Connections and Relationships

Introduction
Despite having connections via communication technology at your fingertips, still need to remember the basics in relationship building and connections, ie
- make time
- get to know people
- stay in touch
- show appreciation
- be helpful
1. Make time (relationship building requires an investment in time
"...It is imperative to create time in your schedule connect with colleagues through check ins, social conversations, and other meetings. Meaningful relationships that create value at work don't happen accidentally....time is the currency of relationships..."
Jason Lauritsen, 2024
Need to hold regular face-to-face meetings, ie
"...is not only a great tool for getting to know your people and providing support, but the investment of your time signals to the employee that they are important to you..."
Jason Lauritsen, 2024)
2. Getting to know people (understanding others professionally and personally by sharing
"...our knowledge of each other, common interests, shared experiences and values. In this familiarity, we find areas of commonality and humanity that bond us together......create the opportunity to learn more about the individual and what's important to them..."
Jason Lauritsen, 2024
Asked questions beyond work like
- What are your hobbies?
- What you do on the weekend?
- What you plan to do on your holidays?
- What is your favourite movie?
- What are your memories of growing up?
- What have been the highlights of your life?
- What have been the downsides of your life?, etc
NB The question can range from the silly to reflective
3. Stay in touch (relationships
"...grow and develop over time......they require regular care and attention if they are to flourish. To foster strong relationships isn't it one conversation or connection, it requires a commitment to ongoing interactions and time spent together......it is the consistent ongoing investment of time over time that will build trust and connection..."
Jason Lauritsen, 2024
The regular check-ins, like face-to-face, texting, phone call, etc, to enquire how somebody is going is a powerful way to build relationships.
Make a list of people who you need to make regular contact with.
4. Show gratitude and appreciation (as humans we are social animals that
"...crave acknowledgement and validation from others......we need to feel valued and appreciated for who we are and what we do...... to foster positive relationships focus on showing more gratitude and appreciation..."
Jason Lauritsen, 2024
Be prepared to publicly share what you admire and are grateful for in other people
"...The more positive moments of recognition and appreciation you create for others, the more positive they will feel about themselves and your relationship with them......helps build habits around expressing sincere appreciation to others. These habits help accelerate strengthen connection within the team..."
Jason Lauritsen, 2024
5. Be helpful (encourage reciprocity, ie
"...when someone does something helpful or kind for us, we feel compelled to return that kindness to them..."
Jason Lauritsen, 2024
This will accelerate your relationships with others.
Uses simple question 'how can I help?'
"...The more you offer provide help to others, the more they will feel compelled to do it for you, this creates a bond that strengthens the relationship..."
Jason Lauritsen, 2024