Relationships are very important in our everyday lives, at work and at home. I find that the better you get along with people and the easier you make it for them to work with you, the more willing they are. Everyone becomes more productive and understanding. This applies at home too.

Compared to many of my friends, I do much more socializing online using tools such as Facebook, Friendfeed, Twitter, etc. I find like minded people very easily and am able to spark up conversations about common interests. Being naturally introverted, I often find it difficult to do this in more open situations, at a bar for example. This is a great reason to attend Barcamps or Tweetups. At least you know that people share your interests and starting discussions will be much easier.  At work, I have much more in common with my fellow worker, but the culture in a large, long established company is different from what I gravitate towards, so it takes some work to identify those who share my passions.

So the big question becomes: How to make it better?  Well, there are probably many responses.  I tend to prefer just leaping in and asking a bunch of questions.  You just have to prepare yourself mentally and say that you really have nothing to lose.  If the person does not share your interests, perhaps there is some disappointment, but at least you know up front!   Curiosity pays off personally and professionally.  If you find that you are not comfortable or not feeling fulfilled, then you should start looking at other opportunities then figure out if it is worth the change.  There are many factors involved, so take the time to think about it!  🙂

Another rambling post is out there for better or worse! 😉

Stay interested and interesting!

John