Knowledge Building: 

A relationship is the way two or more people are connected, or the way they behave toward each other. – Source: Cambridge Dictionary

Today, let’s explore three essential strategies to help employees facilitate effective relationship building in both their personal and professional lives.

Strategy #1: Generate Meaningful Opportunities

Integrate conversation starters into daily work activities to encourage open dialogue and social connection. Attend and actively engage in social events like potlucks, lunch and learns, or happy hours to foster informal interactions and build rapport. Embrace networking opportunities and volunteer initiatives to connect with others in your community and industry.

Strategy #2: Prioritize Quality Time

Focus on spending quality time with others to strengthen connections and understanding. Emphasize meaningful interactions that go beyond mere proximity. Whether in personal or professional settings, prioritize depth of engagement to enhance trust, emotional connection, and shared experiences. Leverage the 15% rule that you learned in Revitalize!

Strategy #3: Cultivate Diverse Networks

Actively cultivate diverse networks and relationships to access a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and support. By building authentic connections with individuals from various backgrounds and perspectives, employees can enhance decision-making, problem-solving, and overall effectiveness. Embrace the opportunity to learn from others and broaden your professional community.

By implementing these strategies, employees can foster authentic relationships that positively impact their reputation, individual team members, and influence within their professional community. Remember, effective relationship building is key to creating a supportive and thriving environment both personally and professionally.

Activity

Work with your leader and/or team to create a meaningful opportunity to come together at least once a month. Use this resource and identify 3-5 options which you’ll plan to apply.

Self-Assessment

Rate your current ability to build relationships 1-5 (5 highest).(Required)

Challenge

Work with your team and/or leader to leverage this tool to prepare an icebreaker discussion topic for an upcoming team meeting. This should be a quick activity that allows people to learn about each other, decrease tension, and still allow for enough time in the meeting to cover the agenda.