How to build good and lasting work relationships

Human beings are by default, social creatures, who crave friendships and good relationships. This is especially true in interactions in the workplace; being at odds with somebody in the office greatly affects one’s focus, morale, and productivity.

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Aside from having a general feeling of camaraderie, people who are in good terms are more creative, innovative, and open to office changes and one another’s suggestions. And fostering begins with listening. This means listening not just to reply, but to understand. Active listening is the best way to promote trust.

Having great people skills is another important facet. Even the most introvert workers must show an ability to collaborate with others, as well as deal with interpersonal conflicts. A good way to build such relationships is to first identify what exactly you need from others and what they, in turn, need from you.

Sometimes it is essential to go out of one’s way to build relationships. Meaning, time should be devoted to nurturing ties like inviting a colleague for coffee or even as simple as replying to a message within the workday, whether it’s work-related or not. People need not be too focused on work to not bother with shared laughter or quick banter. These small interactions are the foundations of great relationships.

Lastly, it is important to learn to manage our boundaries and avoid gossiping. It is always best to discuss a problem directly with the person involved, as talking about it with others ultimately leads to mistrust and often just complicates the situation.

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Leslie Hocker is passionate about success and is committed to helping leaders develop into master achievers. She is currently the international marketing director for Nerium International Independent Brand Partners. Click this link for similar discussions.