The Real Value of Workplace Relationships

Work happens through people.

Especially in uncertain times, as Generative AI accelerates organizational change, it’s critical for leaders to have strategic, mutually supportive relationships. Why? Having access to expertise and support from colleagues inside and outside your organization increases your effectiveness because you can bring different perspectives that add value to your ideas and execution. 

Yet for many of us, building strong relationships feels like an afterthought, and when under time pressure it falls off your priorities compared with just getting the work done. 

How can you build valuable working relationships when feeling pressed for time? Our 3E relationship building process - to Express, Engage, and Expand - focuses your relationship-building efforts for maximum impact for your time investment. 

The first step in effective relationship building - Express - is about your emotional intelligence. How aware are you of your emotions and how you are showing up with others? How attentive are you to the emotions of those around you? By being more emotionally aware and engaged with other people, you’ll build stronger relationships in the normal course of work. 

The second relationship-building step - Engage - is about being a relatable human being who makes other people feel valued. At a networking gathering, help others feel included by taking the initiative to introduce yourself. Ask questions, genuinely listen, and share your related interests. You’ll build a stronger relationship and be more memorable by showing interest in them than if you did all the talking. Clinch their trust by following up quickly with note that shares a takeaway from your conversation.

The Expand stage is about managing your relationships strategically. Start by listing your top professional contacts and evaluating their collective strength and mutual value. Are your relationships primarily in your organization or industry? Are you getting diverse perspectives that broaden your thinking? Who are the super-connectors who can help you expand your network? How have you contributed value in these relationships? This will help you diagnose gaps and opportunities about where to build or strengthen your work relationships. 

To learn more about effective relationship building, check out the Twelve Skills brief Expanding Relationship Building. 

Serious about improving your skills? Get the companion guide to the Twelve Skills book the Twelve Skills Expanding Relationship Building Workbook. It will help you put these ideas into practice and boost your relationships. And best of all, IT’S FREE! 

Get your own complimentary copy here.