Human relations on the job

Being able to interact well with others is an ability that will always benefit you, regardless of your position.

To enjoy good human relations on the job, you need a positive, professional attitude. You want your actions and your appearance to help you say, ‘I feel good about myself and take my job seriously.’

The same factors that affect human relations in your office also affect the public’s opinion of your firm. Your appearance, voice, and actions should reflect a helpful, courteous attitude.

Stress is present in every office, but in varying degrees. Learning to deal successfully with co-workers under stressful conditions is important.

You are an important member of the office team. Be sensitive to the needs and viewpoints of co-workers, and keep the lines of communication open so your interaction with others will be pleasant and productive.

Task VIII. Here are some statements about HUMAN RELATIONS on the job. Do you share the author’s viewpoint on this problem? What is your opinion? Are human relations really so important? Give your arguments if you agree to these statements.

1. Along with good technical skills such as keyboarding and machine operation an equally important skill which a beginning office worker may need to develop is the ability to get along with others while on the job. The term human relations refers to the relationship between people – and good human relations improve productivity and make the work environment more pleasant.

2. Your ability to work well with others under a variety of circumstances is important as you advance in your career.

3. You may change jobs. You may lose some technical skills and gain others. Yet wherever you work – in a small bank or large insurance company, in a reception area or a word processing center – you will have to deal with people.

4. The interaction among co-workers affects¹⁹ the tone²⁰ of an office. How well you and your co-workers get along with each other will affect communication, productivity, and office morale.

5. When your relationships are positive, even heavy workloads or tight schedules seem less burdensome²¹.

6. You and your company profit when you and your co-workers are compatible.

7. You influence the office environment by your attitude (how you think), how you exhibit your attitude, and how you look and sound.

8. You are not responsible for how your co-workers think, act, and sound, but you are responsible for yourself. You play an important part in making the office an enjoyable place in which to work.

Task X. Here are some helpful phrases to remember when interacting with others.

A SHORT COURSE IN HUMAN RELATIONS
The six most important words:	‘I admit I made a mistake.’
The five most important words:	‘You did a good job!’
The four most important words:	‘What do you think?’
The three most important words:	‘If you please’
The two most important words:	‘Thank you.’
The least important word:	‘I.’