As youngsters, forming new friends was as easy as sharing a bag of sweets or joining a game. When it comes to building lasting bonds within the workplace, it isn’t so simple. However, the benefits that come from strong professional relationships are immense. They encourage the sharing of ideas, a focus on solutions, increased productivity, and improved co-operation.
Whether you stay in touch with clients and staff via regular emails or treat them to elegant branded corporate gifts, it’s always possible to strengthen your relationships further. Consider the following approaches to improve your professional network.
Understand the type of relationship you’re forming
The first step is to figure out who you want to form a professional relationship with as this will have an impact on the type of relationship you establish.
For example, you probably don’t see your customers every day. Any communication is more likely to be online. In contrast, you see your colleagues most days and tend to communicate face to face.
Think about shared goals, mutual respect, and responsibilities. Then, figure out which type of relationship is forming and act accordingly.
Make people feel valued and celebrate achievements
Goodwill goes a long way. A happy workplace increases productivity and loyalty while reducing conflict. It’s heart-warming to feel valued, and you can share this feeling with people by simply expressing your gratitude for them.
A rewards and recognition system is a great way to encourage stronger professional relationships. Showing your appreciation through gift hampers and other tokens of gratitude can do wonders for boosting positivity and morale.
If you send custom gifts to your customers, you’re not only showing you value their custom, you’re also getting your brand name into houses and offices, which is a subtle yet effective form of advertising.
Embrace diversity and accept feedback
Businesses are full of people with different outlooks on life. By embracing diversity in the workplace and accepting all forms of feedback, you’ll establish honest and open relationships.
All feedback counts, regardless of whether it’s negative or positive. It’s an essential aspect of business life if you want to move forward, and it encourages an environment of respect and tolerance. It shouldn’t matter whether the person is a CEO or an apprentice. Listening to their opinion builds trust.
It’s good to share common interests
While it’s important to increase diversification, it’s also good to form common bonds. Children at school automatically gravitate towards kids who share the same interests, and it’s no different in the business world. Shared interests don’t have to be work-related. You could find common ground in the realms of sport, music, books, or films.
If you’re struggling to find commonality, take heart in the fact that many professional relationships are strengthened over a common work bond. Being part of the same team and working toward goals you care about can be a strong bonding factor.
Bring an attitude of care to work
A Harvard Business Review report found that working from home due to the pandemic has left employees feeling lonely and isolated. Remember that everybody experiences life differently. A good day for one person may be a nightmare for another.
Be sensitive and aware of the difficulties others may be facing. Check-in regularly with your team, and leave judgment out of the equation. Offer a helping hand to anyone who may need it, just be sure you always follow through on anything you promise. Keeping professional relationships strong during a time of crisis will benefit all.
Close-knit teams are generally more productive and supportive. By tailoring these strategies to suit your professional relationships, your business life will thrive.
About Jammie Morey
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