Part 2: Build Key Relationships – The Foundation of Your Success.

Stepping into a new role isn’t just about mastering tasks and processes—it’s about building strong relationships with the people around you. The quickest way to succeed is to connect with the right people early on. Building key relationships lays the foundation for trust, collaboration, and influence, which are essential for long-term success.

In this section, we’ll focus on actionable steps you can take to develop relationships with three critical groups: Your boss, your peers and team members, and your direct reports. Aligning with these individuals ensures you have the support and insights needed to navigate challenges smoothly. Let’s break this down and explore how to connect with these groups effectively.

1. Align with Your Boss on Priorities and Communication Expectations

Your relationship with your boss is one of the most important factors in your success. They hold the key to your understanding of priorities, expectations, and how your role supports the bigger picture. A strong connection with your boss helps you get clear on what matters most and ensures you're delivering what they need.

Here’s how to align with your boss:

• Set up a meeting during your first week to discuss goals and expectations. Ask: “What are the top priorities for the next 30 days?” “How will we measure success?”
• Clarify communication preferences: “How do you prefer to stay updated? Weekly check-ins? Emails? Quick chats?”
• Ask how you can make their job easier. Show you are proactive: “What’s one thing I can take off your plate that will help you focus on higher-level goals?”

The outcome: A clear understanding of priorities, a solid communication rhythm, and a stronger relationship with your boss built on trust and reliability.

2. Build Strong Relationships with Peers, Team Members, and Cross-Functional Partners

In most roles, success depends on collaboration across teams. Building strong relationships with peers, team members, and cross-functional partners will make your job easier and increase your ability to deliver results. Understanding team dynamics and how your role fits into the bigger picture will also help you avoid silos and prevent miscommunication.

Here’s how to build meaningful connections:

• Meet your peers and cross-functional partners early. Ask: “What’s one thing I should know to work effectively with your team?” “How does my role impact your work?”
• Identify key collaboration points: Learn where your efforts align and where they intersect with other departments.
• Offer value right away: Let them know you are here to contribute and support shared goals. Ask: “What can I do to support your success?”

The outcome: Strong working relationships that build collaboration, open communication, and trust across departments.

3. Conduct One-on-Ones with Direct Reports to Understand Their Goals, Pain Points, and Strengths

If you manage a team, building rapport with your direct reports early on is essential. Your team’s performance will reflect your leadership, and understanding what motivates them helps you unlock their potential. Conduct one-on-ones during the first few weeks to set the tone for an open and collaborative relationship.

Here’s how to make the most of those one-on-ones:

• Ask about their personal goals and motivations: “What are your short-term and long-term goals?”
• Understand their pain points: “What challenges are you currently facing?”
• Identify their strengths: “Where do you feel you bring the most value to the team?”
• Ask how you can support their development: “What do you need from me to help you grow and succeed?”

These conversations give you a chance to connect, set expectations, and identify early opportunities to help your team thrive. The sooner you understand their needs and strengths, the sooner you can create an environment where they feel valued and motivated.

Conclusion: Relationships First, Success Follows

Building key relationships within your first 30 days is one of the smartest strategies you can implement. When people trust you, they will work with you—and for you—more effectively. These relationships create the foundation for smooth collaboration, shared success, and long-term impact.

Focus on these three areas in the coming weeks:

1. Align with your boss on priorities, expectations, and communication styles.
2. Build strong connections with peers, team members, and cross-functional partners to build trust and collaboration.
3. Hold one-on-ones with your direct reports to understand their goals, challenges, and strengths, setting the tone for a positive working relationship.

When you invest time in building relationships early on, you’ll establish yourself as a leader people want to work with—and for. Next week, we’ll explore strategies to create quick wins that build momentum and show you can deliver results fast.

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