How can you build professional relationships with people you don't like?

Focus on Common Goals: Identify and emphasize shared professional goals and objectives. By aligning your efforts toward common outcomes, you can build a working relationship based on mutual interests rather than personal preferences. Practice Empathy: Seek to understand the perspectives and motivations of the individuals you don't like. Empathy can foster a more tolerant and patient approach, allowing you to navigate professional interactions with a greater understanding of their behavior.

The answer is in the question... you "build" the relationships. You can build relationships with people even if you don't "like" them when you use respect as a foundation. You might be working together for a common goal to benefit you and others; find common ground. Liking someone shouldn't be a limitation to build and grow a relationship. Have conversations to get to know others better, understand each other, listen without judging, discover their talents, and make your own opinion of that person. Building is a process, and it takes time.

First, why is it that you don't like them? Usually something in them triggers something in us- hence, we don't like them. Everything that triggers us in others is an indication of something we need to work on within ourselves. That is the wisest thing I have ever encountered... Once you understand that, life gets more joyful and way easier! So, your first step is to recognize the underlying reasons within you leading you to not liking them. Then, open up to listening to them and learning about them. Why do they do what they do? What can you learn from them? How can they be of value? Once you do that, you are ready to approach them and you might find that you can work with anyone as long as you open up to their humanity.

Unfortunately we all have to work with people we dislike personally; in theory, it shouldn't matter, because the true professional seeks objectivity. However, the reality is that we are human and need to find a way to work together. I agree that we must start with expectations of mutual respect but it's also worth considering WHY we don't like them. Is it a matter of professional practice, such as ethics or trust? In these cases, professionals will aim to agree on purpose, expectations, work practices and outcomes. Is it a personal dislike, such as personal habits, or (light heartedly) because they support a different football team? If so, keep interactions purely professional and objective, avoiding personal issues, gossip and attacks.

Mantener el respeto, la tolerancia y predisposición a escuchar es una clave fundamental para lograr la comunicación independiente de que una persona nos agrade o no, debemos siempre luchar por recibir información y transmitir la de manera asertiva para lograr los objetivos en común.

It is amazing that some of my closest friends and colleagues were people I didn't like at first. Before making judgements or decisions on someone, try to get to know them. Understand their perspectives, background and what is going on in their lives. Empathy is key.

One of the ways to achieve this is by realigning your interests. Don't treat people as if they are strictly friends or enemies, but recognize that relationships have layers. While many of us tend to categorize people as either friends or foes, it's important to consider the potential for change. If circumstances shift and you no longer provide a benefit, someone may easily switch sides. Therefore, it is advisable to treat those you may not initially like as potential allies. Have you ever wondered why our biggest critics can become allies when faced with a common enemy? The same principle applies here.

Encontrar puntos en común ameniza el cuadro para la situación dentro de la conversación, creo que crea una simpatía mínima inconsciente en el interlocutor lo que posibilita a apertura a conversar, negociar, lograr el objetivo de la comunicación.

Identify areas where you share common interests or goals. Whether it's work-related projects, industry developments, or shared professional objectives, finding common ground provides a basis for connection and collaboration.

I have learned there is a difference between like and respect...so I keep that in mind w discernment vs judgment. You don't have to like everyone- its ridiculous to think that way. I have helped clients energetically w this topic too.

I'd also add to focus on the common goal. That's likely to be a project objective. One of the best learnings is that: 1) You won't like everyone at work. 2) Not everyone does things in the same way as you, and that's ok!

Consciously shift your focus towards positive aspects of the person or the collaboration. Emphasize their strengths or contributions, fostering a more optimistic perspective. By redirecting attention to positive aspects, you can mitigate personal differences.

Set boundaries. In as much as I encourage staying positive, sometimes enough is enough, there will always be people that do not know how to respect you. Beyond this, it helps to prevent burnout and focus on your own tasks. Manage the expectation of your client/employer. This is important especially if you are the type to do more than is expected, if you volunteer to do tasks outside of your role and it becomes regular.

Tener los puntos límite muy claros siempre ayudará a mantener una relación profesional y ética. Lo que contribuirá a la mejora continua del proyecto o negocio. Respetar horarios, Gerarquias, opiniones etc. Determinar la frecuencia de las reuniones o las consultas de los avances, los medios de comunicación establecidos para el asunto.

Establish clear and respectful boundaries to manage interactions effectively. Clearly communicate expectations and limits to ensure a professional and conflict-free working relationship. This helps maintain a balance between collaboration and personal comfort.

Paraphrasing Shakespeare, to seek or not to seek feedback, that's the question. That's why I coach my @GetUNstuckNOW Breakthrough coaching clients to see feedback that serves best. Otherwise, others may think it ok (it is not) to impose their unsolicited bias and opinions. What to do: When requesting feedback, be specific about how you'll be harnessing their response. It might sound like: 'I'm looking for ways to create X (desired result) better - I appreciate your input.' And if their response is directed at you personally (vs the action/result you requested), simply ask: 'Is there something you wanted me to know about better creating X (desired result)'?

Initiate open communication by seeking feedback on your own behavior and contributions. This demonstrates a commitment to self-improvement and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. It also provides an opportunity for the other person to share their perspectives.

Being professional is to be personable and approachable - this doesn't mean we have to be friends! In fact, developing a professional distance is mostly a good thing, especially if it comes time to have one of those 'difficult conversations' with a colleague. However, being professionally approachable and personable means that people will feel that they are able to work with you without being judged by you about their character or personality; but instead on their objective performance. Being employed by an organisation means that people are thrown together to contribute to the overall purpose of the organisation. We don't have to like each other, but by being professionally approachable, we can overcome our personal differences.

Acknowledge that not everyone will be your close confidant, and that's okay. It's realistic to accept that professional relationships vary in closeness. Focus on achieving shared goals and delivering quality work without necessarily expecting a deep personal connection.

As a professional, you don't have to mix personal feelings with work. Set your mind to working together to achieve the goals of the company. Only if the person is a threat then you can inform your superior how you feel uncomfortable working with such a person.

Building professional relationships with individuals you may not personally like requires a blend of respect, finding common ground, positive focus, clear boundaries, open communication, and realistic expectations. By prioritizing professionalism and shared objectives, you can navigate these relationships effectively while minimizing personal discomfort.