The Importance of Building Professional Relationships

No matter what your style of management is, building relationships with the people you work with can be a vital key to retaining and developing your employees and team members. Building solid relationships at work can empower your team members to become more engaged in their jobs. It is no surprise; humans crave acceptance and positive relationships in their life.

When people experience positive relationships at their work place they have the confidence to be more creative, interactive, and open. When there’s a feeling of disconnection, it becomes an uncomfortable and unpleasant environment to be in. Spend more time creating an environment where you and your team are able to explore opportunities and solutions rather than spending time discussing the issues.

Tips to Help Build Healthy Relationships at Work

Effective Communication – Communication is not enough if it isn’t effective. You should be able to communicate throughout the day from different channels of communication that are available. Whether you are sending emails, making phone calls, using instant messaging or meeting face-to-face, all parties need to actively contribute to open communication. You should not have to be reminded to check your email or your messages. Clearly identify a reasonable time frame for responses.

Give Trust, Gain Trust – When people are able to trust the people they work with, they are keener to open up with real sincere concerns, thoughts, and ideas. People tend to become more effective at work when their managers or team members show confidence in them. When there is a lack of confidence people begin to question their work and become intimidated. Trust can help with positive communication and helps to grow a strong bond between individuals.

Show Respect – Respect should be consistent throughout the entire work environment, no matter the title a person holds. You do not get more respect because you are the CEO, or less respect because you are the janitor. Respect is an even level playing field. Be open to other people’s ideas and input. We can all learn something from each other. Value people’s work and time and retain the mutual respect to help build a solid foundation to your relationships. Keep in mind, your job is not more important that anyone else’s, everyone's job is equally important.

Dedicate Free Time – Commit yourself to some time you can spend with people you work with to do things they enjoy. People tend to open up more when they are in an environment that is within their element and comfort level. When you are allowing others the opportunity to get to know you from a personal level you are more likely to relate to each other in one way or another. Find a common ground to build upon that can genuinely support all other important characteristics to building a healthy relationship such as trust and respect.

Make an Impact within your Professional Relationships

You should make an effort to build relationships with everyone; however, building relationships with the people you work directly with are most vital. Show apperception and acknowledgment when others have helped you by simply complimenting them or saying ‘thank you’. Keep a positive mind. Do not waste time gossiping about issues. Instead, spend your time being creative and offer ideas for solutions that can improve your job, the business, or each other. The goal is to create an environment that is positive, empowering, engaging and educational.