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.

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.

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

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.

The interaction among co-workers affects[19] the tone[20] of an office. How well you and your co-workers get along with each other will affect communication, productivity, and office morale.

When your relationships are positive, even heavy workloads or tight schedules seem less burdensome[21].

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

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

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 IX.

A. There are three elements of a positive attitude.

Do you follow them in life?

Could you add some more points?

Your attitude is your outlook on life. It includes self-image and your opinions. Attitude is guided by your mind. No one can control what you think, except you. Your attitude is your mental self.

Realize that you are important.

Never think of yourself as just a clerk, just a secretary, or just a receptionist. Your role as an office worker is vital to the company for which you work and you, personally, make a valuable contribution to any job you hold. Without competent office workers, the entire business system would collapse[22].

Do not take yourself too seriously.

While it is important to realize the contribution you make to the company, it is wise not to take yourself too seriously. Learn to laugh at yourself, and allow your co-workers to laugh with you. Your sense of humor will help you cope with stress and get along better with others.

Accept your co-workers.

To accept others, you must believe that it is not necessary for everyone to think and act as you do. Co-workers come from different backgrounds, have different responsibilities, experience different daily pressures, and have needs and feelings different from your own. Instead of demanding that they be like you, listen to and learn from them, and respect their differences.

How do you exhibit your positive attitude?

Your attitude is reflected by how you act towards others. If you have a positive attitude you act in a manner that is pleasant and encouraging. Here are a few ways in which you can exhibit a good attitude. Take and follow this advice.

Look for favorable qualities in others.

Be courteous and tactful.

Empathize with others.

Look for ways to help co-workers.

Be dependable.

When interacting with co-workers do not gossip[23].

Express your appreciation[24] for people working with you.

Admit your mistakes and accept responsibility for them.

Co-workers who have good working relationships willingly help each other, they often encourage one another, and they usually achieve more than if they had worked alone. When co-workers offer help, and you need it, accept it. Do not try to prove you can do everything yourself. Thank them for their help and enjoy the good working relationship you have with them. That is one of the benefits[25] of being a team member.

Task X. Here are some helpful phrases to remember when interacting with others. From one point of view they express the essence of human relations. Why?

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.’

Speaking

Task I. Match the request with a suitable response.

1. Could you make a copy of this report?	A. Sure. Black with sugar?
2. Would you type this letter? It's rather urgent.	B. My pleasure.
3. Could you meet Mr Ramone at the airport for me?	C. I'm rather busy right now. Can I type it tomorrow?
4. Could you phone Ms Taylor about the new brochures?	D. I'd rather not. It's my birthday.
5. Would you make some more coffee?	E. No problem. What time is he arriving?
6. Could you work on Saturday?	F. Sure.
7. Will you help me?	G. Of course. What's her extension?

Task II. Imagine you want to offer help to your colleague.

Дата добавления: 2015-10-31