Are your work 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 1:1 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 intimacy – respect for opinions and for who they are. With this respect, the environment can be a safe one, and relationships can be genuine.
communication
Do you actually talk to each other, or just talk at each other?
Good communication isn't about having lots of meetings or sending more emails. It’s about making sure people know what’s going on, feel comfortable asking questions, and actually feel listened to when they speak.
Think about your own team:
Do people feel able to tell you when something isn't working?
Do you explain the why behind decisions, rather than just announcing them?
Do you listen to understand, rather than waiting for your turn to respond?
Are important conversations happening face-to-face, rather than being avoided or hidden behind emails?
Communication is a two-way thing. If people don't feel heard, they'll eventually stop speaking up. And once that happens, problems tend to get much harder to spot and solve.
A simple place to start is creating regular opportunities for proper conversation. This is where those weekly 1:1s can make such a difference. Not just a quick update on what's happening, but a genuine chance to ask, “How are things going?” and actually listen to the answer.
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” has 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, they will benefit you and everyone else around you. Strong work relationships are crucial for a thriving and productive workplace environment. They foster collaboration, trust, and effective communication, and 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.
If you'd like support building stronger working relationships across your team, whether that's coaching your managers, embedding regular 1:1s, or working on culture more broadly, a Fractional HR Director can help. Get in touch and let's talk.