Building and Nurturing Workplace Relationships for Success

Introduction

We all change jobs in our professional careers either to get more challenging roles, better work-life balance, or compensation, and the moment we join the new organization, one thing that most of us face is the challenge of building workplace relationships in this new and completely unfamiliar environment. But what does workplace relationships even mean and why does it matter in the first place? Let's find out in the rest of the article.

Wikipedia defines workplace relationships as below:

Workplace relationships are unique interpersonal relationships with important implications for the individuals in those relationships, and the organizations in which the relationships exist and develop.

In my opinion, having positive workplace relationships is directly correlated to the degree of collaboration, influence, and teamwork you enjoy within the team. Since most people work within a team, it is important to get familiar with the people we're working with, understand their working style, and be mindful of how they make decisions to get the best results.

The need to build workplace relationships

Building workplace relationships is essential because it aligns with the very social nature of human beings and our inherent need to work with others. Humans are fundamentally social creatures, and our ability to collaborate, communicate, and form connections with fellow individuals is deeply ingrained in our nature. Here's why focusing on workplace relationships is so crucial in light of our social instincts:

1. Humans are Social Beings: From our earliest history, humans have thrived in social groups. Our survival, development, and progress as a species have depended on our ability to cooperate and form social bonds.

2. Collaboration is Intrinsic: We naturally seek opportunities to collaborate and share knowledge. The exchange of ideas and skills has been key to our advancements in various fields, from agriculture to technology.

3. Emotional Well-being: Positive social interactions, including workplace relationships, are closely linked to our emotional well-being. They can reduce stress, foster a sense of belonging, and provide emotional support during challenging times.

4. Learning and Growth: We learn best through interaction and feedback. Collaborating with others in the workplace allows us to share knowledge, gain new perspectives, and continually develop our skills.

5. Problem-Solving and Innovation: Many of the most significant innovations and solutions to complex problems have arisen from the collective efforts of teams. Effective workplace relationships encourage creativity and innovative thinking.

6. Motivation and Job Satisfaction: A supportive and positive work environment, characterized by healthy relationships, is a powerful motivator. Employees who feel valued and connected to their peers are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs.

7. Conflict Resolution: While disagreements are inevitable, our social nature equips us with the ability to resolve conflicts through communication and compromise. Positive workplace relationships facilitate the resolution of issues.

8. Networking and Opportunities: Building workplace relationships opens doors to a vast network of colleagues, mentors, and professionals. This network can provide career growth opportunities and professional connections.

9. Sense of Purpose: A shared sense of purpose and belonging within a team or organization can be a driving force in the workplace. It encourages individuals to work toward common goals and vision.

Define a good workplace relationship

Now that we know why we must continuously work on building workplace relationships, let's look at the most important characteristics of a good workplace relationship:

1. Trust: Trust is vital. In good workplace relationships, individuals have confidence in each other's abilities, intentions, and reliability. Trust fosters collaboration and effective teamwork.

2. Respect: Mutual respect is the foundation of a healthy workplace relationship. Colleagues treat each other with courtesy, acknowledge each other's opinions, and appreciate their contributions.

3. Effective Communication: Good workplace relationships are marked by open, honest, and transparent communication. People listen actively, express themselves clearly, and provide constructive feedback.

4. Empathy: Colleagues demonstrate empathy by understanding and considering each other's perspectives and feelings. This quality promotes a supportive and understanding work environment.

While we should generally try to maintain a good workplace relationship with everyone, some relationships need more attention than others, for example, your relationship with your manager. In my experience, I have observed firsthand that I have learned the most from my direct bosses than any other person in the companies that I worked with because they are the ones who are responsible for giving me direct feedback on the quality of my work. I always made it a point to ask for regular feedback through monthly 1-on-1 sessions or quarterly or annual feedback review cycles.

Similarly, when you have a team to manage, you must build good working relationships with your team members to keep them motivated and support their growth.

Handling difficult workplace relationships

Not every workplace relationship is sweet and you must work your way through to handle some difficult ones too. Handling difficult workplace relationships can be challenging, but it's essential for maintaining a productive and harmonious work environment. Here are some steps to help you manage such relationships effectively:

1. Stay Calm and Professional: Maintain your composure and professionalism, even when dealing with a difficult colleague. Avoid reacting emotionally or engaging in confrontations.

2. Self-Reflect: Start by self-reflecting to understand the nature of the relationship and your role in it. Consider if your actions may have contributed to the difficulties.

3. Open Communication: Initiate a private, one-on-one conversation with the difficult colleague. Express your willingness to discuss and address the issues you both face.

4. Active Listening: Allow the other person to share their perspective without interruption. Practice active listening to understand their concerns and motivations.

Don't go 100% formal

Balancing formal and casual interactions is essential. Engage in light conversations about shared interests or hobbies. This humanizes you as a colleague and can lead to meaningful connections outside of work-related topics. My style of working with my team is keeping it 60 percent formal and 40 percent casual, it has helped me understand the team better since they trust me when speaking their minds because I open up to them about myself freely.

Building and maintaining relationships at work is a continuous journey. These connections contribute significantly to your career success and overall job satisfaction. In the last decade of my career, I have made some really good lifelong friends by building good workplace relationships with them. By actively applying effective communication, empathy, and respect in your interactions, you can create a positive and supportive work environment that benefits both you and your colleagues. Remember, in today's professional landscape, success is not just about what you know but also about who you know and how you work together.