What are the best ways to build strong relationships with your manager and peers?

1 Know your goals and expectations

The first step to building strong relationships is to understand your own goals and expectations, as well as those of your manager and peers. This will help you align your work with the organizational vision, mission, and values, and avoid misunderstandings or conflicts. You can do this by setting SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) objectives, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and asking for regular feedback and guidance.

2 Communicate clearly and respectfully

Communication is the key to any successful relationship, especially in the workplace. You need to communicate clearly and respectfully with your manager and peers, using the appropriate channels, tools, and tone. You also need to listen actively and empathetically, acknowledging different perspectives and opinions, and expressing appreciation and recognition. Communication skills such as assertiveness, empathy, and emotional intelligence can help you build rapport and trust with your manager and peers.

3 Collaborate effectively and creatively

Collaboration is another vital skill for building strong relationships, as it enables you to work together towards a common goal, leverage each other's strengths, and learn from each other. You can collaborate effectively and creatively with your manager and peers by sharing information and resources, seeking input and feedback, offering support and assistance, and celebrating successes and achievements. Collaboration skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation can help you create value and impact with your manager and peers.

4 Give and receive feedback constructively

Feedback is an essential component of performance management and career development, as it helps you improve your skills, knowledge, and behaviors, and identify your areas of growth and development. You need to give and receive feedback constructively with your manager and peers, using the sandwich method (positive-negative-positive), focusing on the behavior rather than the person, and providing specific and actionable suggestions. Feedback skills such as openness, honesty, and respect can help you enhance your performance and potential with your manager and peers.

5 Manage conflicts and disagreements professionally

Conflicts and disagreements are inevitable in any relationship, especially in the workplace, where you may encounter different personalities, values, and interests. You need to manage conflicts and disagreements professionally with your manager and peers, using the win-win approach (finding a mutually beneficial solution), avoiding personal attacks or blame, and seeking a third-party mediation if needed. Conflict management skills such as negotiation, compromise, and resilience can help you maintain harmony and cooperation with your manager and peers.

6 Seek opportunities for learning and development

The final way to build strong relationships with your manager and peers is to seek opportunities for learning and development, both for yourself and for others. This will help you expand your skills, knowledge, and competencies, and demonstrate your commitment, initiative, and curiosity. You can seek opportunities for learning and development by asking for coaching or mentoring, taking on new challenges or projects, attending training or workshops, and sharing your insights and best practices with your manager and peers.

7 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?