4 questions likeable people always ask

Sometimes we say or do things that give the wrong impression in a work setting. We don't do it on purpose – we just don't think through how we're coming off. What sounds direct and sufficient to one person is curt and arrogant to another.

While some phrases are misleading and induce a negative reaction in the other person, others can instantly improve the mood and your workplace relationships.

1. What are you working on?

We're all busy people, but if you get too self-involved, you're not going to have time to connect with other people. One easy solution is to get off that swivel chair and go up to somebody else's desk for a change. Don't you ever feel like telling someone about your day? Chances are someone else wants to be heard as well. Maybe there's a project they're working on and would love to flesh it out with someone. So take an active stance and find out what other people are up to.

2. Can I help?

Now it's completely possible that you really are too busy to get super involved with something else. You have a heap of tabs open on Google Chrome, trying to make the next big revolutionary campaign for the new client your company just bagged. But if you have a few extra minutes, pitch in and help with what the person sitting in the next cubicle is working on. If you can't help directly, maybe you can at least offer a second opinion. This question shows that you're a team player, willing to make time for others. And just like that, you come off as more approachable and hence, more likeable.

3. What do you think?

It's pretty common for co-workers, even ones working on different projects, to share their work and their ideas with one another. Getting a new perspective is like testing how effective your work is and opening it up to criticism before it reaches the client. And wanting to hear from someone else what they think shows that you value that person's insight. While it's easy to overlook, sometimes out of shyness, break the ice and share away!

4. Do you want to get lunch somewhere?

No, you don't have to have lunch in the canteen every single day of the week. And if you're too busy to have lunch outside, grab some tea with your co-workers after work hours. While you probably do this all the time with people you already have a good rapport with, you might be forgetting the office newbie or someone you don't know very well. So next time you're headed out to grab a quick bite, invite someone new with your team and get to know him better.

We all have someone with whom we wish we had a better relationship. So give it a shot – you might just brighten up somebody's day.

The writer is Sub-Editor of the career publication of The Daily Star. She is also a junior at the Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka