I have a job as an assistant retail manager at a large store with about 150 associates. Part of my job is to engage with folks and help to make a comfortable, open work environment. And, frankly, I stink at it. I'm a full-grown adult and this is just a skill I never got great at. I resolve issues as they come up and feel I am affective in my role in that I get things done, but I am lacking in this aspect of my job.
I walk the store and check in with folks, ask them if they need anything, and if they don't, I'm on my way to do something else. I don't mind talking with people, but I have no idea *what* to talk to them about. I don't know how to start and make quick 1-5 minutes worth of conversation. I want to get to know the people I work with more, but I'll be damned if I know how to make that happen.
I'm working on just forcing myself to sit in the awkwardness and anxiety and just find *something* to say beyond, "do you need help with anything today?", even if it is just a brief comment about how I like their shirt or something. I think I'm headed in the right direction by being willing to push into the uncomfortable stuff, but I'd really love tips on what to talk to people about for a few minutes at a time. TIA.