You're working with a colleague who has a different work style. How can you build a successful partnership?

1 Respect your differences

The first step is to respect your colleague's work style, even if you don't agree with it. Respect means acknowledging that there is more than one way to approach a task, and that each person has their own strengths, preferences, and motivations. Respect also means avoiding judgments, stereotypes, and assumptions about your colleague's work style. Instead, try to understand their perspective, goals, and challenges.

2 Communicate effectively

The second step is to communicate effectively with your colleague. Communication is key to any partnership, but especially when you have different work styles. Communication means sharing your expectations, feedback, and concerns in a clear, constructive, and respectful way. Communication also means listening actively, asking questions, and clarifying any misunderstandings. Communication can help you align your objectives, coordinate your actions, and resolve any issues.

3 Adapt your work style

The third step is to adapt your work style to your colleague's work style, when possible and appropriate. Adapting your work style means being flexible, open-minded, and willing to compromise. Adapting your work style can help you bridge the gap between your differences, and create a more harmonious and productive partnership. For example, if your colleague is more structured and organized, you can try to follow their plan and timeline. If your colleague is more creative and spontaneous, you can try to embrace their ideas and suggestions.

5 Appreciate your partnership

The fifth step is to appreciate your partnership and your colleague. Appreciating your partnership means celebrating your achievements, acknowledging your contributions, and expressing your gratitude. Appreciating your partnership can help you strengthen your relationship, boost your morale, and foster mutual trust and respect. Appreciating your colleague means giving them positive feedback, recognition, and support. Appreciating your colleague can help you show them that you value their work style, and that you care about them as a person.

6 Practice sustainability

The sixth step is to practice sustainability in your partnership and your work. Sustainability means being mindful of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of your actions, and striving to reduce your negative effects and increase your positive effects. Sustainability also means being aware of your own well-being, and taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Practicing sustainability can help you create a more ethical, responsible, and resilient partnership and work. For example, you can practice sustainability by choosing eco-friendly options, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and managing your stress and energy levels.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?