Have you been facing troubles in making friends at your new place? Did you find yourself dumbstruck while you coincidently shared the elevator with your editor? Do you struggle while making a conversation with your colleague? A little hesitation is normal when you become a part of a new organization. A new office and a whole lot of new faces do make things difficult to cope with. So how do you deal with it?
We all know that communication is the most effective way of developing your network and finding friends in your workplace, but how to start a conversation?
Connecting with colleagues at work is one of the means to improve your effectiveness and productivity. You can always lean over to your colleague’s cubicle and ask her/him about their weekend scenes, or begin with any other random conversation starter but what about when it comes to conversing with the seniors? Can you be random while talking to a senior? What should you say when you share an elevator with your managing director?
Firstly, you need to have a bag full of good conversation starters. While conversing with a senior, your conversation starters can be anything ranging from funny to interesting. If you do not know where to get them from then this is what you should do.
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#1. Talk About Them
Generally, it is observed that people feel more comfortable and excited while talking about themselves. While you may be hesitant initially, but the best way to initiate a conversation with a senior is to ask them a question which they are sure to answer. These questions could be about their hobbies, means of communication, some trending television shows or their vacation plans; to have a light-hearted conversation. The motive behind these conversations is to break the ice so to eliminate the awkwardness for next time.
#2. Try To Correlate Your Conversation With The Situation
You cannot ask your senior about her weekend plans on a Monday; you will only end up pulling a wrong impression. Also, a small elevator ride is not enough to discuss the line of work; you can always wait for longer breaks for such discussions. Think about the time when you speak. You should be aware of the right time and the right thing to talk about. Do not even think of starting a conversation while he/she is trashed under some paperwork, instead save an interesting topic to talk while you both ride back home. Discussing their experiences and career goals will keep the atmosphere lively and will also give you an insight into their lives.
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#3. Do Not Let The Differences Hinder A Conversation
You and your boss are obviously at different phases of your life and career, therefore, a difference of opinions is bound to happen. Offices value younger voices and seniors love to hear differentiated opinions. Do not let your differences become an obstacle, instead make it an opportunity. You can always help your seniors in finding out the trending dine outs, or the latest news surfacing social media. As someone who just got done with your studies, you can always advise your seniors for their kid’s admissions. Conversations like these can totally make you win some brownie points.
#4. Follow-Up
Well, this might sound a little weird, but if you were able to figure out some common topics of discussions with your seniors or colleagues, just be sure to follow-up. Instead of working hard over new topics just extend the previous conversation. Easy isn’t it? Use your free time to swing around your co-worker's cubicle or your senior’s cabin to mention about the topics that you previously talked about. If you both are die-hard fans of a specific sports team, then you can always discuss last night’s match and express your disgust over their loss.
You can always share information about a new app that can help in managing traffic or is useful in keeping reminders. Such conversations help in developing interpersonal relationships.
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#5. Filter Your Topics
Don’t go for any deep or sensitive conversation starters which include politics, religion, and company gossip. Apply your mind when discussing current events because they can be politicized at any moment. Also, try to avoid questions related to family or career unless your senior brings it up him/herself. Still be very mindful while making a conversation.
Being able to make a conversation with your seniors is a great way to build your network in the workplace. While you might feel intimidated to start a conversation, just be confident and contribute as much as possible to make the conversation interesting and indulging.
Few examples of the best conversation starters can be:
#1. Non-Political And Current Events
Movies, sports teams, television shows or big news events make up for some interesting conversation starters. There are higher chances of your colleagues being aware of the big news or an event that took place recently. Talk about I to know their opinions. Stay updated with the latest news so that you can ask intelligent follow-up questions. Try to stay away from controversial topics that might bring you in the wrong light.
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#2. Extend A Helping Hand
Be the one who helps whenever required. Offering some help can work as a good conversation starter. There could be a colleague who is struggling with the computer software to whom you can lend a hand. Offer a seat to someone who is looking for it; help someone in holding or handling their plate or lunch box. And once you are settled, ask open-ended questions ending with ‘who’, ‘when’ or ‘why’, to encourage a conversation.
You can also offer to work together on a project or events such as a fundraising event. Conversations like these can help you in extending your network and also gives you new opportunities.
#3. Make The Other Person To Talk
"What do you love about working here?" can be a good conversation opener when you want the other person to talk. Look for the right kind of questions that would encourage the other person to talk. This will not only help you in knowing the other people better but will also give you a better insight about the place that you work in.
Some of the other good conversation starters can be:
#. What are your hobbies?
#. What's your favorite holiday destination?
#. What do you like to eat?
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#4. Compliments Always Works
Another interesting conversation starter is to compliment your colleague or your senior and ask for their opinions.
Compliments like, ‘I heard you delivered a great presentation yesterday, which sources did you refer to’?
Or
‘Where did you get your organizational skills from’?
Or
‘Your jacket looks great, where did you buy it from’?
#5. Pick Subjects That Interests You
Conversations are a great way to build your network. Include your work experience or the projects that you are working on in your conversations to make it engaging. You can discuss the current strategies and your expectations with the projects. Or if you wish to talk something that excludes work then you can obviously go for more generic stuff like remodeling your house, buying a new phone, shopping during the sale season. These topics have a wide range and work as interesting conversation starters.
#6. Listen To Other People
While you may be thinking about the best conversation starter to make the first move, give an ear to what others have to say. Listening to others also helps in knowing them better. Also, while listening to others you always have a chance to bring forward your opinions.
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#7. Keep Smiling
A subtle smile while talking always helps the other person to feel comfortable. The smile on your face works as a polite invitation to people who eventually become a part of your conversation. Avoid loud laughs while talking to your seniors.
Can you think of any more interesting conversation starters to engage your seniors and colleagues? Let us know in the comment section below.
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23 Opinions
10 Opinions
Making small talks may be important in your personal life but why do you need that in your work place. I do not think that one should communicate too much in their office. It is important to keep your professional and personal relationships separate.
In industries that deal with analytics, finance or similar serious line of work, talking will only lead to diversions. Financial or data analytics require undivided attention; a small mistake can lead to major calculation issues. One should only talk when necessary. For other times, just focus on achieving your targets and going back to your family.
Your workplace is not your home, and therefore you should maintain a distance. Getting too personal with your colleagues might have its repercussions. Do not discuss your family life with your seniors or co-workers.
Your seniors are only interested in your performance sheet and not your weekend plans. The office should be a place where you go to work and that should be your only aim. There is a reason why it is referred to as “workplace.”
While saying the above, I would also like to add that though serious industries like finance and analytics should limit their conversations, creative industries demand a smooth flow of communication. Industries which include artists, writers, musicians or performers should befriend their colleagues to encourage conversations. Creativity demands imagination and expression which can be developed through deep conversations.
Other than that I do not feel any need of having interesting or light-hearted conversations in a place that pays you to WORK for them.