Ask the Coach - Making Friends with Long Term Colleagues
Ask the Coach - Making Friends with Long Term Colleagues
I’ve recently returned to working in an office after months of primarily working at home. I have
worked at this company for years and while I’m friendly with everyone, I am not friends with my
coworkers. I’ve never been one to participate in office get-togethers or going for drinks as I was
always busy with something else. The loneliness of the pandemic and the struggle of working
from home made me change my mind, and I want to know my coworkers better. How do I
become friends with people I’ve pushed away?
The pandemic has shifted many peoples desire from little or no personal interaction to a recognition that interaction and relationships are critical to the human condition.
Being friends with co-workers can often come with challenges but most often comes with a sense of
connectivity, support and often a better working environment.
My suggestion is that you allow others to get to know you. Share some experiences that you may have
in common. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and inquire about their lives and how they have found
working from home etc. Showing authentic interest in another is the first step in opening a
conversation and providing a forum for people to interact, engage and build trust.
If you have pushed people away, see if you can re-engage by suggesting you go for coffee or perhaps
lunch. Open yourself up and be ready to receive the energy that others are offering.
Focus on the success and not the fear. Not everyone will be receptive to forming friendships but the
ones that will are likely the ones that will be the most beneficial to you.
Enjoy this newfound connection with your co-workers, I guarantee you will enjoy your job much more.
Best of luck,
Merrill
We have the pleasure of joining forces with Merrill Pierce, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by Corporate Coach U, and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). She is also an accredited member of Society of Organizational Learning (SOL), and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mediator certified by the ADR Institute of Canada.
Merrill has spent over 20 years working at a number of Fortune 500 companies, of which 10 years were at the senior executive level. This background provides her with a solid and practical understanding of personal and professional issues, challenges, and concerns. Merrill is also a regular contributor to the media and has published several articles and white papers on business related topics.
Merrill is ready to tackle YOUR questions! Whether they are personal, or professional - she can anonymously answer your submissions, and help you navigate any relevant challenges occurring in your life. Doing so could help others in similar situations and scenarios. Merrill will also be presenting advice on relevant, general topics to help our readers. If you want to send a question to Merrill, please submit to submissions@explorefenelonfalls.com before the Monday of each week (otherwise your question may be held til a following week!).
