7 Tips for Improving Workplace Relationships

Working relationships based on trust and mutual respect, not only impact on your level of productivity and engagement on the job, they also contribute heavily to career success and overall personal well-being. Take the time to assess your relationships at work and determine areas for improvement. 

Seven Tips for Improving Workplace Relationships:

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1. Look for Common Ground – Look for, and focus on, areas where you both agree. You'll probably find you both want the same outcome, just have different ways of getting there.
2. Consider honestly how your actions or behaviour may be contributing to the problem– If you’ve missed deadlines, failed to provide updates, frequently shirk responsibility or complain you may need to work first on rebuilding your trustworthiness before you can repair the relationship.
3. Avoid gossip – If you have an issue with someone, address them directly don’t complain about them to colleagues or go behind their back. Colleagues will start to wonder if you do the same to them.
4. Notice their personal style – What qualities do your colleagues value and appreciate? Are they abrupt with everyone? It helps make interactions less personal when you realise it's not just you.
5. Stay focussed on work – Attempt to keep your emotions in check and distance yourself from the more personal aspects of these relationships. Ask yourself what you can learn from an interaction – about yourself and your colleague.
6. Ask – If you feel comfortable to do so, you can simply ask “What can I do to improve how we work together?” Be open to the feedback.
7. Contact HR – If you have a serious conflict or feel that you just can’t resolve the issues it may be helpful to seek external support to uncover new approaches or ways of communicating through mediation.