Ever took the longer route to your desk because you didn’t want to walk past a group of people chatting happily around their workstations? That feeling of being an outsider - perhaps because you’re new at the company or an introvert who just didn’t understand how strangers in an office could form a bond that went beyond ‘just work’?
Leveraging what some might call a super power - people in an office or social setting may be exercising their emotional intelligence to foster a sense of camaraderie and community. This isn't just a buzzword; it's the key to forming meaningful connections you've been craving. Think about it – people who exercise their strong emotional intelligence excel in both their careers and their relationships.
At Our Desk, we aim to help employees, entrepreneurs, freelancers, students and gig-workers put this essential skill to use in a safe, welcoming and nurturing co-working environment. If you'd like to enhance your ability to connect with others, we're here to help.
Let's explore the power of emotional intelligence together and see how it can help in creating meaningful and lasting bond.
Recognize and Acknowledge your Emotions
Human connections thrive on emotions.
To truly connect with others in a professional setting like a coworking space or even a social setting, it is crucial to get in touch with your own emotions first.
A great starting point would be to acknowledge and accept your feelings. Once you do that, you gain the power to navigate your emotional landscape effectively. Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence, and it helps you understand how your emotions may influence your interactions with others.
For instance, imagine you're spending the day working from home on a project for a client. There are several distractions throughout the day that steal your focus from delivering the work to the best of your ability.
Add to that the fatigue of Zoom calls and virtual meetings and you’ve all but given up on getting work done for the day. Feeling frustrated, distracted and like you’ve failed to deliver, you decide to go to the office a few days in the week or perhaps book a desk at a co-working facility. This lets you enjoy working from home and gives you the ability to organize a dedicated space to work and increase your productivity towards projects and other deliverables.
From 'Me' to 'We'
Coworking spaces are thriving with diverse individuals and ideas. To build connections, shift your perspective from a 'me' to a 'we' mindset. Embrace the advantages of working with colleagues in the office or within a co-working space that allows professionals from diverse backgrounds to collaborate and leverage individual strengths.
Consider this scenario: You're attending a networking event at a coworking space. Instead of solely focusing on self-promotion, engage in conversations with curiosity and genuine interest about others' work. By showing a sincere desire to learn from others and understand their experiences, you create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. This shift in perspective fosters authentic connections that go deeper.
Communication – The Ultimate EQ Power Tool
Effective communication is an essential tool in utilizing emotional intelligence to make new connections. It involves both verbal and non-verbal cues, such as body language and active listening.
When communicating, be mindful of your tone, gestures, and facial expressions. They can either enhance or hinder the connection-building process. For example, maintaining eye contact, nodding in agreement, and displaying open body language signals genuine interest and creates a sense of trust. Such attentive communication helps you establish rapport with others and build stronger connections.
Building emotional intelligence is an on-going process. But every so often you'll notice markers of success. You'll feel more grounded, confident and secure in yourself as time progresses. The quality of your relationships will improve considerably and you'll be able to handle conflict in a more relaxed, centred manner.
About OurDesk:
OurDesk - A brand new 52-seater coworking space/ reading room is now OPEN FOR BUSINESS! We're in Khar West - a short walk from Khar railway station (300m) & in close proximity to SV Road (75m).
When you book with OurDesk, you get:
-High-speed internet
-Ergonomic furniture
-Abundant natural light
-Fully stocked on-site pantry
-Separate toilets for men/ women on the same floor.
Book with OurDesk if you are a:
-Solopreneur
-Freelancer
-Entrepreneur
-Management consultant
-Chartered accountant
-Marketing agency
-Small business
-Startup or
-A professional seeking shared office space or a flexible workspace for remote work.
Why choose OurDesk?
OurDesk is more than just a coworking space - we are a social enterprise of Mataji Rampiyaribai Trust that is a registered not-for-profit organisation with a long history of assisting disadvantaged, marginalised and weaker members of the community for over 50+ years.
Our commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth in the business community is driven by our longstanding mission to empower professionals like you.
By choosing OurDesk, you not only gain access to a dynamic workspace but also contribute to the meaningful initiatives and support provided by the trust.
To know more about how we assist the community and how you can help, get in touch with us today:
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