by Toni L. Swavely

Created on: July 25, 2008   Last Updated: March 01, 2011

Achieving popularity at the office has many advantages, the most important of which is being able to gain the cooperation of coworkers over whom you have no formal authority. Having a network of coworkers willing to help you out when you need them increases your productivity and scores you points with the boss. In addition, developing friendships at work will increase your level of work satisfaction, commitment, and involvement-and score you even more points with the boss. If you want to be popular, the bottom line is this: people have to like you. Below, learn seven strategies to become more popular at the office by encouraging others to like you.

1. Conform to the group, but not too closely.

The foundation of popularity is getting along well with your coworkers, and the best way to do that is to adhere to group norms. Group norms are the standard written or unwritten rules of conduct, speech, and appearance that tell people how to behave in order to be part of the group. In other words, you must conform to the group in order to gain acceptance. If you fail to conform, the group will likely ostracize you.

A word of caution: Conforming too closely to group norms is also bad. You do not want lose your individuality. It is important that your superiors view you as a person who wishes to attain a higher position. When you act and look exactly like everyone else, your superiors may believe that you are happy right where you are.

2. Cooperate with others.

Displaying a helpful, cooperative, and courteous attitude will go a long way in helping you make friends at the office. The phrase "a good team player" may be overused, but it is still important. Developing a reputation of cooperativeness will create many opportunities for you to help your coworkers, or even your superiors, which enhances your ability to favors for others. Why? Because when you do favors for others, they will then be more likely to do favors for you.

3. Promote others.

Promoting another person is an excellent way to gain an ally. If a coworker has a great idea, or has made a worthy achievement, talk it up and be sure to give them credit. Promoting your coworkers' accomplishments will also help you develop the reputation of being a nurturing and positive person, which will enhance relationships and pay large dividends in the number of people who will want to get to know you. People who like you will be more likely to defend you against negative gossip and promote you, as well.

4. Build trust.

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