When you’re just starting out in your career, you’ll hear one of the key things to be is “easy to work with”. Without thorough explanation, starting out, eager, nervous, still building your professional confidence you may think that means that it means become a doormat or a yes person. But that’s not true. This is the time to establish your anchors, brand and work ethic. So what does that mean? And more importantly, what does it not mean? Understanding this early on can set you up for long-term success. Let’s break it down.
What It Means to Be Easy to Work With
Effective Communication
Clear and Concise: You articulate your ideas clearly and listen actively. This doesn’t mean you must be a great orator, but being clear and understanding others is key. Play back what you hear, speak in headlines and bullets (helps to be concise)
Responsive: You reply to emails and messages in a timely manner, keeping the workflow smooth. You will drown in emails, if you allow them to. Learn to know which ones are key to respond to, prioritize response and even just confirming receipt can help you manage better.
Flexibility
Adaptability: You can adjust to changes, whether it’s a shift in project direction or a new way of doing things. You’re open to feedback and willing to pivot when necessary. Warning, if there is too much pivoting happening, use clear communication skills to play back what you heard, don’t be afraid to get re-grounded in the objective. Just because they have more experience doesn’t mean they don’t create rabbit holes, so be adaptable with clarity.
Solution-Oriented: Instead of fixating on problems, you focus on finding solutions and moving forward. Be careful of those that fixate on problems vs solutions. Focusing on solutions removes emotions, bias and is a muscle you will use daily, so build it now. This muscle can never be too big.
Constructive Positivity
Positive Attitude: A positive approach focused on finding solutions and improving situations rather than just seeing the bright side. There is such a thing as toxic positivity, being focused on solutions vs just blindly positive shows you understand the situation and are focused on being part of solution.
Supportiveness: Constructive positivity drives progress and helps individuals and teams tackle problems with a proactive mindset. This is a great way to exercise your influential leadership skills, if people don’t report to you but you are able to galvanize them this way, it will go a long way.
Reliability
Dependability: You meet deadlines, deliver quality work, and can be counted on to follow through on your commitments. Period.
Consistency: You maintain a steady level of performance, which helps your team know what to expect from you. Being known for being reliable will open you up to larger and more important projects, no one wants to give a project to someone who they are worried can’t deliver.
Respect
Professionalism: You treat everyone respectfully, regardless of their role or opinion. This builds a positive and respectful work environment. Agree to disagree, remove your ego and know it takes a tribe to make anything happen.
Empathy: You consider the perspectives and feelings of others, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Focus on being Kind, not Nice (don’t know how, read my 3/31/23 post called Would You Tell Me If I had Spinach in My Teeth post)
What It Doesn’t Mean to Be Easy to Work With
Being a Yes-Person
Being easy to work with doesn’t mean agreeing with everything. It’s important to voice concerns, offer constructive feedback, and suggest alternatives when necessary.
Avoiding Conflict at All Costs
Healthy conflict can lead to better ideas and solutions. Being easy to work with means handling disagreements professionally, not avoiding them altogether.
Sacrificing Your Boundaries
You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your personal time or well-being to be seen as easy to work with. It’s about balance and knowing when to say no.
Doing Others’ Work
Helping out is one thing, but regularly taking on others’ responsibilities can lead to burnout and hinder growth in one’s own role.
Overextending Yourself
While it’s great to be proactive, taking on too much can compromise the quality of your work and lead to stress. Know your limits and communicate them.
Framework: How to Be Easy to Work With
Here’s a simple framework you can use to develop this essential skill early in your career:
FLEX:
F: Focus on Communication
Communicate clearly, concisely, and considerately. Actively listen to others and respond in a timely manner.
L: Learn to Adapt
Be open to feedback and ready to adjust your approach when needed. Embrace change as an opportunity to grow.
E: Exude Constructive Positivity
Approach your work focused on solutions and improvements. Drive progress and help tackle problems with a proactive mindset.
X: eXercise Boundaries
Know your limits, and don’t be afraid to say no when necessary. It’s important to protect your well-being while maintaining your professionalism.
Actionable Tips:
Practice Active Listening: Make sure you fully understand what your colleagues are saying before you respond.
Offer Solutions, Not Just Problems: When you encounter an issue, propose a solution along with your concerns.
Be Consistent: Show up daily, ready to deliver your best work, and keep your commitments.
Maintain Boundaries: Learn to say no when your plate is full. It’s better to do a few things well than many things poorly.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from your peers and supervisors on improving your work and collaboration.
Being easy to work with is about creating a positive, productive, and respectful work environment. It’s not about being a pushover or sacrificing your well-being. By focusing on communication, adaptability, positivity, and boundaries, you can become someone who is not only easy to work with but also a valued member of any team. Start practicing these skills now and watch your confidence, capabilities and opportunities flourish.