Are your relationships good enough?
It’s a simple question isn’t it.
Take a moment and think about the different relationships you have at work and how you’d rate them out of 10….
Your manager
Your co-workers
The team you manage
Others in the Company
Good relationships give us connection and connection is a basic human need, so it probably doesn’t need me to say (but I will anyway), that good relationships will make you and the people around you, happier at work. This in turn will increase engagement and productivity.
So, what is the secret to good relationships and genuine connection… according to Psychology Today it is:
1. Trust
2. Commitment
3. Intimacy
4. Respect
5. Communication
6. Empathy
7. Equality
Go back for me and think about those different relationships we set out at the beginning and how you rated them.
How would you rate them on the 7 factors above?
Where are the areas that need to be improved?
Now we have identified those areas and the relationships that need work, you probably want some solutions. Here are a few ideas:
Trust
Do you do what you say you will do?
Let’s take an example. You tell someone you manage you will fix a problem for them.
Do you fully understand the problem they need fixed?
Do you invest the time in fixing it?
Do you tell them what you’ve done?
Do you follow up to check it is fixed?
Commitment
Do you have their back and do they have yours?
Commitment isn’t about staying with the one employer forever it’s about committing to what we are setting out to achieve (think values and purpose) and being loyal to that. It’s about sharing a common sense of understanding and standing by each others actions.
Intimacy
This is not about sharing your deepest and darkest secrets. It’s about psychological safety and feeling comfortable enough to be yourself at work.
Do you know what motivates all of your team, their family situation and what causes them anxiety?
You don’t need to be best friends with everyone, but you do have to genuinely accept people for who they are (even if that means they aren’t right for the role/company).
If you are a manager a great way to get this workplace intimacy (and a lot of the other factors) is a weekly 121 meeting. It may seem like a big investment, but it is the best way to improve the relationship.
Respect
This is such an obvious one, but I see companies all the time that lack respect for each other. I’m not talking military type respect and compliance, but similar to the above – respect for opinions and for who they are. With this respect, the environment can be a safe one and relationships can be genuine.
Empathy
This one is similar to feedback. If you don’t care enough to do it properly, don’t bother!
If someone is having a bad day, then you need to seek to understand what is happening and be genuine. A simple ‘hope you feel better soon’, never made anyone feel better.
Equality
Your opinion is no more important than anyone else’s. You may be the CEO and have the power to make the final call but the key to a good relationship (and a successful business) is equally valuing others’ opinions and inputs.
It sounds hard…
It isn’t easy, and it does take time!
Like any relationship the solutions aren’t immediate. They require commitment and time from you but done well will benefit you and everyone else around you. Work relationships are crucial for a thriving and productive workplace environment. They foster collaboration, trust, and effective communication. Strong work relationships contribute to a positive and supportive work culture, where employees feel valued and motivated. When individuals have a sense of connection with their colleagues, they are more likely to collaborate, share knowledge, and problem-solve together. Moreover, nurturing work relationships can enhance job satisfaction, engagement, and overall well-being.
Additional Resources
Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about a 121 Meeting