The Collision - Building Lasting Workplace Relationships.

I recently read Brianna Wiest’s book ‘100 essays that will change the way you think’ and was drawn to one of the beginning anecdotes. While the story delves romantically into relationships, I cannot help but feel there is a comparability to how our lives are impacted by those we meet in the workplace.

?On Wiest’s discussion of separating from those we know she professes, “when our lives revolve around someone, they don’t just stop doing so even if all that’s left is some resemblance of their memory. There are always those bits that linger”. This is true of our career journey also. We may flit from one company to another, changing industry and co-workers. But the notion that those whom have crossed our paths somehow cease to be a part of our lives is false. Those memories of the music we listened to, the challenges we faced and the stories we told are embedded with us for all of time.

Every workplace is different. The experiences diverse in their range of emotions. But the strongest memories often evoke from challenging times. Overcoming a period of turmoil together can bind you closer together. Although exaggerated, it could be likened to the quote, “there is no stronger bond between men than those serving in combat”. Wiest notes that, “the collision can wreck us, change us, shift us”. Company experiences can do the same. A collision of toxic workplace behaviors, employee layoffs or an excessive workload can be stressful and lead to great anxiety. But going through that with others can form an alliance. A connection that weathers the collision and allow you to come out the other side. Unscathed? Perhaps not, but imprinted with the memories, unquestionably.

It’s said, that one third of our lives are spent within the workplace. With such an enormous amount of time connected to these once strangers it is no wonder that such strong emotions can be formed. The relationships we create are an integral component for us to navigate the sometimes treacherous workplace journey.

In my previous entitled “11 Soft-skills to Advance Your Career” I touched on many of the interpersonal skills you can use to get yourself noticed and excel in your career growth. Many of these skills are socially charged and carry over to building relationships.

?Here are just some of the reasons why good workplace relationships are so important.

• ?Enhanced Communication:

Good workplace relationships foster open communication, ensuring ideas flow freely and misunderstandings are minimized.

• Increased Collaboration:

When employees have strong relationships, they are more likely to collaborate effectively, leading to better problem-solving and innovation.

• Boosted Morale and Productivity:

Positive relationships contribute to a supportive environment where employees feel valued, leading to higher morale and increased productivity.

• Reduced Conflict:

Strong relationships can help prevent and resolve conflicts more constructively, minimizing disruptions and maintaining focus on tasks and goals.

• Better Health and Well-being:

Positive workplace relationships can contribute to lower stress levels and better overall well-being, leading to happier and healthier employees.

• Improved Employee Retention:

Employees are more likely to stay with a company where they have good relationships with colleagues and managers, reducing turnover and associated costs.

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10 ways to build better workplace relationships:

1. Communication: Regularly communicate with colleagues, managers, and team members openly and respectfully to build trust and understanding.
2. Active Listening: Practice active listening by paying full attention to others when they speak, showing empathy, and seeking to understand their perspectives.
3. Empathy: Show empathy by considering others' feelings and perspectives, especially in challenging situations, to build deeper connections.
4. Collaboration: Seek opportunities to collaborate on projects and tasks, fostering teamwork and strengthening relationships through shared experiences.
5. Feedback: Provide constructive feedback to colleagues and be open to receiving feedback yourself, as it helps improve performance and strengthens relationships.
6. Recognition: Acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of your colleagues publicly and privately, boosting morale and strengthening bonds.
7. Social Interactions: Participate in social activities or events organized by the company, such as team-building exercises or casual gatherings, to build camaraderie outside of work tasks.
8. Respect: Treat everyone with respect and professionalism, regardless of their position or background, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
9. Support: Offer support to your colleagues when needed, whether it's helping with tasks, providing guidance, or simply lending a listening ear.
10. Conflict Resolution: Address conflicts or disagreements promptly and constructively, focusing on finding mutually beneficial solutions and maintaining positive relationships.

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