The one thing about office conduct that hasn't and won't change is the importance of forming effective working relationships with your co-workers. Just like on TV, you'll also form personal relationships with some co-workers, and it is vital to navigate those relationships wisely.

It can be slightly disconcerting to be thrown together with your co-workers into an office family, one created almost entirely by chance. You'll be spending at least 8 hours per day with this group, likely more than you'll spend with anyone else. And you and your co-workers' success will be dependent on your success as a team. It is imperative that, despite your different ages, backgrounds and interests, you work well together.

A working relationship means finding the best way to communicate with your co-workers, from supervisors to interns. You must together determine strengths and weaknesses, so that work can be accomplished most effectively. A working relationship also involves respect, trust, and, especially in an office setting, honesty. With these building blocks, a relationship is built on the foundation of work productivity. Many people work together for years without seeing each other outside the office.

As is to be expected, relationships formed at the office sometimes spill over into personal life. Especially for those of you just out of college, you are looking to establish friendships in a new profession, perhaps even in a new city. Therefore, you and your co-workers may meet outside of the office to socialize. At KPMG, co-workers go to chili cookoffs, music fests, arrange ski trips together, etc.

When personal friendships result from office camaraderie, it is vital that the two realms remain separate. Try your best not to let work matters encroach into your after-hours fun, and avoid discussing personal matters at work. A friendship between co-workers can often become complicated. For instance, it isn't unusual for a supervisor and his/her subordinate to socialize outside of the office-when two people who are equals on the weekend return to their work relationship on Monday, it can be confusing for both parties.

Maintaining positive relationships with your co-workers will make for a productive office. And it won't just be your company that benefits: Though "works well with others" is usually found on a kindergarten report card, it is an attractive skill to future employers. Your ability to get along with your co-workers will be reflected in your performance evaluations and your references, and have a very positive impact on your career.

The image of the office is constantly changing. But whether you consider your co-workers simply people you work with or count them among your best friends, treating them in an honest and respectful way will never go out of style.