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The Angels singer, Robbie Williams is playing a mediator to settle the disagreements between the members of his ex-group Take That. iTALK teaches you the art of lending a helping hand to your colleagues, while maintaining professionalism at work
You need not always be friends with your co-workers. But you need to be on good terms with them, so as to be able to resolve issues quickly. This doesn't mean you have to spend time outside work hours, or exchange details of your personal life over long phone conversations. But since you're in the same working environment, you should be able to share a friendly working relationship.
 The Angels singer, Robbie Williams who quit Take That, the 5-member band in 1995 to pursue a solo career, now plays a patient mediator when there are disagreements between the rest of the members Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Jason Orange and Howard Donald. "Sometimes in a band you have to compromise. I might have an idea about something and Jason might have another idea. There are four of us, so when we have two on each side, that's the time we'll phone Robbie and say, 'What do you think?', reveals Mark Owen, lead vocalist of the long Babe, from the 1993 album titled Everything Changes, in a recent interview to a website.
Still in two minds on whether you should intrude in your colleague's personal or professional matter? We give you tension-free survival tips to make your work and pleasure equation tick.
Maintain a balance, insist professionals
Brinda Majithia Journalist with a newspaper
Get involved in personal matters only when you are close to a colleague or else mind your own business. Give advice only when asked. Avoid commenting on any personal matter if you don't know the person well. It also depends on whether it's a small organisation where there is more bonding among colleagues as compared to a large one where you don't even know much about who's sitting next to you.
Rohan Kini Software Consultant
You shouldn't intrude but surely help resolve issues when asked for. I worked at a place where everyone had to work on one big table, we didn't have cubicles or separate cabins. I think the system worked since even if you didn't make an effort to intrude, the close proximity helped in discussing problems and offer solutions. If you sit in cubicles, you feel detached and use emails for general conversations.
Mayank Rungta Software Professional
You should definitely take interest in your colleagues' matters and try your best to help him/her out. But you have to know where to draw the line and not get over-involved. That way you cut out chances of misunderstandings. Also, your solutions, or advice might end up offending your colleague if not taken in a right spirit.
Do not look for credits on basis of help
Rashmi Deshpande
Senior Vice President, HR, Reliance Big Broadcasting
Intrusion is a complete no, but one must get involved if the colleague opens up. Helping people in their personal lives means bettering their mental muscle, which leads to better performance.
The few things you should bear in mind:
>>Don't push to help a colleague in distress. Wait till you are approached. It depends on the trust you have built and the credibility you have with others at work
>>Don't make your help public information. You cannot look for credit on the basis of personal help.
>>Don't muddle up personal and professional issues. If a colleague behaves in a certain way because it is his/her trait, don't hold it against him/her.
Tips for avoiding tense situations at work
In case you are working from home, the entire co-worker issue doesn't come into play. If you are a full-time employee, a regular work week takes up at least 40 hours. And if you want to work in a cordial environment, you have to build a rapport with your co-workers.
Don't hesitate to be friendly: If you are someone who doesn't have much to say, don't hesitate to smile and say hello to your co-workers.
Don't Gossip: If you are privy to co-workers' gossiping, do your part and keep the tidbits to yourself.
Develop patience: You may not like everyone you work with, but have a little tolerance for those who seem to rub you the wrong way. Do not complain about it.
Be respectful no matter what the situation: Respect everyone's inputs, and work ethics, even if it doesn't match yours. Show appreciation for other's work.
Avoid being a godfather at work
Anita Shantaram Corporate Trainer and Educator
At times, there are certain niggling personal or professional issues that might upset you or your colleague, thus hampering work. This is the time when you shouldn't let curiosity get better of you, but at the same time make sure you don't behave ignorant or uninterested. You can go out of your way to make your colleague feel better. It will not only give you a sense of satisfaction, but also improve the relationship.
Hot tip: Take a decision of making yourself available to your colleague only after being consciously aware of the situation. | 
