At Work, Are You a Team Player or Debbie Downer?

I'm sure you've been warned about what can happen to your food if you are rude to wait staff. Your entree may just take a trip to the kitchen floor - or worse - if you behave badly.

As a customer you have a responsibility to be a good customer. At work you have a responsibility to be a good employee and co-worker.

--Be polite - Greet your co-workers by name.

--Before you walk up to them and start making requests of them, at least say "Hello", and consider asking them if now is a good time.

--Be appreciative - Remember to say please and thank you. Sure people are doing their jobs but that doesn't mean you cannot appreciate them.

--Keep a positive attitude - Nobody likes a whiner. If you want to discourage people from talking to you, go ahead and complain about everything.

--Whenever possible be accommodating - If you know your colleague has a preference for receiving information a certain way or prefers meetings to be at specific times of day, see if you can accommodate them. This is a quick and effective relationship builder.

--Share information and expectations - Tell people about the work they are helping you with. If you know you will need their time give them advance notice.

When you treat people well they will often respond in kind. It's called reciprocity and in this case it is a good thing.

Questions about the human side of the workplace? Reach out to Ask@MargaretMeloni.com.