There is no secret to developing effective relationships among co-workers. The following commonsense guidelines are helpful reminders of what most professionals already know.

Be courteous and respectful toward everyone

Honoring the Golden Rule is fundamentally important for any interpersonal relationship. In the work setting it is highly beneficial to treat other employees as you would like to be treated.

Simple gestures of professional courtesy and respect set the tone for positive interaction in the workplace. Examples: doing favors for co-workers without being asked, volunteering to cover for fellow employees in their absence, speaking respectfully of colleagues and their work accomplishments at every opportunity, and so on.

These are ways to build trust and cooperation that go beyond the requirements of a job description. If everyone took these matters to heart, the work environment would be more pleasant and productive for all concerned.

Set a good example.

To gain the respect of co-workers, it's important to show respect and also to set a good example. In every work environment, it's easy to spot the "model employees." They dutifully adhere to company policies, stay focused on important tasks, mind their own business, and contribute to the success of the organization in every possible way.

Employees that set a good example inspire co-workers to apply themselves in similar manner and achieve their full potential. Obviously, it's easier to manage employees who consistently display this kind of dedication. That is why managers are quick to peg them for promotional opportunities.

Another way to set a good example is to make friends, not enemies. it's only natural that different co-workers will gravitate toward one another based on personal backgrounds and similar interests. Unavoidably certain cliques crop up that spawn inter-office rivalry. Being tight with one clique can automatically put you on someone else's "enemy" list.

To build effective relationships, it pays to be friendly toward everyone, but not become overly attached to any one group. After all, you may inadvertently align yourself with a core group of employees that has a reputation for promoting disharmony instead of collegiality.

Support the success of others.

Showing an interest in co-workers goes a long way toward establishing bonds of trust and cooperation. After all, it's safe to say that most professionals have a strong desire to succeed. But workplace success does not occur in a vacuum.

The more you support co-workers in their quest for achievement, the more likely it is that others will promote your advancement on the job.

Sometimes the best display of support is to demonstrate interest in how fellow employees do their jobs. Ask yourself: Is there any way that you can help make someone else's job easier by doing your job differently?

Another important way to support the success of others is to serve as a mentor. Younger employees (or new hires) appreciate having someone well established in the workplace to take them under their wing and share practical advice on how to do their job better and advance on the job.

Associate with positive minded employees.

Most companies are populated by two distinct type of employees. One group is comprised of individuals who are positive minded and generally optimistic about their jobs. The other group consists of employees who harbor some negative feelings toward the employer and other co-workers.

To promote workplace harmony, it's best to avoid chronic whiners and complainers. The time and energy they spend in voicing their suspicions and grievances could be better utilized for constructive purposes. Moreover, associating with these folks can taint your professional reputation, which would not be conducive to job advancement.

Associating with positive minded people serves several purposes. First of all, it makes a statement about your character. It speaks positively of your professionalism and concern to put the good of the company above petty disputations. In addition, aligning yourself with co-workers who follow a positive course of action is something that management takes note of when they consider who to promote.

Building appropriate, effective workplace relationships takes time and effort. Following these commonsense principles is definitely a step in the right direction.