way I could. Eventually they got the idea that I was on their
team and not a threat to them. After a couple of months I
was friends with almost everyone on the team.”
■“That was when I was in college and had to work with a
team for a project management class. At first it seemed
that we were each pulling in different directions, but then
alliances started forming. What I found worked for me in
this situation was to show an interest in the other person’s
interest. It’s amazing how easy it is to make friends when
you are willing to listen and put yourself second.”
■“In the military you become ‘soul brothers and sisters’ with
everyone very fast. It’s a matter of relying on one another. I
made fast friends with a woman who came into the group
when I did. We were both newcomers and didn’t feel wel-
come at first. We kept a low profile and offered suggestions
only when we felt it was appropriate or would save time.
She and I continued to be friends the whole time I was
stationed at that location, but we both branched out to
make other friends as the weeks passed.”
“What are the biggest challenges you face when you
are required to work with others?”
■“I consider myself a low-key person when it comes to
socializing. I can deal with anyone when it is about work,
but when it comes to socializing, I tend to pull back until I
know the people I’m with better. In this job I want to have a
more active role in some of the fund-raising and other
events that interest me.”
■“The biggest challenge for me is getting to know the
personality type of each person I’m dealing with so that
I can determine what communication style he or she
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