I just returned from an amazing conference where I connected in-person with existing colleagues and had the chance to make new connections. I hope this is also the feeling for many of you as you settle back into work after the NAWIC Conference in Charlotte. The experience was a great reminder about the power of relationships and the ways we can build those bonds.
Relationship management skills include your ability to recognize and manage your own emotions. These skills help you deal with conflict, engage with others successfully, and prevent irreparable interpersonal damage. What does this all look like and how can I become more self-aware? Starting from the perspective that emotions are data, put yourself in the role of evaluating the external data and deciding how to manage it. Here are three tips to help strengthen your relationships.
Think organization, team, individual.
The ability to understand how an organization functions and the internal politics is important in successfully navigating the bureaucracy. Who are the successful leaders that you respect and try to emulate? They likely keep their eyes and ears open and are keen observers. They understand the big picture and drive the message to departments, teams, managers, and individual contributors.
Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.
This playground taunt could not be further from the truth. In organizational life, words matter. At some point, we have all commented or responded in a way that was hurtful or taken the wrong way. To maintain positive relationships, own your part of the problem, apologize, and do it as quickly as possible.
Put down the technology and have a conversation.
Face-to-face conversations can help build your relationships in many ways. They help you read a room by noticing body language and other visual cues. In-person conversations help you build rapport up, down, and across the organization. When you have your conversations, show up on time, put away distractions, give your undivided attention, and acknowledge the other person’s feelings or perspectives – even if you disagree.
I hear people joke that the work would be easy if it were not for human interactions. Awareness of and acknowledging other people’s emotions or concerns is a key part of building relationships and being seen as a leader in your company and industry. These skills will help you engage, influence, and motivate others – and build out your network of supportive professionals through solid relationships.
Let me know what challenges you may be experiencing or approaches you have used to foster positive professional relationships. I look forward to continuing the conversation and, if there are any topics you’d like to see covered, you can reach me at MRiegel@AECBusinessStrategies.com.
Michael Riegel