How To Build Professional Relationships At Work - Create Better Relationships Faster

Summary

In this insightful video, Jess Cole shares eight effective strategies for building strong professional relationships at work. From being likable and meeting face-to-face to doing homework on colleagues and finding excuses to meet, Cole emphasizes the importance of personal connection. She advises on helping others first, delivering on promises, and maintaining consistent effort to foster trust and influence, ultimately enhancing job satisfaction and career progression.

Takeaways

• 😀 Be a likable person by being friendly, kind, and genuine to foster positive perceptions among colleagues.
• 🤝 Prioritize face-to-face interactions as they are the most effective way to build trust and understand non-verbal communication cues.
• 🔍 Do your homework on the person you want to build a relationship with, understanding their work style, communication preferences, and personal interests.
• 📅 Find excuses to meet and engage with colleagues, such as inviting them for coffee or seeking their input on projects.
• 💼 Build both personal and professional relationships to deepen connections and make interactions more enjoyable and meaningful.
• 🤔 Aim to help first before asking for help, leveraging the power of reciprocity to establish trust and goodwill.
• 🏆 Deliver on your promises and maintain a consistent level of performance to build a reputation of reliability and competence.
• 🔄 Ensure consistency in your efforts to maintain and strengthen professional relationships over time.
• 📝 Keep notes on each person's key interests to remember and engage with them effectively in future interactions.
• 🚫 Avoid gossiping or criticizing others to maintain trust and a positive professional image.

Q & A

What are the key benefits of building professional relationships at work?

The key benefits include becoming more effective at work, increasing job enjoyment, and enhancing the likelihood of promotion.

Why is trust essential in building professional relationships?

Trust is essential because without it, you cannot establish good professional relationships, and people will be less likely to collaborate or support you.

What is the recommended starting point for building professional relationships at work according to the script?

The starting point is to be a likable person by being friendly, open, honest, and showing your personality to give colleagues reasons to think positively of you.

Why is face-to-face communication considered the most effective method for building professional relationships?

Face-to-face communication is most effective because it allows for better interpretation of body language and tone, which are crucial for building trust and understanding.

What is the significance of doing your homework before meeting someone to build a professional relationship?

Doing your homework helps you understand the other person's work style, communication preferences, and personal interests, enabling you to connect more effectively and show genuine interest in them.

What are some ways to find excuses to meet with someone you want to build a professional relationship with?

Some ways include asking for an introductory meeting, inviting them to coffee or lunch, offering help on their projects, asking for their input on your work, and sharing useful articles or reports with them.

How can building a personal relationship alongside a professional one benefit your work interactions?

Building a personal relationship can make interactions less superficial, more enjoyable, and foster deeper trust, leading to stronger and more effective professional relationships.

What is the social law of reciprocity and how does it apply to building professional relationships?

The social law of reciprocity is the idea that people tend to return favors. By helping others first, you are more likely to receive help in return, which strengthens professional relationships.

Why is consistency of effort important in maintaining professional relationships?

Consistency of effort demonstrates that you value the relationship, builds trust over time, and ensures that the relationship does not falter due to sporadic engagement.

What is the final action suggested for building professional relationships and why is it crucial?

The final action is to deliver what you say you will. It is crucial because consistent delivery builds a reputation of reliability and competence, which are key to strong professional relationships.