Friendships at work can be difficult. But research also shows that having a friend at work can greatly enhance the work experience and results. So how can you be a better friend at work? If you want to make better work friendships, I suggest looking at Tom Roth’s book, Vital Friends.
Friendships fill many needs in our life. Our friendships at work are the same. But in a work environment, we are more effective in our strength zone. So if you learn how you can be a better friend at work, you can focus on your strengths as a friend.
Here are, according to Tom, the roles friends fulfill:
1. Builder. Builders motivate their friends.
2. Champion. Champions stand up for their friends and sing their praises to others.
3. Collaborator. Collaborators work closely together with their friends on shared interests and goals.
4. Companion. Companions are always there for their friends. They are there through the good and the bad.
5. Connector. Connectors are bridge builders for their friends. They help them achieve by connecting them to people and resources they need.
6. Energizer. Energizers are fun friends that always provide a boost. They can change their friends attitudes by walking in the room.
7. Mind Opener. Mind openers challenge their friends and open their minds to new ideas.
8. Navigator. Navigators are friends that provide their friends advice and guidance.
As a friend, you do not fill all eight of these roles. You are probably very good at a few of them, especially in a work environment. If you know the roles that provides the basis for your at work friendship, doesn’t it follow that, you can strengthen your friendships by strengthening yourself in the roles you play?