Strong working relationships not only make it easier to progress in your career but can also enhance the day-to-day experience that you have. People who are able to build strong bonds in their professional life tend to be more engaged and productive, better at working in a team and generally happier in their role. The process of creating these positive interactions begins from the moment you start a new job – if you can put the effort into others around you from Day 1 then you’ll start to create a powerful and effective network for the future.
Put yourself out and offer to help
It’s essential to ensure that you don’t end up with too much on your plate, especially when you’re new to a role. However, you can start making a positive impression from the moment you arrive by being proactive when it comes to helping others. Where could your knowledge and experience be useful, can you help ease the burden on some of your colleagues and how can you contribute to group tasks?
Take part
From team building activities and events to department meetings, make sure that you show your face at as many as possible. Make positive contributions to meetings and be prepared to proactively listen and respond to others too. You’ll be able to make connections outside of your immediate team like this and also begin to build a profile as a valuable participant.
Build positive relationships at all levels
There is often a temptation to focus purely on those senior to you when you’re establishing connections. However, you’re unlikely to make a good impression if you’re dismissive of junior colleagues and this could be misguided as they may not be your junior further down the line. Instead, nurture relationships with people of all levels, be helpful and respectful to everyone and aim to make a good impression on all those that you meet.
Communicate and deliver
Letting someone down by not meeting a deadline is one of the fastest ways to erode relationships in the workplace. Make sure you do everything you can to deliver work on time and to a high standard. Don’t be that person who constantly misses deadlines and ignores people who try to chase you up. If you’re not going to finish something on time then let people know with plenty of notice. You’re much more likely to preserve relationships if you show you can communicate when something goes wrong – and then focus on fixing it.
Be wary of office politics and gossip
These exist in every working environment and you will come into contact with both at some point. It might be tempting to get involved in gossip, as this sometimes feels like a fast way to bond with new colleagues but it may mean being perceived as talking behind others’ backs or joining in jokes at someone else’s expense. When it comes to office politics try to take a step back, especially if you’re new. It’s very easy to ruin relationships by getting involved in the more negative side of office interactions unless you’re careful not to.
Excellent working relationships can help you to build your dream career – and enjoy the experience of doing it. Find out more by booking onto our
Building Excellent Working Relationships training course…