Understanding+Your+Group+Members



=Human Relations in the Workplace =

Understanding Your Group Members
When in a group the opinions, aspirations, sensitivities, and habits of multiple people interact together. While the topic of avoiding possible conflicts comes into better detail in the next section, it is important to know at least a little bit about your fellow group member. You have to work with coworkers, supervisors, and other people not directly in contact with you. Knowing your group members will lead to a more pleasant and understood working environment. Ask yourself, observe, and make note of the following questions.

What are their sensitivities?
The people you encounter in the workplace come from all walks of life, are one of both genders, and of many different races. A funny joke said to one person might deeply offend another person. A female might find a sexual joke said by a guy to a group of guys offensive. Sensitivities can be as obvious as the race or gender of a person, to something more personal such as political beliefs and ideas. For example: Telling your environmentalist boss (casually) that you don't mind off shore drilling because it will allow you to use your Hummer H2 longer at a cheaper cost will loose you favor in his/her decisions. You also might want to note small sensitivities such as temperature in the office, weather, and the defeat of your coworker's favorite sports team.

What do your coworkers like to do/talk about?
Within your group you will notice people have hobbies and favorite subjects to talk about. The workplace environment benefits when an employee has aspirations as it provides some motivation for them to work. When at lunch, in the break room, or in a chance run in with someone, you are introduced to a person's interests through developed office communication. If a coworker feels that you are approachable on something such as sports, they might say "Hey, Joe. How about those Cowboys winning the game last night?" You may not be a Cowboys fan or a fan of sports, but that person introduced one of their preferred conversational topics. Now you know Steve Smith likes football, the Cowboys, and probably quoting intricate statistics about the team that make no difference to you. The same example could be applied to popular TV shows or other mass media events.

Other indications of a person's likes or dislikes are posters, emails, office decorations, bumper stickers on their cars, and other small things that communicate non verbally to you.

What accomplishment have your group members achieved?
It is important to note accomplishments a fellow group member. Accomplishments range from graduating from college, marriage (perhaps divorce), certifications received, promotions, and completing projects. You will most likely learn of a newly acquired accomplishment through the gossip amongst your coworkers. Most important accomplishments will be accompanied by a framed degree, framed picture of family, or other means of covering the walls with something they want other people to remember.

What are the "pet peeves" of a particular group member
All people act differently when working, eating, or communicating. Some people are sensitive to repetitive noises, conditions, or movements. Often, when sharing a workplace, the unconscious actions (tapping a pen, chewing ice, humming) of a person will annoy another person. Conflict arises. Recognize a coworker's pet peeves so that you can prevent a conflict before it happens. For example, you may love to talk about your favorite presidential candidate every chance you get in a conversation, but people who don't share your enthusiasm will be annoyed by your persistence. You may not think you are causing harm, but in reality it hurts more than you might think.

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 * Example Media Clip 1** (Warning: Partial nudity and mild adult language)

The use of your observational skills with your coworkers will help you in the next two sections.

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