What do you do if you're struggling to build rapport with colleagues?

Building rapport with colleagues is essential for effective communication, collaboration, and teamwork. However, sometimes you may find it hard to connect with your co-workers, especially if you have different personalities, backgrounds, or work styles. If you're struggling to build rapport with colleagues, here are some tips to help you overcome the barriers and foster positive relationships.

1 Be curious and open-minded

One of the best ways to build rapport with colleagues is to show genuine interest in them as individuals. Ask them questions about their hobbies, passions, goals, and challenges. Listen actively and empathetically to their answers, and share some relevant information about yourself. Avoid making assumptions or judgments based on stereotypes or biases. Instead, be open-minded and respectful of their perspectives and opinions, even if they differ from yours.

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Benjamin I. Mitchell

Innovation Architect 🏗️ | Global Thought Leader 🌏 | Researcher 🔬 | Social Impact 🌱 | Super Dad 🦸♂️
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To foster rapport with colleagues, display authentic interest in them as individuals. Inquire about their hobbies, passions, goals, and challenges. Practice active and empathetic listening, sharing relevant information about yourself in return. Steer clear of assumptions or judgments rooted in stereotypes or biases. Instead, maintain an open-minded and respectful stance towards their perspectives and opinions, even if they diverge from yours.

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Olachi Thelma Opara

Strategic Communications Manager
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If you are worried that you might be overstepping your colleague‘s boundaries by asking them some personal questions about themselves, simply ask them if they are comfortable sharing the information. Let them know that it’s okay for them to decline responding if they uncomfortable about talking about it. It shows that you respect their wishes.

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Dr. Priti Yamdagni

Author| Passionate Purpose Coach | Inspirational Speaker | Leadership Empowerment | Advocate for Holistic Wellness | Expert in Soft Skills Training | Committed to Empowering 1 Million Lives
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Initiate Conversations: Take the first step to engage in conversations and show genuine interest. Active Listening: Listen attentively to colleagues and show empathy towards their perspectives. Find Common Ground: Identify shared interests or goals to bond over and build connections.

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Rita Singh↗️

HR Lead | Recruitment | HR Strategy
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If I find it hard to connect with colleagues, I focus on improving communication and relationships. I listen to others, show interest in their ideas, and look for ways to work together. I also try to be friendly, supportive, and open to feedback. By being understanding, building trust, and spending time getting to know my teammates, I aim to create a positive atmosphere at work.

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2 Find common ground

Another way to build rapport with colleagues is to find some common ground with them. This could be anything from shared interests, values, experiences, or goals. For example, you could bond over your favorite sports team, movie genre, or travel destination. You could also align your work objectives and expectations, and support each other's progress and achievements. Finding common ground can help you establish trust, rapport, and mutual understanding.

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Richard John

Senior Consultant @ EY | Ex-Accenture | Ex-GEP | Ex-Enverus | BE Petroleum, MIT - Pune '20
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To improve rapport with colleagues, seek common ground. For instance, I bonded with a senior colleague over our mutual interest in poker. Our shared passion sparked engaging conversations during breaks, fostering a stronger connection. Aligning our work objectives and supporting each other's progress further solidified our rapport. By finding these connections, trust and understanding flourished, enhancing collaboration and camaraderie in the workplace.

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3 Appreciate diversity

A third way to build rapport with colleagues is to appreciate the diversity of your team. Diversity can be a source of strength, creativity, and innovation, as well as a learning opportunity. Instead of seeing your differences as obstacles, see them as assets that can enrich your work and personal growth. Recognize and celebrate the unique contributions, skills, and talents of your colleagues. Learn from their insights, feedback, and suggestions. Appreciate the value of diversity and embrace it.

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Saumya Sachan

Product Manager| MS- Product Management at Tepper Business School - CMU| User Experience Specialist
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In my experience, appreciating diversity goes beyond mere tolerance—it's about actively acknowledging and celebrating the wealth that arises from our differences. By valuing each colleague's distinct qualities and contributions, regardless of background or working style, we enrich our team's dynamic. Embracing diversity fosters inclusivity, and collaboration, ultimately leading to a more successful work environment.

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4 Communicate effectively

A fourth way to build rapport with colleagues is to communicate effectively with them. Communication is the key to any successful relationship, and it involves both verbal and non-verbal cues. To communicate effectively, you need to be clear, concise, and courteous in your messages. You also need to pay attention to your tone, body language, and facial expressions. Avoid using jargon, slang, or sarcasm that could be misunderstood or offensive. Use positive and constructive language that expresses your ideas, feelings, and needs.

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5 Show respect and gratitude

A fifth way to build rapport with colleagues is to show respect and gratitude for them. Respect means treating your colleagues with dignity, fairness, and kindness. It also means acknowledging their opinions, preferences, and boundaries. Gratitude means expressing your appreciation for their help, support, and cooperation. It also means giving them recognition, praise, and feedback. Showing respect and gratitude can boost your colleagues' morale, confidence, and loyalty.

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6 Have fun and be yourself

A sixth way to build rapport with colleagues is to have fun and be yourself. Having fun means finding opportunities to laugh, joke, and relax with your colleagues. It also means participating in social activities, events, and games that can foster camaraderie and friendship. Being yourself means being authentic, honest, and vulnerable with your colleagues. It also means sharing your strengths, weaknesses, and passions. Having fun and being yourself can make your rapport with colleagues more natural, enjoyable, and meaningful.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if you're struggling to build rapport with colleagues?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Be curious and open-minded

2 Find common ground

3 Appreciate diversity

4 Communicate effectively

5 Show respect and gratitude

6 Have fun and be yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Skills

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What do you do if you're struggling to build rapport with colleagues?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Be curious and open-minded

2 Find common ground

3 Appreciate diversity

4 Communicate effectively

5 Show respect and gratitude

6 Have fun and be yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Skills

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