The workplace can often feel like a jungle, full of different personalities and working styles. So, what makes a person truly great to work with?

Well, it’s not just about being skilled at your job. It’s the qualities you bring that make others enjoy working alongside you.

I believe there are certain qualities that set these people apart. The ones who light up a room, who make a project that much easier, who simply make work better just by being part of the team.

Let’s dive into these 8 qualities that make you a person who’s great to work with. Trust me, they’re not as elusive as you might think.

1) Empathy

In the world of work, empathy isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s an absolute must-have.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It allows us to connect on a deeper level and create a harmonious and productive atmosphere.

Think about the colleagues you enjoy working with most. Chances are, they’re the ones who can understand your perspective, share in your challenges, and offer solutions that consider your feelings.

Carl Rogers, the renowned psychologist, captured this well: “When someone really hears you without passing judgement on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good”.

Being empathetic doesn’t mean you have to agree with everyone or say ‘yes’ to everything. It’s about understanding where others are coming from and responding in a way that acknowledges their feelings.

You see, when we feel understood and respected, we work better. And that’s why empathy is such a powerful quality to have in the workplace.

2) Positivity

Now, I’m not talking about being overly cheerful all the time or ignoring problems. What I mean is having a positive outlook.

Work can be stressful and challenging situations are bound to arise. But it’s how you react to these situations that matters.

Someone who’s great to work with can keep a positive attitude, even in tough times. They focus on solutions, not just problems. They lift others up instead of dragging them down.

A positive attitude is infectious. It can boost the morale of the entire team and make the workplace a much happier and more productive place.

3) Embracing imperfection

This might seem counterintuitive but stick with me.

In a work environment, we often associate being great to work with, with perfection. We think we need to always have the right answers, make no mistakes, and be on top of everything all the time.

However, the reality is quite different. Perfection is not only unattainable, but it can also create unnecessary stress and pressure.

Embracing imperfection means acknowledging that mistakes are a part of the process. It involves learning from these mistakes and using them as stepping stones toward improvement.

When you embrace imperfection, you create an environment where others feel safe to take risks and express their ideas without fear of judgment. And this leads to innovation, creativity, and growth.

4) Active listening

In a world where everyone wants to be heard, the art of active listening is a gift.

It’s more than just hearing what someone is saying. It’s about really understanding their perspective and showing genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.

Active listening involves giving feedback, asking pertinent questions, and avoiding interruptions. It shows respect for the speaker and validates their opinions. As Stephen R. Covey wisely noted, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply”.

By practicing active listening, you foster an environment of open communication and trust, showing your colleagues that their input matters and promoting a more collaborative workplace.

5) Adaptability

Change is the only constant in life, especially in the workplace. New technologies, policies, and team dynamics can reshape our daily routines in significant ways.

That’s why adaptability is such an essential trait. It’s all about remaining flexible and open to change, even when it’s unexpected or challenging.

I remember when my team was tasked with switching to a new project management tool. Initially, it was a struggle. We had to abandon our familiar processes and learn a new system from scratch. The learning curve was steep, and the transition felt overwhelming.

But instead of resisting, we chose to embrace the change. We invested time in learning the new tool, adjusted our workflows, and collaborated closely to master the new system. Before long, we discovered that the new tool actually made our work more efficient and streamlined.

6) Humility

Let’s get real here. Nobody likes a know-it-all.

In my experience, the best colleagues are those who are smart, but humble. People who are willing to admit when they’re wrong and who always remain open to learning from others.

It reminds me of an insightful quote from Carl Jung, a pioneer of psychology: “Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people.”

Humility isn’t self-deprecation; it’s self-awareness. It’s recognizing that we all have strengths and weaknesses, and that’s okay.

If you’re someone who can say, “I don’t know,” when you don’t have the answer, rather than pretending to know it all – trust me, you’re someone people will genuinely appreciate working with.<

7) Proactive nature

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

This Peter Drucker insight embodies what it means to be proactive. Proactive individuals don’t wait for opportunities to come their way—they create them. They anticipate potential challenges and act to address them before they escalate. Always looking ahead, they plan for the future and take decisive steps to ensure success.

In a team environment, proactive team members are invaluable. They keep projects on track, ensure deadlines are met, and drive the collective success of the group.

Proactivity also reflects initiative and leadership. It shows a deep commitment to your work and a readiness to go above and beyond to achieve your goals.

8) Respect for others

At the core of every great working relationship is respect. It involves treating others with kindness, appreciating their contributions, and acknowledging their skills and experiences.

Respect isn’t only about the grand gestures. It also encompasses the small actions—being punctual for meetings, actively listening when others speak, and giving credit where it’s due.

Showing respect to your colleagues fosters a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated. It encourages collaboration, improves communication, and boosts morale.

Final thoughts

Being great to work with isn’t defined by a single quality. It’s a combination of several traits that create a harmonious and productive working environment.

These qualities are more than just desirable attributes. They’re essential elements that can transform your work experience and the experiences of those working with you.

It’s not just about what you do, but how you do it. It’s the energy, the respect, the openness, and the passion you bring to the workplace every day.