on what it was like to work with strangers.