How To Make Colleagues Feel Comfortable
Refine your communication skills by learning to harness your emotional intelligence with one of the UK's most acclaimed management training courses.
What gets in the way of developing and holding on to new communication skills are old habits of thinking and speaking. Even if the advice is very good the reason why it rarely sticks are the mental habits people inevitably revert to, especially under pressure.
Unlearning those old habits and internalising a more effective and lasting approach to communication needs more than a short course of lectures on how to do it.
What makes this training stand out is the exceptional support through one-to-one coaching sessions and continuous feedback. Changing behaviour is not an easy task as old habits are hard to break.
With a 40-year track record we can help you cultivate practical skills, and build your confidence to so you can successfully navigate real-world challenges, ensuring lasting behavioural improvements.
Join thousands of participants getting results
"What I love about this course is that I didn't just learn about the topic, this course is about ME. I'm confident I can reliably use my new skills, even when under pressure".
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A Project Manager At A Tech Company
"A lesson for life! The power of effective communication is incredible when one masters the skills "listening with empathy" and "speaking assertively"
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A Project Quality Engineer
Extract from an interview with a former client
Well-known companies who have used this course again and again, over many years





















For those who prefer listening to reading, here is a podcast-style AI-generated audio summary of how this training program helps professionals master empathy, assertiveness, and communication to navigate workplace dynamics and foster sustainable change.
Feeling left out at work is common. A fact: being approachable can change that. This training course shows ways to make colleagues feel comfortable around you, which will make it more likely they'll be encouraged to open up to you with honest conversations.
You will learn a set of powerful emotional intelligence communication techniques so that you can manage difficult conversations, handle challenging situations, build relationships and set firm boundaries, and encourage others to have more open, honest conversations with you.
The goal of this training is to equip you with the tools you need to build strong, lasting relationships in your professional life, although because these skills are so transferable many clients report vast improvements in their personal relationships as well.
This is a skills development rather than just a theoretical programme, so the emphasis throughout will be on you taking turn after turn, practising your skills, while receiving feedback and coaching about your effect on others.
In your coaching sessions you will be helped to practise dealing with the kinds of situation you find challenging, again and again, until you are confident you can do it successfully.
We'll combine practical, hands-on experience with video replay and analysis and discussion of the principles involved to help you gain both skills and understanding. Special attention is paid to your individual training needs, so you can practise your skills in real-life situations that you have to handle at work.
That's why as well as your place in a small group, this training includes a generous amount of private and confidential one-to-one coaching sessions online, spread over several months, ensuring an exceptional level of support. This will ensure the changes you make are sustained over a longer period of time and any obstacles are overcome. Choose between online training available worldwide, or in-person face-to-face courses in the UK.
For a list of upcoming course dates (for online coaching and face-to-face training), the locations of the next 3-day public courses in the UK and pricing Click here.
This initial coaching session serves as an introduction to the "Skills with People" course, allowing you to understand the course's relevance and effectiveness for your specific needs before committing to it.

Being approachable at work means you make it easy for co-workers to talk to you. This includes having open body language, making eye contact, and keeping your office door open. It's about creating an inviting environment.
Your team should feel they can come to you with ideas freely and share their thoughts without fear.
Approachability is the bridge between confidence and empathy.
It also involves listening well and showing interest in what others say. If you have good people skills you can make others feel more comfortable, because they you can make relax when they feel more understood. When you are approachable, colleagues are more likely to share personal life stories with you. They'll then be much more likely to be willing to be encouraged to open up with their honest view about things, in much more authentic conversations.
This builds stronger connections within the team.

Being approachable at work helps everyone get along better. It makes talking and working together easier.
Building stronger relationships with colleagues makes work better. It helps everyone feel like they belong. You show respect and make spaces for open talks. This lets co-workers share ideas without fear.
When people understand and help each other, teamwork grows.
Using simple actions can change a lot. Smile more, listen well, and spend moments to chat about non-work stuff. Celebrate wins together and be there in challenging times too. This effort shows you care beyond just tasks.
It turns co-workers into a supportive team that enjoys working together.
Open communication at work helps everyone feel comfortable sharing ideas. It lets co-workers speak freely and feel heard. This builds a team where people trust each other. They share knowledge without fear, ask for help, and give honest feedback.
Good talk makes problems easier to solve together.
Leaders play a big part in this process. They encourage staff to come forward with thoughts and feelings by showing they value their input. This means listening more than talking, understanding what is said, and acting on it in meaningful ways.
Such actions make a workspace where open talks are normal, making the team stronger and more successful.
Teamwork and collaboration make a big difference in the workplace. They turn individual efforts into group success. For employees to work well together, they must feel comfortable sharing ideas and solutions.
This begins with approachable leaders who set the tone for open communication. They show by their actions how to listen, share feedback, and support each other’s growth. As everyone becomes more open, trust grows.
Encouragement plays a key role here too. When co-workers cheer each other on, it boosts morale and productivity. Simple acts like acknowledging someone's hard work or giving a helpful tip can strengthen bonds between team members.
It makes the team not just a group of people working together but a supportive community aiming for common goals.
Establishing a supportive work environment is crucial for both comfort and progression in the workplace. It implies rendering every individual feel significant and secure to express thoughts or concerns.
This can be achieved by leaders demonstrating empathy, exhibiting good listening skills, and providing transparent feedback. This aids colleagues to develop a stronger sense of trust amongst themselves, thereby enhancing their collaborative efforts.
A positive workplace where individuals feel backed boosts self-assurance and also triggers teamwork.
Minor actions play a significant role in constructing such an atmosphere. Expressing gratitude, recognising diligent work, and being honest about problems contribute to major shifts.
These deeds demonstrate concern for an individual's contribution to the company's triumph.

If people at work rarely ask for your input or avoid joining you for lunch, these might be signs you're not as approachable as you think. Maybe you notice fewer folks teaming up with you on projects, showing there's room to boost your openness.
Not getting feedback from colleagues is a big sign you might not seem approachable at work. This silence can mean your co-workers don't feel comfortable coming to you with their thoughts or advice.
It's key in business for everyone to share ideas and help each other improve. If no one shares how they feel about your work, it can be tough to know where you stand or how to get better.
Creating an atmosphere where feedback is common helps make the workplace more open and supportive. When people skip giving you feedback, important chances for learning and growth are lost.
Everyone needs guidance from time to time, whether it's praise for good work or tips on how to handle tasks better. Making sure your colleagues feel they can talk openly with you means taking extra effort but leads to a stronger team.
Team interactions are crucial for a healthy workplace. They help us work better together and feel part of something bigger. If people hardly talk or work together, it's a sign you might not seem approachable.
This can lead to less sharing of ideas and fewer chances to solve problems together.
Great things in business are never done by one person; they're done by a team.
Making an effort to join conversations and projects shows your co-workers that you're open and willing to collaborate. It can turn around the way others see you, leading to more productive and enjoyable work days.
Use body language that invites people in, like smiles or nods, during chats or meetings.
Having fewer chances to work together can be a big problem. It means you and your co-workers miss out on combining skills for better results. If people don't feel comfortable coming up to you with their ideas, important projects might not get the benefit of different viewpoints.
This can lead to less creativity and innovation in the workplace.
To make things better, focus on being more accessible and open. Show interest in others' thoughts and encourage them to share. This way, everyone feels valued and part of the team effort.
More collaboration means better solutions and a happier workplace for all.
If co-workers keep their personal life a secret from you, it might mean they don't find you approachable. They might not feel comfortable or safe sharing their feelings and daily stories.
This could be because they think you're too busy, not interested, or maybe they fear being judged. Making your colleagues feel comfortable enough to share little things about their day can build trust and improve teamwork.
To change this, start by showing interest in their lives outside of work. Ask them how their weekend was or if they have any fun plans coming up. Always use a friendly tone and keep your body language open.
This lets them know you care and are willing to listen. Doing these simple steps can make a big difference in making others feel at ease around you.

Approachable people often have a friendly face, listen well, and understand others' feelings. They make sure everyone around feels at ease. Want to learn more? Keep reading.
Use open body language to seem more friendly at work. This means keeping your arms uncrossed and smiling more. Eye contact is key too. It shows you're listening and care about what others say.
Standing or sitting up straight also matters. It makes you look ready to talk and listen.
Making small changes in how you use your body can make a big difference. Try nodding when someone talks to show you understand them. Keep your hands visible as it suggests honesty and openness.
These actions make co-workers feel comfortable coming up to you. They will see you as someone safe to share ideas with, which fosters better teamwork and collaboration.
Active listening skills are key for making co-workers feel comfortable. This means really hearing what others say, not just waiting for your turn to speak. You use eye contact, nod your head, and sometimes repeat back what you've heard to show you understand.
This makes people know you're paying attention.
This skill also involves noticing non-verbal signs like facial expressions and body language. By doing so, you get a better idea of how someone feels even if they don't use words. It helps in smoothing out misunderstandings and builds stronger connections at work.
Empathy and understanding at work mean putting yourself in your co-workers' shoes. This helps everyone feel comfortable approaching you. Imagine a colleague having a rough day. If you notice and ask if they're okay, that's empathy.
You show you see their feelings and care. Understanding follows when you listen to their worries without judging.
Being empathetic also means savoring the good times with your team. Celebrate small wins together and support each other during stress or challenges. This builds a strong sense of team spirit and psychological safety—an environment where people dare to share ideas, make mistakes, and learn without fear of ridicule or blame.
Being positive all the time helps a lot at work. It makes people want to talk to you and share ideas. Positivity is like a magnet. It attracts co-workers and makes teamwork better.
You show positivity through your voice, smile, and even how you listen. This doesn't mean you ignore problems. Instead, you approach challenges with hope and a belief in finding solutions.
Believe in yourself, your team, and the power of positive thinking.
This way of thinking spreads calmness around the office. It helps everyone stay focused on goals instead of getting stuck on what's going wrong. Your consistent positive attitude gives others confidence too.
They start believing that together, they can overcome any hurdle.

Making your teammates feel at ease is key at work. A simple chat and showing you understand can go a long way.
Active listening is key in making your co-workers feel heard. It's about more than just nodding along. You need to show you understand what they're saying. Repeat back what they say in your own words, and ask questions if something isn't clear.
This makes your colleagues see that you value their thoughts and opinions.
Giving full attention during conversations shows respect and builds trust among team members. Avoid looking at your phone or computer screen when someone is talking to you. Eye contact, nodding, and leaning forward are simple ways to show you're engaged.
These actions make a big difference in how approachable you seem at work.
Offering encouragement and celebrating wins are key steps to make co-workers feel valued. Show self-confidence in their abilities. Cheer for them when they achieve something, big or small.
This action makes the workplace positive and supportive. It encourages everyone to share ideas and work together better.
A simple 'well done' can boost someone's day.
Giving kind words helps build strong teams. When a team member does well, let them know you noticed. Say thank you for their hard work often. This builds trust and respect among colleagues, making the office a happier place for everyone.
Being empathetic means putting yourself in someone else's shoes. It's vital at work because it helps you understand your co-workers' feelings and problems. This way, communication skills get better.
You see what they're dealing with from their viewpoint. Show empathy by listening carefully and responding with kindness.
Understanding others is also important for leadership and teamwork. It makes people feel safe to share ideas and talk about issues without worry of rudeness or negative feedback. Leaders who show empathy build trust with their team.
They make decisions that consider everyone's emotions and needs, leading to a happier workplace for all.
Giving kind constructive feedback is key to a professional environment. You want co-workers to feel supported, not criticised. Start by mentioning something they did well before you talk about what could be better.
This approach makes your team more open to listening and improving.
Always use clear words in your feedback. Avoid jargon or complex terms that might confuse. Make sure your co-worker understands what you are saying and why it matters. This simple method fosters a positive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and ready to grow together.

Some common mistakes can make you seem less approachable at work. Using closed body gestures — like crossing your arms — and cutting people off when they're speaking are big no-nos.
These actions can create a barrier, making co-workers feel like you're not open to them. Another error is always seeming rushed or glued to your phone during conversations, which might tell others that you're too busy for them.
Lastly, if you ignore the silent messages people send through their facial expressions or stance, you miss out on understanding how they really feel. Paying attention to these non-verbal signals helps in building better connections with your team members.
Closed body language can push people away at work. It makes you seem less approachable. This includes crossing your arms, not making eye contact, and turning your body away from others.
These actions send a message that you're not open to communication. They might make co-workers feel like they can't come to you with ideas or problems.
To be more approachable, try doing the opposite. Keep your arms open and face people when they talk to you. Make sure to look them in the eyes. This shows that you are listening and care about what they have to say.
By doing this, you will make a better impression on your colleagues.
Interrupting or talking over others makes you seem less approachable at work. It stops co-workers from sharing their thoughts and ideas. This harms teamwork and can make people wary of speaking up.
Dominating conversations also stops healthy decision-making. Others might feel their views aren't valued, leading to a lack of diverse thoughts in projects. To be more approachable, ensure everyone has a chance to speak and share their ideas equally.
Looking busy or distracted can make you seem less approachable at work. This happens when you're always on your computer or phone during conversations. Co-workers might think twice before talking to you, fearing they are interrupting.
They need to feel that their words matter and won't be overlooked due to other tasks grabbing your attention.
Make eye contact and put away digital devices when others speak to you. Showing interest in what they're saying encourages open communication and builds trust among team members. It's simple but powerful - making people feel heard strengthens relationships and fosters a positive work environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and concerns.
Ignoring non-verbal cues can make you seem less approachable at work. These cues include facial expressions, body position, and eye contact. People might be trying to show they're upset or need help without saying it out loud.
If you miss these signs, co-workers may think you don't care. This hurts teamwork and trust.
Paying attention to these silent messages helps in understanding your team better. It shows empathy and makes others feel valued. Good leaders notice when someone is uncomfortable or has ideas they're hesitant to share.
Act on these cues to improve communication and comfort among co-workers.

Approachable leaders build trust by showing they're human too – admitting mistakes and sharing their thoughts. They make everyone feel part of the team, boosting comfort at work.
Interested? Keep reading to find out more about making your colleagues feel at ease.
Showing your true self can make co-workers trust you more. This means sharing times you messed up or felt unsure. Leaders do this to show everyone makes mistakes and it’s okay. It gives confidence to others to admit their own slip-ups without fear.
Sharing your challenges at work helps build a strong team. It shows you're human, just like everyone else. This creates a safe place where people feel they can talk about anything.
That way, everyone supports each other better and works well together.
Admitting mistakes at work shows self confidence. It tells your co-workers you value honesty and growth. This approachability matters a lot in the workplace. People feel safe to talk about errors and learn from them together.
Leaders who can say "I was wrong" help build trust. They make everyone feel okay about making mistakes too. This makes a team stronger and more open to trying new things without fear of failure.
Being open about how you make decisions at work can help your team feel more at ease. Tell them the reason behind your choices. This means, if you're picking a plan for a project, share why you think it's the best route.
Use clear examples so they understand your logic. This step makes everyone see that there's thought and care in what you do.
It helps too to ask for their thoughts on your decisions. This does two things – shows you value their input and teaches them how to approach problems. If they know how you think, they can make better suggestions themselves.
Making this part of regular chats encourages openness and trust among co-workers.
To be more approachable at work, you need to explain clearly why you do things. This means being open about your goals and plans with co-workers. When you share what you aim for, people understand better and feel part of the team.
It's like letting them see the map when on a journey together.
Tell your team how their work fits into the bigger picture. Say "Our project will help improve patient safety" or "This task gives us a chance to boost our first impression with clients." By doing this, everyone knows where they stand and how they contribute, making them more comfortable and connected.

Making others feel at ease isn't hard with the right approach. Simple skills like talking warmly and listening well can make a big difference.
Using a warm, friendly, supportive tone at work can make all the difference. It makes co-workers feel at ease around you. Your voice can show you care and support them. This helps in building trust with your team members.
A kind tone invites more open chats about work or personal life.
Being nice in how you talk also plays a big role in being approachable. It includes simple acts like sharing smiles or giving small nods when others speak to show you're listening.
These non-verbal cues are key in making people feel welcome to come and talk to you anytime. So, by doing these things, you naturally become someone your colleagues want to be around and share ideas with.
Listening well and showing you understand someone's feelings are key to making co-workers feel at ease. To master active listening, focus fully on the speaker without interruption.
Nodding and giving short replies like "I see" or "Go on" show you're engaged. Empathy means putting yourself in their shoes. Imagine how they feel about their work or challenges.
These skills make everyone around more open and willing to share. They see you as someone who cares and supports them. This builds a stronger team where people help each other out more often.
So, practice listening without planning what to say next and try to really get how others feel. This will make your workplace happier for everyone.
To make co-workers feel their efforts matter, always give them positive feedback. This means telling them what they did well and how it helps everyone at work. For example, if someone finishes a big project, say something like, "Great job on that report! It really shows your hard work and makes our team stronger." This encourages them to keep doing well and shows you notice their hard work.
Also, giving suggestions in a kind way is key. If there's something they can do better next time, tell them gently. Say, "I liked how you handled this task. Maybe next time try adding more data to support your points." This way, you help them grow without making them feel bad.
Doing these things makes people comfortable talking with you and sharing ideas at work.

Being approachable at work leads to a smoother team flow and a happier place for everyone. This opens up paths for better sharing of ideas, more trust among employees, and an overall boost in how well everyone works together.
Feeling comfortable to speak up and share can turn into great outcomes for projects and the office vibe. So, read on to discover how simple changes in your behavior can create big wins at work!
Collaborative performance streamlines everyday tasks. Individuals harmonise more efficiently. They offer each other assistance frequently. This results in productivity increase in shorter time frames.
Cohorts also devise superior concepts collectively. They expedite problem-solving as well.
A team with efficient communication achieves significant progress. Every member comprehends their responsibilities succinctly. They have common objectives and strive for them as a united entity.
This minimises confusion and postponements, augmenting the comprehensive yield of all participants.
Teams work better together when everyone feels easy to talk to. This makes solving problems faster and coming up with new ideas easier. Imagine a place where co-workers turn to each other for help without worry.
They share successes and learn from mistakes as a group. Such teams can tackle big tasks because they trust each other.
Being open at work also helps everyone feel like they are part of something bigger. Workers who feel included put in more effort and stay happier on the job. This all leads to a team that sticks together, ready to face whatever comes next with confidence and support from one another.
Maintaining approachability at work garners greater trust and respect from fellow workers. This happens because coworkers perceive you as someone they can comfortably communicate with.
They are aware you will listen and provide the necessary support. You become a central figure they turn to when they encounter difficulties or seek advice. This fosters a sense of unity where the views of all team members are valued.
Realising they are valued enhances their confidence in sharing ideas, contributing to projects, and extending a helping hand where necessary. It cultivates an atmosphere where people are enthusiastic about collaborating, aware that their suggestions are valued.
Such a climate enhances the way colleagues perceive each other and also elevates the overall ambience in the workplace. Everyone aspires to perform at their peak when they feel valued and trusted by their peers.
Establishing a workplace where everyone feels acknowledged and appreciated enhances team spirit. This type of culture assists teams in cooperating more efficiently. It ensures a free exchange of ideas and enables everyone to voice their opinions without apprehension.
Individuals become more innovative and address challenges promptly. They feel secure expressing their thoughts, knowing they will be listened to.
In such a setting, colleagues contribute to each other's progression. They commemorate victories collectively, whether significant or modest. This optimism proliferates, transforming the office into a space people are eager to visit daily.
It converts them into a tightly integrated family that cares for one another, propelling the entire business to success.

Making small mistakes can easily make you seem less approachable at work. For instance, always looking rushed or using your phone during conversations sends the wrong signal. People might think you're too busy for them, which isn't what you want.
Also, crossing your arms or not making eye contact can shut people out before they even speak to you. Keeping things too formal or staying at a distance from your colleagues can make it hard for them to feel comfortable around you.
It's all about finding a balance and being mindful of how your actions affect others.
Being in a rush can make you seem less approachable at work. If you always look busy, co-workers might think twice before coming to talk to you. They may feel like they are bothering you or that their concerns are not important.
This feeling stops open communication and makes it hard for team bonding.
If your eyes are glued to the computer screen or your mobile phone during conversations, people will notice. They might interpret this as a lack of interest in what they are saying.
Such actions discourage others from sharing ideas or asking for help, leading to fewer collaborative opportunities and a less supportive work environment.
Crossing arms, avoiding eye contact, and standing too far away. These actions shout out that you're putting up walls. It's like saying, "Stay back," without using words. This makes co-workers think twice before coming over for a chat or to share ideas.
They might feel unwelcome or think that you're too busy for them.
Making an effort to change can help a lot. Try keeping your arms by your sides and making eye contact when someone is speaking to you. Smile more and nod along when they talk. Simple changes show others that you want to listen and are open to what they have to say.
This way, colleagues will see you as more approachable at work, encouraging teamwork and better communication all around.
Keeping things too formal at work can make you seem hard to approach. This happens when you talk in a very official way all the time or keep a big space between yourself and your co-workers.
It might look like you're not interested in getting to know them. People find it easier to talk and share ideas when things feel a bit more relaxed.
To avoid this, try using simpler words during chats or meetings. Also, making time for small talks helps. This does not mean sharing everything about your personal life but showing interest in others' day-to-day activities can break down walls.
Small gestures like these show your team that you’re open and ready to listen, making the workplace friendlier for everyone.

Being approachable at work leads to better teamwork and a happier place for everyone. You show you're open to chats and ideas when you have good body talk, listen well, and understand others' feelings.
This makes people feel safe to share thoughts. So, make an effort to be warm and kind, listen more than you talk, and always give helpful feedback in a nice way. Doing this can transform your workplace into a space where everyone feels valued and supported.

To be more approachable at work, focus on honest communication and creating a positive environment where colleagues feel valued and heard. Maintain eye contact to show genuine engagement, and foster casual conversations that help build rapport. Approachability also supports career advancement, as open and friendly professionals are often seen as strong leaders. Avoid nervous habits like fidgeting, and be mindful of physical barriers, such as closed-off body language or an uninviting workspace. Keeping an open posture and reducing few people interactions in favor of broader engagement helps create stronger connections.
Striving for great leadership means focusing on key points in conversations and ensuring good relationships with your team. Pay attention to nonverbal cues, as they often reveal how others feel, and handle bad news with empathy and transparency. Prioritize well-being in workplace interactions by giving undivided attention and making sure people feel comfortable expressing their thoughts. Building good relationships fosters trust, so remember to stay open to feedback and discussion. Colleagues will naturally expect a welcoming and understanding approach, making your workplace interactions more effective and rewarding.
Yes, there are many ways to become more approachable at work. These include working on your body language, showing genuine interest in others' opinions, and providing incentives for open communication.
Absolutely! Simulation exercises can help you practise better nonverbal communication skills while educational sessions could provide insights into creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Ultimately, being more approachable creates a calm and welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. By following steps to improve approachability - like open communication and active listening - you encourage collaboration and help make the workplace a happier, more productive place.
