Say Hello! - Building Relationships With Your Co-Workers From Day 1

I may have mentioned this before, but I think the start of a new school year is the perfect time to bring up an important topic that most people neglect when you work in the radio industry. It is a lesson that is important for any industry at any point in your career and it can be summed up pretty well in two words, say hello!

Yes, that is it. Let me explain a little further.

One of the most important leaders in my life taught me this lesson before I finished radio school to help prepare me for professional life. When you get to the station (or office/wherever you work) stop and take a moment to say a quick “hello” or “good morning” to everyone in the station.

You may be thinking this is an obvious thing to do, especially if you have to walk past everyone as you walk in the door to your office or studio. You would be surprised at many people stop this practice after internship. Radio newbies love the opportunity to network during internship and meet everyone they can during a short term at a station but it is equally as important to develop relationships at a station you are working at permanently.

Taking a moment to stop and greet everyone you work with can build a relationship with everyone in your station and make you a station insider at your station.

Here are a few more quick etiquette pointers for your morning entrance:

-Keep it positive. Everyone is tired, everyone is busy and no one wants to hear about it. It is a fresh new day, save the drama for later and get the day off on the right foot by holding anything negative back.

-Keep it simple. In the morning people have things to do, greet your co-workers and get out of their hair. Save your longer personal chats for coffee breaks and lunch. If you have a work related issue come back to the person after you both are settled into work.

-Do not walk into the office first thing in the morning on your cell phone; take the time to build the relationships with the people in your office. If you have an important call finish it in your car or plan to come in early enough to take it in your office. When you are done on the phone take a moment to get your “good mornings” in.

-If you are new to your workplace try to use names as much as possible.

This is one really easy thing to do everyday that can help build the important relationships that you need to have a dynamic, happy workplace.

The best managers I have ever had do this every day, on the good days and the bad days. On sulky Monday Mornings, dreary Wednesdays and when everyone is happy that it is finally Friday.

Some of the best managing skills are developed during internship, many of the best bosses I have worked with take the skills that are important when you are a new employee or an intern and continue to use them on a daily basis.

Sometimes we focus so much on what we are saying to the listeners that we forget to connect with the team behind the music, production, promotions, contests and sales that build the radio stations brand. When you have a crew of people working together that enjoys working together and is having fun it comes through on-air and is noticeable to listeners. It builds an atmosphere in your building and over the airwaves that people will want to be part of.

Follow April Wine’s advice and simply “say hello”.  Give it a try everyday for the next two weeks and let me know how it goes!