How can your love language help your career?
BY Rachel Simms
14th Apr 2024 Life
2 min read
You've probably heard of the five love languages and how they can affect your relationship—but did you know that they can affect your career as well?
Each of the love languages—words of affirmation, physical touch, receiving gifts, quality time, and act
of service—can affect how you feel about your career, and strengthen
relationships with colleagues. It can make you better at communicating, and
give you some clarity on what you want, and need, from your career.
Rachel Simms at Last
Verdict explains how understanding
your work love language, and those of your co-workers, can be the key to
progressing in your career.
Words of affirmation
If words of affirmation is your love language, you thrive
on positive feedback in the workplace. You need praise—but it's not about
bragging or always being told you're perfect, it's about knowing your
contributions have been acknowledged and are appreciated.
"Participate in discussions with your expertise and make sure to be heard by colleagues and managers"
Don't be afraid to share your ideas and participate in
discussions to demonstrate your expertise and be heard by colleagues and
managers. Volunteer for projects that allow you to show off your skills and put
yourself in the spotlight, and seek out a mentor who can be a sounding board
for your ideas and give you the encouragement and recognition that you need to
succeed.
Physical touch
If physical touch is your love language then a positive work environment celebrating team wins is key. Credit: Antoni Shkraba
The physical touch love language is self-explanatory, but
when it comes to your career, it isn't so literal. You don't have to go and a
hug all of your colleagues (a strong handshake will do!)—this love language
is about the idea of physical presence and closeness, which translates more
into a desire for a positive work environment and a sense of connection to your
team.
Give your co-workers your full attention when they speak,
showing genuine interest in their ideas and suggestions. Celebrate team wins,
collaborate, and offer help when others are struggling. Being a reliable source
of motivation, empathy, and support, helps create a work environment where
everyone feels valued and understood, and can perform at their best.
Receiving gifts
It's nice to be given gifts like work perks, but learning
to advocate for yourself in the workplace is one of the best gifts you can give
yourself.
"Knowing your value at work will empower you to be able to negotiate for pay rises or promotions"
Be clear about your career goals and aspirations, and
what you bring to the table. Self-awareness and knowing your value will empower
you to communicate your needs and wants effectively, and be able to negotiate
for things like pay rises or promotions that align with your goals. Schedule
regular meetings and check-ins with your manager to discuss your progress—don't be afraid to advocate for opportunities to learn new skills, take on more
responsibility, or be a part of more challenging projects that are outside of
your comfort zone.
Quality time
One-on-one time at work is best for people with quality time as their love language. Credit: Karolina Grabowska
If your love language is quality time, focused one-on-one
interaction is what you want at work. You need more than a quick Zoom call with
your boss; you’re looking for meaningful connections and mentorship.
Looking for a mentor at work who can invest time in your
development and progression can be incredibly valuable. Look for someone who
you admire and respect, that you can discuss your career goals, areas for
growth, and challenges you're facing. Seek out opportunities to collaborate
with colleagues who have skillsets that compliment yours, where you can share
knowledge and brainstorm for ideas that neither of you could think of on your
own.
Acts of service
If you feel the most appreciated when someone goes the
extra mile to help you out, your love language is acts of service. At work,
this manifests as feeling valued when co-workers give practical help, or offer
to share your workload when you're feeling overwhelmed.
"Sharing the workload means you can build stronger relationships and develop new skills"
Acts of service is a two-way street; by helping others,
you not only feel appreciated and less stressed, but you also contribute to a
more positive and productive work environment that benefits the whole team.
Sharing the workload means you can build stronger relationships with your
colleagues, and develop new skills outside of your comfort that could broaden
your horizon.
Banner: Teamwork is key to people with some love languages. Credit: Fauxels
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