Developing a Network of Trust at Work

It's true: You spend more time with your co-workers than you do with anyone else.

When you're in the office at least 40 hours per week, the folks you work with become a huge part of your everyday life. If you don't consider yourself particularly close with your colleagues or if you're an introvert, don't fret—cultivating a more caring and supportive atmosphere at work doesn't need to be a titanic project.

Here are four simple things you can do to show your co-workers that you care and are supportive of them while making your office an ecosystem you look forward to spending majority of your time in:

Get to Know your Tribe

Even though you're in a professional setting, it's important to loosen up, and aim to forge a relationship with the whole person—not just a job title. Every friendship at work need not be a strategic one. Sometimes all it takes is building a personal and authentic connection. Whether it's asking about her/ his yoga routine or admiring her/ his desk plant, don't forget to strike up the occasional pep talk. Doing so will demonstrate that you're genuinely invested in them, while also giving you the opportunity to discover new mutual interests. Connect with your tribe at a human level!

Be Nice

Little acts of kindness go a long way in building meaningful relationships. It's important to remind your colleagues that you value them and are grateful for their partnership with you. Be thoughtful and drop them a perky sticky note or even a nutty snack bar on your way into work. If you're heading out for lunch and notice that your colleague looks insanely caught up, ask if you could get them anything for lunch. (Food is the answer to everything in this universe.)

Be Helpful

In business, people often forget how valuable it is to develop a helpful mindset. Being helpful to your colleagues is never going to get in the way of your success. Understand that we're all in this together, and that there's plenty of room for everyone to bloom. It doesn't matter how high someone climbs, everyone has their moments where they fall. If you get the chance to be there for someone who really needs your help, be there for them, especially if you know that someone really values something that's within your power to deliver.

Give People Credit

Gratitude and adequate recognition can easily fall by the wayside when we're wrapped up in the chaos of our everyday lives. Step it up and be the colleague who always rallies for the hard work of their teammates. You could send them a note of appreciation via private message or even give them a fist bump in person. It's all about the little things! Also, if you're ever given credit for someone else's work, make sure you put things in straight jacket so the right person gets recognition for their hard work.

Look Out for Others' Blind Spots

Give your colleague a heads up if you notice something is amiss, or if you come across a helpful resource that may be valuable to them. Look out for them! As soon as you identify a red flag, send them a quick email. Every once in a while, I'll get an email from a colleague with a link to something she or he thinks should be on my radar. It's good to get a heads up!

No one expects you to start doing all of these things tomorrow, but if you start now and keep at it consistently, the repetition will train your brain to naturally think like a more helpful person. I adopted some of these habits years ago in college, and the changes have been incredibly positive -- not only in my professional life, but also in my personal life.