The work environment is all about relationships—with your boss, your subordinates, your colleagues, your vendors, your peers, and of course, your customers. However, for a lot of people, relationship building isn’t natural or easy to do. Most refuse to admit this is a concern because it is such a basic, common-sense concept. They assume they already know how to do it. Don’t fall into that trap. Everyone—even the most outgoing, engaging personalities—can improve their skills in this critical area.

Yesterday, Promotional Consultant Today shared five tips for building relationships. Today we share five more. Apply these tips to interactions with your boss, team members, project managers, senior management, vendors, clients, customers, direct reports and administrators.

1. Initiate conversations by asking questions. When we first meet someone it can be a bit intimidating. We often don’t know what to say or how to say it. Asking questions is a great way for you to listen and let the other person share. They will feel closer to you when they have shared about themselves and you demonstrate you’re interested in what they have to say. Then share something about yourself so the relationship becomes a two-way interaction that can help establish a bond.

2. Initiate repeated interactions and communications. An important part to building relationships is to continue interacting with the person you have gotten to know. As you get to know each other better, personally and professionally, you establish a closer connection that can greatly impact your satisfaction.

3. Participate in activities with others that don’t involve work. As you get to know someone, you might find similar interests that may warrant an interaction outside the work activity. This can greatly impact relationships because you are beginning the process toward friendship. Go out to lunch together during the work day or do things in the evenings or weekends. If you are married, you can visit with other couples to establish more connections at work

4. Share information. The information you share can be directly related to their work or it can be about a subject you know they will enjoy reading. You are thinking of them and helping them with the right information or content.

5. Introduce yourself at social work events. Social events like lunches/dinners with colleagues, retreats, conferences and holiday parties are good places to interact in an informal setting. If you can reach out and introduce yourself to some of the people you work with or who you want to know better, you’ll find they are more inclined to let down their guard. It will be easier for you to get to know them and for you to share about who you are.

Building positive relationships often provides increased resources to help you get your job done and to be more efficient. You’ll enjoy greater satisfaction at work and so will those around you.

Ready for more ways to build a positive persona at work? Read PCTtomorrow.

Source: Joel Garfinkle is recognized as one of the top 50 business coaches in the U.S., and the author of seven books, including Getting Ahead: Three Steps to Take Your Career to the Next Level. He has worked with many of the world’s leading companies including Google, Deloitte, Amazon, Ritz-Carlton, Gap, Cisco, Oracle and many more.