The importance of being easy to work with
I’ve long thought how we show up to work and how we act is one of the most fundamental parts of good work. As I’m getting older and more experienced, this feels like the case even more.
Below are some things that I try to do day in, day out. None of this is special, but they are things I’ve consciously, and often subconsciously, been doing for many years. I think these make a bigger difference than I probably realised earlier on in my career.
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Be reliable. Do what you said you would do, when you said you’d do it. Trust can be earned through the simple act of being someone who’s there, who does the thing and offers support.
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Dread-free communication. Be the person that people never worry about seeing a message pop up or being on a meeting invite list. Guessing what version of a person will show up is a complete drain on a team's energy and can be, honestly, quite miserable.
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Handle and absorb pressure. High-pressure moments happen and are inevitable, but passing that pressure onto others through unpredictable tone or mood swings is a choice. Reliability in mood is a quiet form of leadership.
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Be approachable. Being decent to speak to - over a message, on a call or in real life - means colleagues will likely share issues early, often when they are still small and manageable, rather than hiding them out of fear of the reaction.
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Be present. Being easy to work with requires showing up fully in conversations. Giving your undivided attention during a meetings. If you’re working remotely, I think keeping your camera on is important, even if few others do.
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Do the small things consistently. Reliability isn't always about the major things; it’s about responding thoughtfully, keeping commitments, and following through without needing constant reminders.
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Amplify the good. Take time to share positive feedback, celebrate small wins, and acknowledge the effort of others. Praise often. Expect nothing in return.
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Be kind. With your time, with your words, and with your assumptions. Everyone has things going on and sometimes they can be tricky to switch off from. A gentle demeanor acts as an anchor for the whole team, reminding everyone that work can be productive even when things are a bit tough.
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None of this requires extraordinary talent or a special skill set, it simply requires intention. Choose to show up daily with emotional consistency, generosity, and kindness and you’ll not only make your own workday better, but you’ll often make the things lighter for everyone around.
Here’s to a good week.
