In most professional settings, you don’t always choose who you work with. Some colleagues you might get along with right away, while other relationships take more time to establish. Being able to work with individuals who have different personalities is crucial to being successful, and knowing how to build rapport can go a long way in helping to establish those relationships. Here are a few ways to build rapport and ultimately develop stronger professional relationships.
Find Common Ground
One of the quickest ways to build rapport is to find out what you have in common with your colleagues. Do you like the same sports team? Are your kids in the same grade? Take some time to learn what is important to your colleagues beyond work and determine if you have similar interests. This common ground creates a safe space for you both to build a more personal connection, which can strengthen your professional relationship.
Be Genuine
It doesn’t take long to spot someone who is putting on an act, trying to be what others want them to be. You can see through the façade and instead of creating trust, pretense often puts others on guard. Remain true to yourself and honest in your interactions with others. It’s OK to let them know if you need some space, or if it’s a good time to collaborate. Your colleagues will appreciate and value you more when they know their interactions with you are genuine.
Listen
It seems so easy, but listening can be hard. Ensure that you are actively listening and giving colleagues your full attention. Shut out thoughts about your endless list of tasks while interacting with colleagues and focus on what the other person is saying. When you truly listen to someone, you are showing them that they are valued and respected. This will go a long way in building rapport.
Continue to Connect
Building a connection doesn’t happen overnight. One short conversation about how you both like dogs won’t create the rapport you’re looking for. It’s a great start, but you’ll need to continue building on that foundation through additional interactions. Connect with your colleagues on a regular basis to ensure you develop lasting trust and respect.
Give Yourself — and Them — a Break
Remember that we’re all human and everyone has bad days. You may find that your colleague is short-tempered or uninterested. Don’t take it personally. They could be bothered by any number of things that have nothing to do with you. Give the person time and space and be ready to try again when they seem more receptive.
Building rapport can lead to meaningful and lasting professional relationships. Doing it well takes both effort and time. If you are willing to put in the energy to listen, connect, and engage with your colleagues authentically, the rapport you establish will grow and culminate in strong, supportive working relationships.
ON TOPIC
Why Rapport Is Important
The effort you put into building rapport with colleagues, clients, and people outside the office is time well spent. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to nurture your relationships.
Builds Trust
Without trust, it’s hard for any relationship to last, including those in your professional life. Your boss needs to trust you. Managers want to know that you’re committed to the work, and can be relied upon to complete assignments carefully and on time. Likewise, you need to trust that your boss will guide you, respect you, and help you progress into more challenging leadership roles.
Improves Performance
For some people, especially those in sales and client-facing roles, their livelihood could depend on building rapport. Studies show that people who work directly with clients perform better when they spend more time building rapport. Depending on your salary structure, it can be a real game changer.
Strengthens Social Connections
Personal interactions are important to your overall health and happiness, and rapport is key to creating strong social connections. Data has shown that social health and physical health are related. Researchers have found that people with fewer social connections experience more chronic health issues, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and immune disorders. Social isolation can also lead to problems like anxiety and depression. Invest in your relationships. A happier, healthier you will reap rewards both at work and away from the office.
