For example, you could say, “Sorry, Rob, I’m not sure John was through. Did you have something else to say, John?”

If you find your mind drifting on an idea, jot a quick note down, then refocus on what other people are saying. Remember to make eye contact with the person who is speaking and lean in towards him or her. Put away anything that might distract you as well, such as your cell phone or laptop. You can also try nodding your head while the person is talking to show the person that you are listening. Avoid interrupting the person while he or she is speaking. Wait until he or she has finished to ask questions or make comments. [1] X Research source

Sometimes, an idea can sound outrageous at first, and you’ll want to reject it immediately. It may take you a little while to warm up to the idea and see that it actually could work, particularly if it’s out of the box. Ask more questions about the idea to better understand the logistics. Even if the idea doesn’t work, it could be a springboard for other ideas.

Invite them to speak out when they’re quiet in group meetings. Ask them questions to get them talking. In addition, figure out what they’re good at, and then propose that they work on certain tasks to play to their skills. You can even use flattery to draw them in, such as, “You are so good at the details. Would you mind putting together the spreadsheet for this project, Jen?”

You can use questions to help you understand something that a coworker has just said to you. For example, if your coworker has just explained a task to you, then you could say, “So, I think you’re saying _____. Is that right?” If you are not on the same page, then your coworker can clarify his or her meaning for you. You can also practice empathetic listening to maintain good work relationships with your coworkers, such as by echoing what the speaker says. [3] X Research source For example, if a coworker says, “I’m having a terrible day,” then you might say, “You’re having a terrible day? What’s going on?” By asking a question, you are demonstrating to the speaker that you have heard him or her and that you would like to know more.

You have the power to make changes to your own work experience and that of others through conversation. [4] X Expert Source Amy WongLeadership & Transformational Coach Expert Interview. 30 April 2020. You can’t be passive-aggressive when working with others in a team environment. Passive-aggressiveness just leads to people being upset. Confront problems head-on as they arise in a professional manner. For example, if you don’t like the way something was done, the passive-aggressive response would be to make a slightly condescending comment or to go back and do it the way you wanted it in the first place. The professional approach would be to discuss why you think another way is better, and then defer to your peers if your idea is rejected.

Sometimes it can be easier to find your niche when you feel more connected to your coworkers. Don’t be afraid to try to do more projects with the people you work best with. [6] X Expert Source Amy WongLeadership & Transformational Coach Expert Interview. 30 April 2020.

In addition, jumping in when you see a need looks good to your boss, earning you brownie points, which is never a bad thing. Also, you may find yourself needing help in the future, and if you’ve given help in the past, others will be more willing to offer you help when you need it.

For example, don’t start out the day by saying, “I wish we didn’t have to work through these ridiculous budget reports. " Instead, you could say, “I know a budget report isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but just think, going through these budget reports means we get the money we need to do the projects we love. "

Spend some time each day talking to your coworkers. Ask how they are and really listen to their answers. Let them talk about their home lives if they feel like talking about them. For your teammates to trust you, they have to feel like you see them as individuals with their own desires, fears, and memories, not just as ways to achieve your professional objectives. Then, people will feel comfortable enough around you to do things like be more innovative when problem-solving. [8] X Expert Source Amy WongLeadership & Transformational Coach Expert Interview. 30 April 2020.

Offering up who deserves credit will make others feel appreciated, and feeling appreciated for hard work can help create the feeling of being on the same team.