APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.
Here, Karren gives her expert advice to a reader whose colleagues say she’s not part of the team.
Q) I work in retail and it’s my job to be helpful and friendly to the public.
But being “on” all the time does deplete my social reserves and I don’t make much small talk with my colleagues beyond “good morning”.
I also prefer to spend my lunchbreak on my own, rather than chatting to co-workers.
In my recent review, my manager praised my work ethic, but gave me feedback that my colleagues see me as “stand-offish” and not always part of the team.
I already have a small group of mates outside of my job so don’t feel the need to be BFFs with my co-workers, but how do I say this to my manager without sounding like I’m not a team player?
Leigh
A) You’re clearly good at your job, so don’t be hard on yourself.
Wanting to conserve your social energy, especially when your role requires you to engage with customers all day, is understandable and doesn’t make you any less committed.
However, it can help to reflect on how others perceive you, and consider ways to bridge the gap.
Simple gestures, such as asking someone how their weekend was, responding warmly when spoken to, or showing brief interest in their lives, can go a long way.
Explain to your manager your role can be socially demanding and you need to recharge.
Make it clear your preference for limited chatting isn’t about avoiding the team, it’s about managing your energy so you can continue performing well.
Maintain your boundaries, but be strategic in how you show up – subtle changes in how you interact can really strengthen your place in the team.
- Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk.
