How can I be more outgoing at work?

How can I be more outgoing at work?

• Hey, I've just started a new job at Coles, well I've been their almost 7 weeks, and I've been told by my boss that I need to be more outgoing. I think that I need to be less uptight and more relaxed, as the store is a very local and all of the staff are very friendly. The problem is I don't really know how to be outgoing as I am a rather shy person, who acts differently around different people. I was thinking of maybe wearing my hairdown tomorrow at work as i usually wear it up in a tight ponytail which could be giving the impression that i am uptight, also I work as a cashier and everyone else has their hair down as well. Will this help? if not are there any ideas of how I can be outgoing at work?? Thanks

• Answer:

  From your description, you sound like you are an introvert. I am the same, and based on my past retail experiences, an introvert is not going to magically turn into an outgoing extrovert. However, that does not make you incapable of providing good customer service because you can still be kind, friendly, and helpful to both your co-workers and your customers. "Hi!" "How are you?" "What can I help you with?" "That's great!" and compliments always go a long way with both. Is there anything that you think is making you uptight? I know it usually took me 2-3 months to familiar enough with the products or the cash register system, especially if I only got to work a few hours a week. As for your hair, I've always assumed the opposite. Ponytails are more casual and relaxed to me; wearing my hair down is more formal because it takes more effort to make it look nice.