Getting Along With People

One of the most exciting aspects of working in the business world is that you
can meet new people. Knowing them will in time expand your horizons, just
as their knowing you will expand theirs. Each of the men and women you will
be meeting is an individual, as unique as you are. Each is different in
background, personality, physical makeup, intelligence, abilities, and
attitudes. The better you get to know them, the closer you will feel them to
them. This doenst mean that you should pry into their personal affairs, but it
does mean that you should try to know something about their likes and
dislikes, their aspirations, their special interests, and their reactions to a
variety of situations. An investments of this kind in people takes time and
effort, but in a career and in a lifetime, this investment will pay off again and
again. Actually, no single talent that you have will bring you success unless
you can get along with people.
HOW TO MAKE PEOPLE REACT FAVORABLY TOWARD YOU
Starting with the assumption that everyone is and individual, you can make a
great stride toward achieving good human relations if you try to put into
practice some elementary rules.
Recognize the Importance of Others
Everyone likes to feel that he is needed and that he is important. When your
classmates count on you you for help in giving a school dance or when
someone turns to you for your opinion on a particular question, doesnt it
make you feel good? Of course it does. Even people who pretend that they
dont care about being recognized are pleased when they are complimented
for their efforts. And how do you feel about the person who commends you
for a job well done? Certainly you appreciate him; we all appreciate a person
who can look beyond the circle of his onw halo and see the good things in
other people. Are you this type of person? Do you compliment others for a
job well done? Do you do it as often as you should?
Respect the Ideas of Others
Whetehr yoyu work out a new play for Saturdays big football game or have
an idea for a news feature, you like to find yoyur associates willing to listen
to and to try out your plan. And whether it is accepted or not, you at least
want the satisfaction of being able to present your ideas.
But how do you feel when it is your turn to be a listener? For instance, when
a friend of yours suggests a few changes in your plan, are you willing to
listen to his ideas and weihg them honestly? Are you big enough to admit
that your friends plan might be as good as, if not better than yours? Its not

aeasy to admit this, but if you learn to accept criticism and evaluate opinions
objectively, youll earn the respect and admiration of others.

Respect the Ambition of Others

As a nmew employee you will be eager to get ahead as quickly as you can.
Just remember, though you dont have the exclusieve rights to advancement.
Your co-workers may also want the job youre aiming for. Who should get it?
The more qualified person, of course.
By respecting the other fellows ambitions and obeying the rules of the
game, everyone gets a fair chance to win-including you. In any persperous
business there are plenty of opportunities and rewards for all.
Do you Full Share
Mary is a very capable girl, but she thinks only of herself. Would this kind of
reputation help you to make friends on the new job? Of course not.
Office work has to be teamwork, because the success of a business depends
upon cooperation between each worker and each work unit. An ivoice typist
in a billing department can work efficiently only if the sales order data has
been carefully compiled for her by a sales order clerk in the sales
department. The office supply clerk keeps the typist stocked with invoice
forms, carbon paper, and eraser; and the supervisor is readily availble to
answer questions. The invoice checker verifies the accuracy of typed work
and passes it along promplty for turhter processing. You will be doing more
for your human relations if you work with the members of your team. When
you do, you will be pleased to find that the team works with you too. This
kind of cooperation makes office work more productive and life more friendly
and pleasant.
Meet Others Halfway
I think your idea is good. Lets try it that way and see if it works better than
my way. That kind of give-and-take attitude is the mark of a mature person
who understands that you cant always have your own way and that many
times two heads are better than one. This approach is essential in getting
along iwh people; and remember, you cannot get along without them. Dont
be afraid to make the first move toward compromise-the results can surprise
you, and your co-workers will respect you as the kind of person with whom
they can deal.
Practice Office Etiquette

Etiquette is plain good manners coupled with your personal brand of

consideration for others. Etiquette is reflected every day in the countless
things that you do and say, Politeness, someone once said, is like a
cushion. It helps to easethe bump.
Make Introductions Meaningful
When you are intorduced to your new colleagues, greet them with a freindly
smile and a gracious How do you do, Mr. Jones. Saying the persons name
helps you to remember it later. Besides, everyone likes to hear his own
name.
When your turn comes to make an introduction, introduce people promplty
and smoothly, so that they will feel at ease. Present the man to the woman,
the younger to the older, the lower in rank to the higher. For instance, you
would say, Mrs. Brown, may I present John Smith, or more informally, Mrs.
Brown, Id like you to met John Smith, Your thoughtfulness in adding some
piece of information about the person to help launch a conversation will be
very much appreciated. For example, Mr. Jones, this is Roger Clark, head of
the accounting department, or Mr. Jones, this is Mr. Clark, head of the
accounting department.
Greet People Warmly
A cheerful Good morning is a welcome greeting and an indication of your
freindly disposition. Co-workers, customers, and visitors all appreciate a
personal greeting before getting down to business. And youll help public
relations more by spending a few moments in pleasant conversation with a
departing visitor than by giving him a quick brush-off.
Be Friendly But not Personal
Genuine friendliness in the office contributes to a pleasant atmosphere and
harmonious working conditions. However, be considerate. Dont bore or
embarras others with long recitals of your personal troubles or
achievements. Avoid if you can, serious personal entaglements that could
interere with your work or with your chances of promotion. Its a rule well
worlth remembering because entanglements are difficult to get out of , once
you become involved in them.
Use Names or Titles Appropriately
At school people ten to be informal and address each other by their first
names. In many offices this informal manner is acceptable when dealing with
persons of the same age and rank within the department. However,
superiors in the office and people outside the company are usually addressed

as Mr., Ms., or Mrs.. In fact, some firms insist htat all employees, regardless
of age or position, use formal address. Find out your firms preference about
names and titles, and guide yourself accordingly.
Be a Team Player
As part of the office team you are conted on to support the honest efforts of
team members and to share their probles. Dont seek personal advantage at
the expense of the group, Avoid arguments and petty bickering while on the
job. Remember that a gossip usually has no real friends. Dont carry tales
about your fellow workers. Avoid criticizing what they do, and respect their
right to privacy about their personal lives,

Keep confidences
A company is like a family. When you have worked for a time as a member of
the company family, you gain access to all kinds of information, sonme of
which may be confidential. Keep that confidence. Dont make public anyting
that is not intended for genral information, and refuse firmly an outsider or
even a fellow employee who asks for information to which may be
confidential. Keep that confidence. Dont make public anything that is fellow
employee who asks for information to which he has no right. If you have any
doubts about what to do in a case like this, discuss tha matter wiht your
supervisor.
Be Thoughtful
The please and thank you, the unexpected anniversary card, the
birthday greeting, and the timely message of sympathy are all examples of
little touches that win you the high regard of others. A helpiong hand or a
thoughtful gesture shows, far more effectively than words, that you are a
considerate person.
Be Deserving of Respect
Winning the acceptance and respect of your fellow workers isnt always easy.
In order to do this, youll have to put into practice the suggestions presented
here those youll learn through experience. Keep working at it. And
remember, getting off to a good start puts you on the first rung of a career
ladder, which is made up of people and people-made problem. How far you ill
go in your job depends in large measure upon your skill in human relations.
Be Polite Under Stress

When many people work together cosely every day, tempers can sometimes
wear every him. Be careful when you are under preasure; an insignificant
thoughtless word or action can cause great deal of unpleasantness. Many an
argument has started at the time clock, the coffee cart line, the cafeteria
line, the bus stop line, or the parking lot entrance or exit because someone
was too aggressive, pushing ahead of others. Keep cool and wait your turn.
Youll find that at the end of the day youll be much more relaxed.
Observe Food Etiquette
Sometimes large offices have a cafeteria that offers money-saving employee
lunches. Of course, good table manners apply in the cafeteria just as they
apply in your home or in restaurant. Everyone is expected to do his part to
keep the lunch line moving and to share tables with other workers. Trays and
dishes are generally bussed, chairs are replaced under the table, and the
area is left tidy.
But lunch isnt the only occasion for eating in the office. Depending upon
company rules, some late-rising employees may bring into the office of hasty
breakfast of coffee and pastry, which they will eat just before they start to
work. There are also offices that have coffee breaks at midmorning and
midafternoon, when you can buy a beverage and a light snack.
You may at times bring a sandwich from home or at busy times have
something sent to your desk from the cafeteria or an outside restaurant.
Watch
out where you place the food (hopefully not on papers and
documents), how you discard the trash (preferably in a covered garbaged
can with a plastic liner inside), and how you handle the reusabale utensils
(which should be carefully washed, dried, and stored inconspicuously in a
clean cabinet or drawer). You have to be your own waiter or waitress,
busboy, and dishwasher. If youre not careful about how you handle food in
the office, your desk will soon be a mess, work will be spoiled, furniture and
rugs will be stained, and your area will be invaded by insects and pests.
Help New Employees
Once you learn the ropes, you may be asked to help a new employee. In fact
dont wait to be asked if you can help him without neglecting your own
duties. Remember how you felt when you first began work. Put the new
employee at ease, show him what supplies he needs to get started, and be
sure to introduce him to the other workers in his department. Then check
from time to time to see how he is progressing. He will always remember
your friendly interest.
WHAT AN EMPLOYEE LOOKS FOR

The modern executive works under the unrelenting preasure of competition.

Th minimize the risk and danger of failure, he works out plans and routines
for each step of his operation. Then he picks the best staff he can find to help
him operate his business succesfully. Interviews, references, investigations,
tests, and many other devices help him to screen jobs applicants.
After being hired, a new worker is generally observed during a
probationary period. This is a time when the employer watches the new
worker carefully and looks for the qualities that he considers important in a
desirable employee, including the ability to adjust well and get along with
other people.
Employers report that workers lose more jobs because of personality
deficiencies than for any other reason. Why ? because major personality
hang-ups irritations have a way of snowballing into troublesome proportions.
Most employers are tolerant of the minor shortcomings of their staff
members and are particularly tolerant of the shortcomings of new
employees. However, there is a practical dollar-and-cents limit to their
patience, which is why employers seek the traits below to supplement
technical skills.
Consideration
The know-it-all person can soon discourage the friendly help of others. If you
were a boss, how would you feel about keeping a clerk who constantly found
fault with everyones woerk except her own, complained continually, and
even sometimes look into her own hands matters that did not concern her?
Such behavior on the part of an individual can hurt office morale, lose good
employees and customers who may be offended, and contribute to general
office inefficiency.
Promptness
Arriving ten minutes late in the morning or back from lunch hardly sounds
like something about which to get concerned. But if you multiply ten minutes
a morning by the number of working days in a year, you will discover that
you have missed the equivalent of an entire week of work. If you were the
boss, how would you feel about paying an employee for a week of work in
which no work was accomplished?
And thats for just one employee!
Good attendance
Excessive employee absence is a serious problem for the businessman.
American industry actualy loses over 12 billion dollars a year in benefit
payments to absent employees. However, the benefit payments are only part
of the cost; the loss caused by delay on company operations is incalculable.

The employee who reports for work on time but cannot be found at his work
station when he is wanted is wasting his employers money. An employee
who is absent from work repeatedly delays the work of others and seriously
limits his own chances to advance. Because of his negligence, the employee
is ultimately dismissed.
Initiative
No boss wants to hound his workers to see that schedules are kept or that
jobs are done properly. He simply cant spare the time to inspect the work of
every employee or to stop what he is doing to settle pretty disputes. He
wants to feel that he can depend upon his workers to carry their share of
responsibility and rely on them to handle any minor problems. He counts on
suggestions and ideas from his working force to improve business operations
and has no interest in the employee who is just putting in his name on a
job. That kind of a person can retard operations because of his disinterest
and lack of initiative.
Care
Office machinery and equipment cost a great deal of money. Fifteen hundred
dollars hardly covers the basic desk, chair, typewritter, file cabinets, and
simple gadgets that are required to equip a worker in a typical typing job. In
fact, some specialized machines cost thousand of dollars each. You can
understand why a businessman wants his property cared for and protected.
The office supplies used-and waste-can add up to a great deal of money in a
year. Your boss wants you to use only what you need and to be discarded or
redone is a waste of time. Shoddy, careless work satisfies neither you nor the
person who recieves it . there is great satisfaction in knowing that others
respect your skill and feel that if the work comes from you, it is almost
certain to be right. The key is care-care in following instructions and
observing routines, care in writting clearly so that mistakes are avoided, care
in cheking calculations so that books balanced, care in turning out letters
that look so professional that they sustain the confidence customers have in
the company.
Good Attitude
the hard truth is that there is no such thing as a free lunch. Someone has to
pay for it. When an employee takes on a job, he takes on his share of the
work. If he does less that his share, someone else must carry an extra load.
If it turns out that you have no interest in your job or in the future it holds for
you, you owe it to yourself, even more than to your employer, to leave.
Loyalty

You and your boss share a very real interest in making a success of the
business. That success assure you of a permanent job and a future career; it
offers your boss a livelihood in a business that represents his lifes work.
Both of you have a stake in it. When the going gets rough, an employer, even
without asking, has a right to expect you to support him and give a little
extra help in a crisis. In turn, you have a right to expect him to back you up
in a tight spot. The relationship is a mutual one, and it works best when you
have confidence in the products and policies of the company you work for
and when your employer has confiddence in you.
Patience
In one could get to the top overnight, everyone would be there. It takes time
and work to achieve and recognition. Match your ambition with effort and
energy.
Regard for Privileges
Everyone has personal responsibilities to which he must attend. Sometimes
you can only take care of these personal matters during the day, and when
taht happens, most employers are willing to give you time off for emergency.
But no employee can expect his employer to let him take time out of work
again and again for personal affairs. Today almost all retail and service
businesses-banks, stores, beauty shops and barber shops, ticket offices, and
even doctors, dentists and lawyers-have some evening and weekend hours
so that you can attend to your affairs after business hours.
Good Adjustment
Many young graduates from small towns and rural areas migrate to cities in
search of jobs in large modern offices, In addition tio finding jobs, they face
the big task of locating a room or an apartment, getting settled, and dealing
with a budget perharps for the first time most of this young peiople have
never live away from the home before. At home the had family who take care
form them. Now, however, they are suddenly preparing this, cleaning house,
washing, ironing, and shopping. With all these extra things to think about, in
addition to starting a new job, new workers can become very tired. And if
they dont eat properly and filled with anxieties about their new situation,
they will not be effective workers. Usualy all they need is a little time to
adjust gradualy. Since most people manage before too long, employers try to
be as understanding as possible. But sometimes it is best to find your first or
secind job in your home town. Whatever you do, be realistic. Examine the
situatioin, and be quite sure that you can live away from home at the same
time you begin a new job.

Value of a Personality Checkup

A strong ego and feelings of personal worth that one obtains from concrete
accomplishments are fine thing to have. The more positive your feelings are
about yourself, the more possible it is to examine your shortcomings and to
take steps to remedy them. Self evaluation, however, is difficult. To help you
in your analysis, you may want to use a rating device sucha s the one on
pages 53-55 (alson shown in you workbook). It is one of many kinds of more
formal tests and measuring devices used by guidance counselors, placement
directors, and psychologists to evaluate personality. Take it dont be
surprised if it reveals some things about yourself you never suspected.
How Can You Improve?
Once you know what your shortcomings are, you can begin to remedy them.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can help yourself.
Be open-minded
Dont be selfdestructive. Everyone has strenghts and weaknesses. Simply
recognize that there are specific areas of your personality that need
improvement.
Be Cooperarive
Ratings by counselors or by groups are meant to help you, so be as helpful
as you can. Tell them everything that you feel they should know in a frank
and straightforward manner.
Have Confidence
Most good personalities dont just happen; they are shaped by concious
effort. Be confident that you can be helped with your individiual problems as
others have been helped with theirs.
The Importance of How You Look
Whether you greet customers and visitors or just see associates on the
job, how you look is important. A clean, well groomed, attractive apperance
reflects your personal pride in yourself and strongly implies that you have
equal pride in your work.
It takes careful advance planning to make the most your apperance.
Fashions, it is true, have changed somewhat, but the office is still not the
place for extreme styles or party clothes. There is an appropriate way to
dress for business, and you have a broad range of styles from which to
choose.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS THAT IDENTIFY YOU

Many factors affect your physical apperance, and its important that you
know what they are so that you can always look and feel your best.
1. Posture
2. Weight
3. Energy Reserve
4. Body Hygiene
5. Hair Grooming
6. Cosmetics
7. Shaving
8. Beards, Mustaches, and Sideburns
9. Teeth
10.
Hands
The Impact of How you Dress
What you wear to the office depends a great deal on where you work, what
you do, and with whom you come in contact during your working hours.
Appropriate Clothing
Your clothes should suit your job. The best rule is to observe the local
customs. Large offices in cities in the Northeast tend to be more conserative
than those in the West and South. Businesses in large cities can be less
flexible about dress than those in smaller communities. New businesses or
those with younger managers are apt to be more easygoing about standars
of dress than older firms. Some businesses are more traditional about dress
than others. Bank employees, for example, are required to dress more
conservatively than employees in up-to-the-minute retail establishments.
To avoid any embarassment or disappointment, find out what clothing styles
are acceptable in the industry or office where you plan to work. How?
Ask a reliable friend or relative who works in a business office or who
visits offices frequently
Observe for yourself how people are dressed as they wait at the bus
stop endroute to work each morning
Note the styles being worn in the offices that you may visit on field
trips or when paying bills.
Study job advertisements or recruiting literature that may show people
at work.
Obtain a copy of a firms employee newspaper or magazine, and note
how the people are dressed in the pictures.
Observe how people are dressed when they emerge form their office
at lunch or at closing time.
The Right Accessories

By simply adding a scarf, a belt, a collar, or some jewelry, you can give a
dozen different looks to a basic dress. But be selective in choosing
accessories; dont overdo it. The simple look is usually the most elegant. In
order to learn how to choose the right accessories, think of them as doing for
your outfit what the right musical accompaniment does for a singer-it simply
enchances a good performance.
Clothes Sense
Before you buty an article clothing for office wear, ask yourself these
question:
Is it something I want and can afford?
Does this style suit me?
Is it appropriate for office wear?
Does it fit?
Is it comfortable?
Is it well made?
Is the fabric of good quality? Can it be cared for easily?
Does the color look well on me?
Will it combine with other clothing I already own?
Does the price represent a good buy?
The Look Counts when Youre on a Job
Theres no single fashion thats the right one, but there is a way of
presenting yourself that makes a statement about who and what youare and
how you feel about yourself.