THE JOURNEY TOWARDS your first full-time job can often seem solitary. To begin with, there are hours of preparation for examinations and interviews. Then there are job applications to send and forms to be filled out.
So it can be a bit of a surprise when you join work and realise career progress depends as much on your relationships with others as on your talent and commitment.
Good relationships in the workplace make life a lot easier. Colleagues who listen to your problems and go out of their way to help; bosses with whom you have a good rapport; peers who engage with you productively - all this and more is possible if you have excellent interpersonal skills.
But do not think getting on with others simply means being pleasant and avoiding arguments. Just consider the person most likely to be labelled Mr Nice in your office, and you will realise that being agreeable and keeping a low profile does not guarantee success. In fact, if that is your style, you are more likely to become the office doormat.
To build good relationships, take a proactive approach to every encounter. Whether you are meeting someone for the first or the umpteenth time, remember the way you approach the occasion determines its outcome.
Be alert, nurture the relationship with each contact, and you will soon realise the degree of trust and understanding keeps improving.