4 People You Should Always Schmooze at Work
Special Skills: Knows everyone’s comings and goings, and can cover your ass when you’re running late
Your Best Move: Offer to grab her a coffee if you’re going out for one. Learn about her family because she probably knows about yours (and if your dog is sick, she might tell the boss you took an outside meeting when you’re really taking him to the vet). And gossip wisely. Don’t be a tattletale, but do talk yourself up from time to time—maybe she’ll let someone else know about your success when they stop by her desk for a gab.
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THE BOSS’S ASSISTANT
Special Skills: The keeper of the schedule, the knower of the mood
Your Best Move: Got a call or request that’s urgent? Tell her what it’s about instead of acting like she’s a clueless plebe and you’re the damn CIA. Don’t overreact if she blocks your access—she might be doing you a favor, like when your boss hasn’t had lunch yet. Praise her to the Big High Mucky Muck—if she’s really organized or friendly, say so, because it’ll get back to her (everything does). And if she’s having a hectic day, a smile and a wave can mean a lot.
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THE I.T. CROWD
Special Skills: Ensuring your devices run smoothly; working miracles when files go AWOL
Your Best Move: Be nice, even when you’re panicking. “If my phone rings and it’s someone I’m friendly with, I’m more likely to stop what I’m doing and help them,” says Dan Taplitz, owner of I.T. firm Right Click Solutions. Chat a bit when you have a low-key question—even a quick “How’s your day going?” matters. If you’ve accidentally flipped out, give them a call to apologize and thank them for all of their help.
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THE INTERN
Special Skills: Moving around unseen; can hear insider info and unknowingly leak it to you (they’re not as guarded as your peers)
Your Best Move: Throw a meet-and-greet so your coworkers and interns can connect, and give the young’uns real work, not just BS—even if it means more effort for you. Emily Laurence, deputy features editor at daily newspaper Metro, mentored her interns, and one returned the favor by helping her develop her personal brand on social media. “That wasn’t taught when I was in school,” she says.
All animations created and/or downloaded via giphy.com.
This article was originally published in the June 2016 issue of Women’s Health, on newsstands now.