Having healthy relationships with co-workers can increase job satisfaction and help boost morale in the office. Here are ten ways to build rapport with co-workers.
- Show empathy. Demonstrate you understand how the other person feels and can see things from their point of view.
- Openly share when you agree with the other person, and say why.
- Ask open questions. Open questions require more than a yes or no answer.
- Use feedback to reflect and clarify back to the other person what you think they have said. This gives opportunity for any misunderstandings to be rectified quickly.
- Find links between common experiences. Talk about things that refer back to what the other person has said.
- Let go of stereotypes and any preconceived ideas you may have about the person. Be non-judgmental towards the other person.
- Admit when have made a mistake or you don’t know the answer. Acknowledging mistakes will help to build trust.
- When you disagree with someone, give the reason first then say you disagree.
- Use the other person’s name early in the conversation. This will help you remember their name and it shows you hear them.
- Smile!