You’re having trouble connecting with colleagues. What’s the best way to build relationships with them?

1 Be proactive and curious

Don't wait for others to initiate contact or show interest in you. Reach out to your colleagues regularly, whether it's to share updates, ask for feedback, or offer help. Show genuine curiosity about their work, goals, challenges, and achievements. Ask open-ended questions that invite them to share their insights, opinions, and experiences. Listen actively and attentively, and avoid interrupting or judging. By being proactive and curious, you can demonstrate your value, respect, and willingness to learn from your colleagues.

2 Find common ground and interests

One of the best ways to build rapport and trust with your colleagues is to find common ground and interests. You don't have to be best friends with everyone, but you can try to discover what you have in common, such as hobbies, passions, values, or aspirations. You can also use social media, newsletters, or blogs to learn more about your colleagues' personal and professional lives. Share relevant and appropriate information about yourself, and express appreciation and recognition for their achievements. By finding common ground and interests, you can create a positive and friendly atmosphere and show your colleagues that you care about them as individuals.

3 Seek feedback and advice

Another way to strengthen your relationships with your colleagues is to seek feedback and advice from them. Feedback can help you improve your performance, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and learn from your mistakes. Advice can help you solve problems, overcome challenges, and explore new opportunities. By seeking feedback and advice, you can show your colleagues that you respect their expertise, value their perspectives, and trust their judgment. You can also reciprocate by providing constructive and honest feedback and advice when they ask for it.

4 Collaborate and cooperate

Working together with your colleagues can also help you build relationships with them. Collaboration can help you achieve shared goals, leverage diverse skills and experiences, and generate innovative ideas. Cooperation can help you avoid conflicts, resolve issues, and support each other. By collaborating and cooperating, you can show your colleagues that you are a team player, a reliable partner, and a supportive ally. You can also celebrate your successes together and acknowledge each other's contributions.

5 Be respectful and professional

Finally, the most important tip to build relationships with your colleagues is to be respectful and professional at all times. Respect means treating your colleagues with dignity, courtesy, and kindness, regardless of their roles, backgrounds, or opinions. Professionalism means adhering to ethical standards, following policies and procedures, and delivering quality work. By being respectful and professional, you can establish your credibility, reputation, and integrity among your colleagues. You can also avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and complaints that can damage your relationships.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?