Strong Working Relationships Matter

They say you can’t pick your family but you can pick your friends. Can we agree, that the same goes with people you work with?

A leading issue at the workplace, having a direct impact on efficiency… How your employees interact. Choose an aspect of life, strong working relationships make a difference. They help overcome stress and improve overall mental health in the workplace. In addition, they also play a part in creating a professional workplace environment and advocate positive employee behavior.

Building strong working relationships is essential for success in any professional setting. Here are some key strategies to cultivate and maintain strong working relationships:

1. Effective Communication: Communication is the foundation of any relationship. Be clear, concise, and honest in your communication with colleagues. Listen actively to understand their perspectives and show empathy.
   Most important here… Create Agreements.
   ~ Agreements in the work place create a solid foundation for increased communication, fluidity in the workplace, increased success in projects and Yes… Increased Profits.

2. Trust and Reliability: Trust is crucial in building strong relationships. Be reliable in fulfilling your commitments and responsibilities. Trust is created through consistent actions and behaviors. Adhering to your agreements, inside and outside the office.

3. Respect and Appreciation: Show respect for your colleagues' opinions, time, and contributions. Recognize and appreciate their efforts and achievements. A simple "thank you" can go a long way in fostering positive relationships. Tom Ziglar uses the acronym A.I.R. People will work harder for Appreciate, Inspiration and Recognition. Give your employees reasons to be celebrated.

4. Collaboration and Teamwork: Foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and included. Encourage teamwork and leverage each other's strengths to achieve common goals.

5. Conflict Resolution: Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace. Handle conflicts constructively by addressing issues directly, seeking common ground, and finding mutually acceptable solutions. Respectful disagreement can lead to growth and stronger relationships if handled properly.

6. Empathy and Understanding: Understand that everyone has their own challenges and perspectives. Show empathy towards your colleagues' experiences and emotions. This helps in building deeper connections and mutual support.

7. Build Your Team: Team building exercises are incredibly effective in increasing efficiency through stronger relationships. Using Items #4, #5 and #6 above as opportunities to have authentic conversations, preferably in the meeting room. Each meeting, come with a short 2-5 minute team exercise that teams of 2-4 can work on together. It’s fun, disarming and brings people together prior to meeting.
   Side Note: Don’t be the only one talking. Also, no challenges are to be brought up without a solution… otherwise, it’s simply a complaint.

8. Consistency: Consistency is key in maintaining strong relationships. Be consistent in your behavior, communication, and actions. This builds trust and reliability over time.

9. Feedback and Improvement: Provide constructive feedback to your colleagues and be open to receiving feedback yourself. Use feedback as a tool for personal and professional growth, and demonstrate a willingness to improve based on constructive criticism.

10. Celebrate Successes: Celebrate achievements and milestones as a team. Recognizing and celebrating success together fosters a sense of camaraderie and strengthens bonds among team members.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily interactions, you can cultivate strong working relationships that contribute to a positive and productive work environment. Remember that building relationships takes time and effort, but the benefits are well worth it in the long run.