How to make real friends at work

Every once in a while you come across people at work that you wish you could spend more time with; colleagues that you connect with on more than just work. Here are some tips for making friends at work from Fast Company.

Choose wisely
Don’t try to be friends with everybody at work. Trying to maintain too many relationships can get messy fast. Choose one or two colleagues that you really get along with; it can help make going to the office that much better.

Take them to lunch
Invite your new friend to go with you during a lunch break, or even just for coffee. It’s easier to switch off from work when you leave the office environment, so try to choose a restaurant or café nearby.

Try, try again
The more time you spend with someone the more likely you are to develop a relationship. Repeat your lunch “date” on a weekly basis or go for coffee a couple times a week.

Be open
Remember that a conversation is a two-way street. Don’t just listen to your friend talk – open up about yourself too. Sharing is what makes a relationship last.

Find a common interest
Discuss your passions and hobbies with the other person to find common ground. If there’s something you both like doing, such as jogging or going to museums, why not invite them to do something together outside of work?

The more the merrier
Other colleagues will no doubt pick up on your new friendship, so don’t forget to invite them out for drinks with the two of you one evening. Introduce them slowly so you can get to know them individually.

The road will be bumpy
You spend a lot of time with your colleagues. Just keep in mind that if a complication arises from your relationship outside the office, it’s sure to cause some conflict at work and vice versa. Try to steer your conversations away from the company and don’t engage in gossip about your colleagues.

If a relationship is successful, you’ll be friends long after one of you leaves the company. Nurture the friendship and it will grow naturally.

Read the original article by Laura Vanderkam at bit.ly/20Gstsd