Be Easy To Work With

Posted January 18, 2006 — 27 Comments

by Keith

Hey y’all. This is the first in a series of quick business tips based on my lessons learned starting a small business.

To kick things off I thought I’d go with something I’m seeing as being more and more important—being easy to work with. It’s not a big surprise actually, in the past when I was asked to interview people I almost always went for personality before skill and experience. Someone who meshes well with others is hugely important. After all, you’ll probably be spending lots of time with that person.

I’m seeing this being a huge factor in the success of my own small business and I’m trying really hard to mold myself into someone that people really enjoy working with. In order to do that I’m:

  • Making sure I’m flexible as possible. One of the reasons why I went into business for myself was to have more flexibility with my time, the least I can do is pass that flexibility along.
  • A good communicator. In many ways this means over-communicating. I find that it really helps to make sure my clients know what’s going on at all times.
  • Available. With some exceptions (I like to keep work and life separate as possible) I want to be able to be reached easily.
  • Positive. A positive attitude is key.
  • Not defensive or pushy. I really try to communicate in a positive way at all times, with everyone I work with. This can be a real challenge and I find that the closer I am with someone (my coworkers) for example the harder I am with them. But, hey, I’m a work in progress.
  • Honest. I feel it’s important to be transparent and as up-front as possible.
  • Fun. Humor goes a long way, and even if people don’t share my funny-bone, a lighthearted attitude can be felt by everyone around me.

    As you can see, I feel that communication is a big part of being easy to work with. I want people who work with me to feel like they can talk to me about whatever they need to. Being open and responsive, available and flexible is very important. It’s an ongoing process but one that I feel just about anyone could benefit from.

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