Relationship Building at Work
Fundamentals of relationship building at work:
- making time (time is the currency of relationships; need to invest time to build relationships; need to regularly schedule informal and formal catch-ups; F2F catch-ups have more impact than electronic meetings; investment of time with people signals their importance to you)
- getting to know people (explore the overlap of each other's knowledge, common interests, experiences, values, beliefs, etc.
"...In this familiarity, we find areas of commonality and humanity that bond us together. To build overlap, start asking more questions in your conversations with employees that invites sharing more about themselves and beyond what they do at work......create the opportunity to learn more about the individual and what's important to them..."
Jason Lauritsen, 2023
Some useful questions to help start conversations to develop relationships:
"...- What your favourite movie of all time?
- Do you have a hobby? If so, what is it?
- What is your favourite memory of the place where you grew up?..."
Jason Lauritsen, 2023
"...as team members answer these questions, overlap naturally forms because individuals learn about each other and uncover common interests..."
Jason Lauritsen, 2023)
- stay in touch (maintaining and growing your network requires work, ie requires regular care and attention, like flowers in a garden.
"...to foster strong relationships isn't about one conversation or connection; it requires a commitment to ongoing interaction and time spent together......while each conversation is valuable, it is the consistent ongoing investment of time over time that will build trust and connection..."
Jason Lauritsen, 2023
Regular check-ins require a small amount of time and have a significant impact on developing stronger relationships with others.)
- show appreciation (we are social animals that crave acknowledgement and validation from others
"...It's important that we feel valued and appreciated for who we are and what we do. We all know the difference between the sting of feeling overlooked and enjoyment of being truly seen..."
Jason Lauritsen, 2023
We need to show gratitude and appreciation to develop positive relationships.
"...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..."
Jason Lauritsen, 2023
You all need to develop a habit around expressing sincere appreciation to others as it will help accelerate and strengthen relationships.)
- be helpful (this is linked with reciprocity, ie
"...when somebody does something helpful or kind for us, we feel compelled to return the kindness to them......when we orient ourselves to be helpful to others, it will accelerate your relationship with others. Every time you provide meaningful support or help, you make an investment in a relationship......this creates a bond that strengthens the relationship..."
Jason Lauritsen, 2023)