Three Steps for Building Better Work Relationships: Part Three

This article describes a three-stage process for building or improving workplace relationships. 

In Part One of this three-part series, we Assessed the starting point for the relationship by asking some pointed questions. In Part Two, we Strategized about some of the actions you could take to help build the relationship. 

Now in Part Three, we will talk about Trust.

Building Trust 

All the assessing and strategizing in the world will not help if you don’t have a foundation of trust. So, take a look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are someone you would want to work with. What sort of reputation do you have?

Beyond the other actions we’ve talked about in Parts One and Two, here are some approaches that will help to build trust with other people. They may seem like common sense, but they are tried and true. They must be practiced consistently and over time and will send a powerful message to everyone you work with. 

• • Follow through on commitments and don’t say “yes” to something if you’re not sure you can deliver.
  • Don’t spread gossip about other people. 
  • Don’t place blame on other people or circumstances. Be accountable when it’s your responsibility, and when the responsibility lies with someone else, don’t make matters worse by playing the blame game.
  • Don’t take personal credit for your team’s or other people’s work. And make it a point to give credit where it’s due.
  • Show that you are willing to go out of your way to be helpful to others. 
  • If someone tells you something “in confidence” don’t violate that confidence. You can let the information inform how you go about improving your relationship with this person, but don’t share the information with others.
  • If you learn that your target person is trying to undermine you in some way, of course, tone back your complimentary behavior but don’t stop completely in trying to build the relationship, while always keeping your eyes and ears open for trouble. You are safest if you don’t get down into the mud with them by playing their game. Continue to act in ways that are consistent with your values and always take the “high road”.    

With thoughtful Assessment, clever Strategizing, and Building Trust, you will end up with an approach and action steps that will help you move forward in enriching your business relationships. This in turn will help propel you toward your career goals.