You're trying to build strong relationships with colleagues. What's the biggest mistake you could make?

Everyone has a body of experiences that translate into assumptions and snap judgements of others. It's implicit bias, and it's impossible to avoid. However, when meeting new colleagues, working with colleagues or enhancing colleague connection, asking better questions and listening WELL is the key. "Can you tell me more about that", "Could you share an example of what that means to you", "May I ask a bit more about this example/statement/idea" helps to overcome the gap between 'what you think' someone meant and 'what they meant' in their own mind. Express you desire to understand, learn, and align. It's always worth the extra moment.

Conflict is necessary for a "winning culture", drama is not. Whenever there is a conflict the best solution is to talking through it. Lean into it but before doing so check yourself along with your emotions, ego and pride before having the discussion. In my experience leading with compassion, mindfulness and kindness tends to resolve most conflicts versus wanting to be "right".

You're not going to love everyone you work with but the turning point for me was when I realized that my problem with someone was my problem. People are who they are and it would serve us well to get to know them. Learn their story, understand the circumstances that made them who they are, you might even start to like them. At minimum, you will accept them and hopefully begin to appreciate the value they add to the organization. Remember, just like you they were hired for a reason, let's start to see what others see.

Presume positive intent and ask non-assuming questions when clarity is needed. Most often we achieve more together, so positive work relationships benefit the team. Here's some ways to rumble without out drama in the workplace: - ask unassuming questions when needing clarity - keep shared goals in the forefront - consider if the points you're bringing up move the team forward or will cause an unnecessary stalemate

Years as an executive, coach, and advisor revealed a key barrier to lasting relationships: unconscious childhood coping mechanisms dictating interactions, hindering empathy and genuine connection (contribution optimized with Gemini support)

An inability or unwillingness to listen to a contrary position or perspective simply limits your ability appreciate all angles. The greatest solutions will be discovered through compromise, not endless conflict.

Become a student of your colleagues. A significant part of building relationships is asking questions. However, the wise do it according to what they observe in the behavior of those with whom they want to build a relationship. Then as the relationship grows, so can the reach of your questions. Watch to see if they readily share information about themselves or if they are more reserved. Pay attention to their preferred method of communication and match it. Notice how they operate in casual group settings. You will learn their preferred pace and depth. And the best relationships grow as you honor how they want to engage and don't force your own preferences on them.

My boss used to say, "you will attract more bees with honey, so be sweet." We can choose to be direct and kind at the same time. Make your goal attracting people to you and then give them the truth, in love.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when building solid relationships with colleagues is failing to listen to them and show genuine interest in their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. This can lead to a lack of trust, communication breakdowns, and, ultimately, strained relationships. To foster mutual respect and understanding, it's essential to actively listen, empathize, and value your colleagues' perspectives. Additionally, neglecting to communicate openly, provide support, or collaborate effectively can also hinder your relationship-building efforts. To build strong relationships with your colleagues, you need to make consistent efforts, genuinely engage with them, and prioritize mutual success.

Assuming you need to be the smartest person in the room. This seems to manifest itself in the dismissal of others experience which translates as condescending and, in my opinion, is the fastest way to kill relationships.

Showing up as your most authentic self is so powerful. It helps to create genuine connections with people versus the concept of wearing a mask "to fit in." There is value in being yourself. Yes, you should be aware of your environment however don't diminish yourself to make sure that others are comfortable. Ask questions, be curious, challenge the norm. COVID taught us so much but most importantly it taught us how we did things, no longer works. Embrace positive disruption and be a transformative being in every aspect of your life.

Imagine you're a book. When you're open and genuine, people can read your story, understand your chapters, and trust you're sharing the truth. This authenticity builds a solid foundation of trust. Plus, there's something about someone who sticks to their values that just commands respect, right? That's you, earning credibility by being unapologetically you.

Whenever I interview a candidate for a position or take over a new team, I give them a copy of my values and beliefs so that they understand exactly who I am. The values are ranked in order of importance to me. If the candidate rises to the standards of earning a second interview or when I hold my one on one introduction meeting with my new teammates, I expect them to bring me a copy of their values and beliefs. We use this to discuss whether they believe they will fit into the culture.

In my experience, people excel in environments with leaders whom they feel they can trust. While it's important to be a professional leader with empathy, it's also imperative to be genuine. People feel most comfortable in environments where they trust their leadership team. When you make decisions that people aren't 100% committed to, they will follow your direction because they trust you.

In my experience relationships begin with friendly conversation. It’s the beginning of meaningful and constructive dialogue, and allows you and your colleague to open up, relax, and get comfortable speaking with one another. Share friendly conversation before drilling down to business. Although the person may be a professional colleague, in my experience it’s best when communication is both a little social and friendly as well as a business and industry discussion. I’ve learned more networking and schmoozing with colleagues than I’ve ever learned didactically in the classroom. The relationships I’ve built through networking with colleagues has been instrumental in building me a successful and rewarding career.

There’s always an office chameleon or yes man that wants to go along with whom ever they think they will profit most from by supporting that person. Express yourself within reason, be open to options, but don’t be afraid to ask questions if the solution presented doesn’t make sense. However, prepared to answer questions as to why you think your solution is the best way.

When you embrace your true self, you not only empower yourself but also inspire others to do the same. By being genuine, you create an environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves openly and appreciating each other's differences. Your uniqueness is your strength, so let it shine brightly. When you share your passions and values, you invite connections and deepen relationships with your colleagues. Cultivate a culture of openness, honesty, and mutual respect where feedback is valued and growth is encouraged. By being true to yourself and others, you contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Not hiding your true self is simply being authentic. Don't pretend to like things you don't, or agree with things you don't agree with. For example, don't feign interest in the conversation about "last night's game" if you really aren't invested. On the flip side, dare to show (some of) your personal hobbies or quirks, such as if you have 5 cats or you're totally into origami or you like to wear bright colors. (It's ok to be judicious in what you share and with whom).

Strong relationships are built on trust and respect, and overstepping boundaries can shake both. Avoid these: -Sharing too much personal information too quickly. -Making inappropriate jokes or comments. -Gossiping about others in the workplace. -Trying to force a friendship when there isn't a natural connection. Consider these: -Balance professionalism with friendliness. Be approachable and friendly but remember you're still in a professional setting. -Maintain confidentiality. Don't share sensitive work information or gossip about colleagues. -Be mindful of cultural differences. What's considered appropriate behavior can vary depending on culture.

This is the most important piece. You need to know the difference between a colleague and a friend. We often misconstrue great working relationship with a colleague as friendship; however, being great colleagues is an amazing and blessed relationship status too! It is important to understand that colleagues are people you spend most part of your day with, they can relate to you better and they are in the same boat as you are, so naturally they should be easier to connect to. But it is important to bear that although they might share similar organisational goal and mindset, they are separate individuals with separate goals and career situation. Therefore, you need to share or discuss things with them on a need to know basis, not as confidant

Navigating boundaries is crucial in any relationship. While it's vital to establish and uphold them, it's equally important not to overstep them. Often, colleagues may not welcome unsolicited interventions, even if they're well-intentioned. The key lies in seeking permission before offering assistance or aiming to enhance an interaction. This respectful approach ensures that your actions are received positively, fostering a more constructive and collaborative environment.

Of course, being real doesn't mean oversharing at the Monday morning meeting. It's about striking that perfect harmony between your true self and the professional setting. Think of it as being selectively open—sharing what enriches the work environment without crossing boundaries. Understanding boundaries is the most important part!

As an HR professional, it's crucial to maintain a balance between fostering strong relationships with colleagues and upholding the integrity and authority of the HR role. The biggest mistake an HR person could make in this regard would be to blur the lines between personal relationships and professional responsibilities. While building rapport and trust with colleagues is important for effective HR management, it's equally essential to ensure that HR policies and procedures are consistently applied and enforced impartially. Striking the right balance between being approachable and maintaining professional boundaries is key to fostering a positive work environment while upholding HR standards and regulations.

What I found helpful is to respect one another and treat one another with respect within the workplace. We work in a diverse workplace with different cultures and beliefs.

Be yourself but keep it professional till they open up to you. Don't be curious about their personal life and if they want to share they will come to you

In fostering authentic relationships, it's essential to maintain respect for individual privacy and limits. My approach is to be open and genuine, while also being mindful of the diverse comfort levels and personal spaces of those around me. This sensitivity ensures that our interactions remain professional and personable, fostering a culture of trust and respect. By respecting boundaries, I aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and empowered to share their ideas and perspectives, driving innovation and collective success.

Building relationships and crossing the line depends a lot on your colleague's profile, there are people who are more open and you can be open to crossing the line a little, and there are people who don't! Just like sales, building organizational relationships is the same! You have to study the profile of each colleague, because it changes a lot and each one has their own way, so that you can create the best way for each person, always using yourself, without creating masks! That's why I don't totally agree with what you've said, for example, about jokes, there are colleagues who are easy for you to make, there are colleagues who aren't, in other words, the tip I give is to always understand each person's profile!

When building friendly and close relationships with your colleagues, it's essential to respect boundaries to maintain a positive and harmonious work environment. Respecting boundaries involves being mindful of your colleagues' privacy, personal space, and time. By striking a balance between openness, respect, and clear communication, you can cultivate strong and meaningful relationships with your colleagues. Building these relationships on a foundation of mutual respect and understanding can lead to a positive and productive work environment where everyone can thrive and succeed.

If one wants to develop strong and long-term relationships one of the best way is to let the other person talk or express her thoughts. In other words be a little more patient than with others. Let the person feel that you are making an effort. So the biggest mistake would be to keep talking without listening 😕

It is important to Show Respect to New Colleague's Opinions. Instead of dismissing their ideas, you could offer constructive feedback and show that you value their input. For example, "That's an interesting perspective. Have you considered approaching it from this angle?" Moreover, inculcate and promote a collaborative approach. Instead of being competitive, you could show interest in collaborating and building on each other's ideas. For example, "I really like your idea. How do you think we could expand on it together?"

I try to focus on the individual I am trying to build a relationship with without making it about me. I have to keep reminding myself to do this but trying to focus on understanding someone's motivations helps me to see where I can find a commonality or, at minimum, see where they are coming from.

Ask questions. Talk less, listen more, and don't finish sentences or cut them off with your personal opinion or a one up story or experience.

Keep it on them. Always. Always. always. If they want to know more about you or what you do, they will ask - and most people do not. Your life is a reflection of the value you can provide to whatever community you're involved in - and talking about yourself is never all that productive for anyone!

Embrace Humility! You probably know a lot, but you don’t know everything. Listen and learn more about how you can help your colleagues before offering advice.

From my personal experience, I can think of these five big mistakes which tend to leave a huge impact on people around you : a) Assuming you understand what your colleague means without truly listening, which can lead to misunderstandings and resentment. b) Not being able to put yourself in your colleagues' shoes, especially during challenging times, can create a divide. c) Breaking Trust : Sharing confidential information or not following through on commitments. d) Neglecting appreciation: Taking efforts for granted. e) Avoiding difficult conversations : Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, but avoiding it is a grave mistake. The reluctance to address issues directly can lead to resentment and a toxic work environment.

Smile up to your eyes. Listen to understand. Ask non-invasive questions to show interest and build that relationship. Just like a garden needs tending to, so do relationships. Take the time to nurture your connection. For example, a colleague shares that their child is sick, IM them in a few days to see how the child is feeling. “I know you were really concerned about Jack’s cold when we spoke on Monday. How is he feeling?” Little things make a big difference.

The first thing would be really listen. Also listen to the behaviours, not just the words. Try to understand how to best communicate and build rapport, considering different communication styles and personalities. We are all different and we do not operate in the same way.

The biggest mistake is not listening to the one who are your extended family members. Listening to them will help others get an idea about how empathetic you are and also show your emotional intelligence.