Healthy Relationships – Building Rapport  

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.

1. Show empathy.  Demonstrate you understand how the other person feels and can see things from their point of view.
2. Openly share when you agree with the other person, and say why.
3. Ask open questions.  Open questions require more than a yes or no answer.
4. 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.
5. Find links between common experiences. Talk about things that refer back to what the other person has said.
6. Let go of stereotypes and any preconceived ideas you may have about the person. Be non-judgmental towards the other person.
7. Admit when have made a mistake or you don’t know the answer.  Acknowledging mistakes will help to build trust.
8. When you disagree with someone, give the reason first then say you disagree.
9. Use the other person’s name early in the conversation. This will help you remember their name and it shows you hear them.
10. Smile!